Page 30 of Darling Psycho

“This is a few delicate things only I can see.”

Lawless wasn’t about beating around any bushes. “Did you know Ruiz deals in flesh? Very young flesh. As in, if you had a kid, your kid would look desirable to his business associates.”

“He’s a cartel king. He won’t be squeaky clean, Penn.” A blasé Jay replied.

“That’s what you’re into now?”

“No, it’s not. He wants to supply me with pills, but I’ve heard what he buys is trash, so currently, I’m not inclined to take his deal.”

“So many fingers in too many pies. You’ll die of consumption, Benz.”

“Better than dying of boredom.” Though he smirked, Jay sounded serious when he asked, “Why the curiosity about Ruiz and if I were involved in his flesh trade?”

“Because I’m going to ruin him, and it would be unfortunate if you’re caught in the crosshairs.”

Jay cracked a laugh.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll warn him?”

“You’re many things, but not a snitch.”

“You forget the most crucial thing.”

“What’s that?”

“I’ve always been loyal to you.”

Lawless acknowledged it with a nod.

“I take it from your display the other night, dragging poor Angela into the rain, that you weren’t pleased with me. I also believe you let me go to the prison knowing you were already out.”

“Right on both counts.” No point in lying now. “You told me she wouldn’t exist for you, yet I watched you being cozy.”

The other man smirked, a light in his eyes as though he had one over on Lawless. He always loved the upper hand.

But then, what psycho didn’t?

“In my defense, I didn’t know I’d have to get rid of her so soon. You weren’t supposed to be out for a while.”

When Lawless added nothing else, Jay did what he did best and tried to throw out some baiting words.

“You see how lovely and bright she is. Can you blame me for wanting her around?”

“You wanted her around because you discovered she was under my protection, and as always, Jay Benz can’t stand not knowing shit.”

“Where you’re concerned, yes. Does this mean you’re still coming back to me?”

“You lied. What do you think?”

“I think you had no intentions of coming back.”

“You’re right. I didn’t.”

Jay’s jaw tightened, and any hint of humor on his face was now gone.

Lawless had been a perfectly presented set of masks because he had nothing to hide.

His bad fish and naughty maggots lapped up the man he showed them.

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