Page 59 of Small Town Beast 2: Saverin's Duet

“Distantly,” corrected Saverin.

“Look, I need that ticket back, Saverin. Is there any way to get it without getting killed?”

“No.”

“But–”

“Tanya. Hiram is gonna defend that ticket like any broke ass hillbilly would defendhalf a billiondollars. It’s good as gone. What the hell possessed you to give it to him?”

“I didn’tgive it to him— do I look like an idiot?”

“Why didn’t you stash it in your bra or something?”

“Because of last night. You took my bra off? And then I lost it in Gwen’s bedroom floor,” she hissed. “I figured I always know where my ID and money are at so better I just keep it in my wallet. How was I supposed to know all these goons would come shake me down?” Her eyes clouded. “Hiram told me he would rape me; that they would all take turns on me. What was I supposed to do, ask for it back?”

“That’s what he said?” asked Saverin dangerously.

“I just can’t leave without trying to get it back.”

“Tanya, what’s more important is getting out of here alive.”

“That ticket is my key to Amari,” Tanya said stubbornly. “I can’t leave without it. I don’t have another way to find my son.”

“I got money, Tan. I told you that whatever you need, I’ll give it. Fuck it; we’re leavin’ right now.”

“You’ll let that dirty motherfucker run off withhalf a billion dollars? What do you think he’s gonna do with that money? These people are fucking crazy, Saverin!”

She had a point. Hiram and his Snatch Hill posse throwing around that kind of clink was a damned sour prospect.

“You head down the hill to my truck,” Saverin said, handing her his keys. “Take it to my house, and hunker down until I get back.”

“I’mnotleaving you here.”

“Your son needs you alive, and this is a viper’s nest. A lot of people don’t want you here.”

“Yeah, I figured that out,” she said sarcastically.

“Let me deal with my people. You go home and stay safe. Tanya, just this once. Will you listen?”

“I listened to you and stayed with Wilks Johnny,” she said, voice catching. “Look what happened then.”

“You know where my guns are,” he said. “And you’ll be driving my truck. I got bulletproof glass in that sucker, but don’t tell the government.”

Tanya reluctantly allowed him to walk her to the door. But the Green Trees stopped them cold. “Not until the boss allows it,” they chorused.

“Nice guns,” sneered Saverin. “Roman’s, I presume?”

“Snatch Hill issue, Bailey. Get back inside.”

“Where is Absalom anyhow?” Saverin demanded, at the end of his patience. “I’d like to have a word with our new supreme leader.”

The guards exchanged a wordless glance. “He’ll see you when he’s ready,” the rougher-looking one barked. Then he looked over his shoulder, and behind Saverin. His voice lowered. “Take my advice, Bailey. Don’t drink anything here. That goes for your lady, too.”

ELEVEN

ABSALOM

Lorrie and Absalom tangled together on the couch, their kisses melting into each other one by one. Her plum-soft lips tasted like pecan pie though they hadn’t eaten a bite.

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