Page 31 of Bad Boy Next Door
“Maybe Jesse can arrange a proper venue for the fight,” Keagan said, referring to the big guy with a dark past who lived in the corner of the downstairs hall.
I took a step back. “Ha, ha, very funny.” Relaxing, I realized I’d had my fists clenched since Shane’s sneak attack. Maybe even before that. I hadn’t struck one of my brothers since I was a kid, but it was crazy how easily Shane could take me there.
I stepped to the table to make another sandwich. Maybe I was just hangry.
“So, Shane.” Keagan grabbed a beer for him. “What did you want to talk about?”
Taking the beer, Shane walked over to the love seat, and the other three followed. Keagan and Mac plopped down in the two chairs, and Dillon stretched out on the sofa, leaving no place for me. Unless I squished into the love seat with Shane, and there was no way.
I stared down at Dillon. “You mind?”
“Mind what?” He grinned up at me.
“Mind if I use you as a cushion?” As I sat, he quickly pulled up his legs and nudged my ass away with his foot. We settled into opposite ends of the sofa.
Shane’s leg was bouncing like usual, and I took a closer look at his eyes. Was he high?
“So my connect down at the docks…” Shane leaned forward sharply, then back again, his fingers digging into his knees. “You aren’t going to believe how great this is. When the container comes in, we might have to move on it right away, though. I mean, like, lightning fast.”
“How greatwhatis?” Keagan asked. “What’s in this container? What the fuck are you talking about?”
Shane’s gaze darted around the room, and the leg bouncing accelerated. “I can’t share all the deets. Not yet. I won’t even know them all until I confirm we’re in, but I know the most important thing—the payoff’s gonna be huge.”
Mac shook his head. “How the hell am I supposed to find buyers if I don’t know what’s in it?”
“And I need to develop a plan,” Keagan added.
Like a rock from a slingshot, Shane bounced out of the love seat. “I’ll take care of the plan, Keag. Don’t worry so much.” He paced across the room and back. “Unloading this stuff won’t be a problem, Mac. Trust me. This is going to be huge. Like a hundred grand for each of us.”
Dillon’s head popped up from where it had been buried in his phone. “That much? Really?” He whistled softly. “Shit.”
“Yeah.” Shane started pacing again. “I keep telling you guys. You need to believe me. This is going to be huge. Our chance at the big time.”
“I don’t like it,” Keagan said.
Shane stopped in front of our oldest brother’s chair and frowned. “Don’t shoot this down just because it’s my deal. Everything isn’t always about you. Other people have good ideas too, you know. We’ve got to do this. All the details are worked out. We’d be nuts to say no. It’ll be a snap.” He turned toward me.
I shook my head.
Keagan crossed his arms over his chest. “What’snutsis agreeing to do this job without knowing the contents or lining up a buyer. Or knowing who fucking arranged all these supposed details.”
“Trust me,” Shane said. “My connect will give me more deets. All of them. I promise. I just need to know you’re all in.”
“Is it really that much money?” Dillon asked. “Like half a mil?”
“Yes.” Shane bounced toward the fireplace, then back toward us. “I tell you, this is the best fucking job we’ve ever had. I’ve been working this connect since I got out of San Quentin, and he’s finally paying off.”
“I need to know more.” Dillon leaned forward. “But sounds interesting so far.”
I stared at Dillon. Was he shitting me? “You hard up for money or something?”
He shrugged. “Just want to hear more, that’s all.”
“Well, I’ve heard all I need.” I carried my empty plate and bottle to the sink. “I only came for the food. I can’t believe you guys are considering this.”
“Come on, now,” Mac said. “Let’s not make a snap judgment.”
“Shane,” Keagan stood. “Nick’s right. If there’s a half-million payoff, this is way too hot for the Downeys. Sorry. We pass.”
