Page 48 of Badges
Guess having two babies in a year is catching up to him.
“Max Simmons and your brother. I ruled out John, he’s somewhere in upstate New York doing five years for drug use.” I might be compromising my case, but I’ve known these guys long enough to know they don’t hold any love for their youngest sibling.
Not after he killed Mason’s wife a decade ago.
Dixon reaches out and drops one finger on the picture of Max. “You want me to find the brother of my wife’s abusive ex?Drag him back into her life? You better make damn sure you’re barking up the right tree, Wade.”
I let out a long sigh and readjust my hat out of frustration. “You see, that’s the kicker. I can’t go questioning him without throwing up red flags to the judge. And I need more than probable cause to get a warrant on him, or I’ll be cock-blocked from every angle by morning.”
Mason watches us with thin lips. “How is it down to only those two?”
My shoulders rise and fall. “They’re the only two that Elena was able to identify from old photos as being at her dad’s house. The perp mentioned to her that they had been friends.”
“Hell, Wade. Quincy was in all kinds of shit, I heard. Didn’t he get busted for dog fighting, and then breaking into that pawn shop?” Mason’s eyes narrow. “Cade wasn’t involved in any of that shit. He kept his nose clean for the most part. Just drank too fucking much.” His palm runs over his face as he stifles another yawn. “He sure won’t threaten kids. That Idoknow. But Max? Who knows.”
“Well, his brother sure was a piece of work,” Dixon spits.
I remember the bruises on Char’s face all too well. “Good riddance. Popped that noggin like a pimple,”I chuckle.
Blue and I had to do rock-paper-scissors to see who got to take the shot. For Blue’s conscience, I’m glad I won. Last thing he needs is more blood on his hands.
I’ve got plenty already.
Mason scratches his jaw idly. “But he wouldn’t have any bone to pick with me. Maybe Dix? Are you sure these are the only two? It feels like something’s missing.” He twirls his empty coffee cup, then stands to head towards the kitchen.
I think he’s right. “Then who else could it possibly be? And how do I go tracking them down without tipping them off and Elena’s sister getting hurt?”
“I don’t have an answer for you, but leave my wife out of it.” Dixon jabs that thick finger in my direction.
He’s about the only guy who’s bigger than me. Tousles in our youth proved he would usually win the fight more often than not.
My palms go up in surrender. “I’m trying, honest. But don’t y’all want to know who’s behind all this?” I can feel my forehead furrowing as I stare between them.
“Yep,” Mason groans, sliding into his seat with a steaming mug. “It just has to be therightperson. Then all I ask is two minutes with them…” The corner of his mouth tugs up into a sinister smile.
“Is this where I plug my ears so I can’t call it ‘pre-meditated’ later?” I shuffle the photo into the folder. “Can you at least do me the favor of seeing if you can track down Cade? Or—” This makes me gulp before I ask. “—did he pass and I just haven’t heard?”
This time it’s Mason’s turn to shrug. “I suppose Mom would have told me. Maybe? I dunno. Next time I talk to her I’ll see if I can feel her out about it.”
“When will that be?” I’m antsy to find any path at this point.
Mason laughs. “Soon. She loves video chatting with the babies. They’re coming back out next month to see all the new ones.”
Dixon’s proud grin matches Mason’s.
New children are being born around here faster than I can keep up.
I’m starting to think hell must be freezing over when I heard Ford and Blue are gonna be daddies too.
Now I’m the only one of us without kids. There’s something a little depressing about that fact.
The only woman I loved enough to even consider it is gone.
Maybe after Elena leaves I’ll be able to meet someone—
Except that thought makes my stomach squeeze into a tight ass knot.
I don’twanther to go. Her easy, fun, flirtatious company has me driving home early every chance I get.
