Page 101 of Maddox
I may not agree with Peter, and I’m hurt by his assumptions but he’s still my family.
If I even had the option to choose Maddox, I would only be pushing the people I love further away.
All that to say, I’m not in the mood for more customers and with a groan, I approach the guy nearest me.
When he glances up, my eyes drop to his vest and the Smokin’ fucking Aces patch on his chest.
Great. I’m already battling the mother of all heartburn and now this. Was I a serial killer in another life or something?
Covering my unease behind a smile, I say, “What can I get you to drink?”
The second man shifts, and I glance his way, stifling a gasp when I meet Kidd’s stare.
Why is he here?
His mouth curls into a smile but I lose my train of thought altogether when the third man clears his throat, and I meet the gaze of a man who could be a dead ringer for Joey.
Shit, even the road map of age lining his eyes and the broken blood vessels around his nose remind me of Joey.
The only difference between the two is that this man hasn’t gone soft and pudgy. Nope, he looks like he could go six rounds with a bear and still come out on top.
Dropping my gaze, I say to the table, “Drinks?”
I don’t know what’s going on, but I know to my bones that it isn’t good.
Although a foolish hope, I pretend this is an ordinary customer and that they’ll go the fuck away after eating.
“We’re not here for drinks, sugar,” the blue-eyed man says.
“What are you here for?” I ask.
When Kidd shifts, I meet his gaze, noting his matching pale blue eyes.
Are they related? Does it matter?
I get the feeling they’re not here for the homemade milkshakes although it’s the only thing worth eating here.
“Where is he?”
“Who?” I whisper and Kidd’s eyes widen when the older man slams his fist against the table and says, “Don’t fuck with me, you little bitch. Where’s Snake?”
“S-Snake?” I ask and the younger dude sitting beside my dad’s apparent twin leans forward saying quickly, “Joey.”
“Joey is Snake?” I ask dumbly.
It’s not meant to be funny but the older guy guffaws before saying to Kidd, “You heard that son? She don’t know who Snake is.”
Kidd slowly nods, eyeing me with what I suspect is a flicker of pity before saying, “Just tell us where he is.”
There’s no love lost between the old man and me but that doesn’t mean I’m eager to sign his death warrant and I have a feeling that’s what they’re here for.
What the hell has he gotten into anyway? First Maddox and his people and now this?
I can lie but I suspect that’s going to go down like a hot poker to the ass. But if I give in…?
Maybe if I just tell them that he’s not my dad they will go the fuck away.
“I can see the wheels turning. Don’t bother. We do this the easy way or the hard way,” Kidd says and it’s his blasé tone that sends a shiver down my spine.
