Page 67 of Beautifully Ruined
“Fuck you, Cade.”
“And fuck you, too, Jack.” I pull out my phone and look at the time. “Why are you here?”
Red streaks across his cheeks. “I wanted to… talk. But clearly, I should have called in advance. And talking’s the last thing I want to do right now.”
He doesn’t make a move to go. Jack’s free hand curls, but he’s not about to hit me. He knows I do martial arts, and the fact he hasn’t commented on the bruising means he’s really on the edge.
Of catching me with Violet. Of having lost his little rock he could rely on. And, I’m guessing, having to pay rent.
I think he wanted to move back in, so he could continue his cushy life.
He doesn’t know about the one bedroom I own that’s got basic furniture I don’t mind if he keeps or sells. Because it’s meant for Jack. Jack to live in, to pay rent to me that I’d put away for him.
I’ve had it a little while, but…now isn’t the time.
“Maybe you should go home. And we can talk?—”
My phone buzzes, interrupting me. I look at it, ignoring Jack as he huffs and finishes his drink, looking around for the bottle.
It’s a text from one of my contacts.
John D:Ivan’s gone to ground.
Which I pretty much figured.Even if he’s out and about on business with the embassy, he’s going to lay low with his other activities. Because by now, he’ll know I’m not just a hacker, not even just a top class hacker. He’ll know I have powerful contacts.
But really, right now I don’t give a toss about him.
If I can find the girl or where he’s put her, then Vi can just complete her internship without having to get her fingers dirty.
Because I somehow doubt he’s going to be caught with her…he’ll be seeming to lead a squeaky clean life, at least until all this fall out is cleared.
Me:Any word on the girl?
John D:I’ve got a possible lead on the man who may have just bought Gianna.
I suckin a deep and sharp breath at that.
Bought? She’s already been sold?
Is this to just a whoever came along scenario, or is this sale something that Ivan already had in motion and was just waiting until his price was met?
Me:Who?
John D:Can meet you in ten at Archive.
It’sa bar not far from here.
Me:See you in ten.
I look up.
My brother is glaring, and he stomps over grabs the bottle from behind me and scuttles back like I’m going to hit him if he lingers longer near me.
Which is fair.
I feel like hitting him.
And he knows the power of my strikes.
