Page 121 of Forbidden Wish

“What does that mean for now?” she asked. “Does Bryan know the cops are looking for him? We don’t even know if that’s his real name. Lachlan didn’t know where to find him. Is Silvio hiding him?”

“Or he’s cut him loose. Your patsy could be on the run.”

“If Lachlan finds him first, Silvio’s deal goes away. Bryan will tell the truth and—”

“Tell the truth?” At least he was kind enough not to laugh at her, but that tone was more than incredulous. “Your Bryan will take life in prison over shitting on the Manzanis. Promise you that.”

Just what Sersha said about Marseille’s choice over telling the truth.

“How will he know what to say?” she asked.

“He won’t say anything. Doesn’t have to say anything. Then the cops show him the evidence—”

“Him on the tape.”

“And he’ll know the script. Either Silvio gets him a lawyer who directs the show, or he’s stuck with a public defender. That’ll be the signal of how much support he’s got from the family.”

Support? Could it be called that in any universe? Setting him up in advance and protecting themselves over everything else didn’t scream care to her.

“I don’t get it.”

“It’s not your world, Genny.”

They parked around back to walk in through the workshop. Guys went about different tasks on cars elevated on ramps, while others did things at side areas. Someone else occupied Jagg’s paint room. Hmm, how would he feel about that?

Ford came to them, wiping something black from his hands.

“How’d it go with Daisy?” Jagg asked, flopping an arm across her shoulders.

Ford tossed his rag aside. “Struck out.”

“As always.”

“Less competition now,” Ford said, smirking at his friend. “My chances are improving.”

“Never had the eye for Daisy, my brother. You don’t—”

When he stopped suddenly, she glanced up at him. Ford focused on something behind them. Jagg’s arm dropped as he turned, and then there was a thwack. What the hell was—Jagg stumbled, bowing back, and there was—

“Dad?” she called, but he was already stomping on out.

“I expected a right.”

“Yeah, you got off lucky,” Ford said, shoving up the chin Jagg cradled. “Guess he likes you.”

“Yeah, you think?”

“What the hell was that?” she demanded.

“Wasn’t me.” Ford shrugged. “Good news travels fast, I guess.”

“He can’t just—”

She tried to go after him, but Ford caught her arm. “Leave him.”

Argh, what was it with the men in her life?

“What the—Dad punched him in the face.”

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