“He can’t play for the rest of the year.” Eli’s voice is cold.
Art shrugs. “Daddy’s got money. He’ll go further than I ever will.”
Nico looks like he wants to take the guy on, but Jack puts his hand on Nico’s shoulder.
“Besides, I was only supposed to injure you a little. Maybe a twisted ankle, but you’re so stubborn.” Art chuckles again. “I mean for what he gave me, I’d have to spend a few years working between here and my side gig.”
Drugs. He was at that house. I heard his voice.
“Do you know his plans?” Eli asks.
Art leans forward with a grin and his gaze lands on me. “For your little bird? Oh, he’s got plans. He didn’t exactly share them with me. He’s keeping that one in-house, if you know what I mean.”
“His close friends.” Eli nods like that makes sense. “If you hear anything, it will be worth a lot to us.”
Art laughs. “I love a guy with a rich daddy. I do know he wants a piece of your girl and is willing to share. If I were you and I gave a shit about a girl, I’d keep her as far away from that fucker as possible.”
A shiver chases through me as icy cold fingers of dread creep down my spine.
Art stands and takes his Coke. “You all have a nice evening. Tip your server.”
His gaze stops on Luke. “I expect payment if you don’t want me to tell Zach about this.”
Caden stands and gestures for Art to lead him.
When they head outside, I swallow.
“He’s not getting his hands on you, sweetheart.” Jack rubs my arm and tugs me against his side.
I draw in his apple scent and lean into him.
Caden walks in and takes his seat. When he reaches for his soda, his knuckles are red and swollen.
“Did you take care of him?” Luke asks.
“Payment processed and made sure he’ll be out of the game for the season.”
My mouth opens.
Caden looks at me, and I close it. “He hurt Nico. He knew he’d get payback. With the money I gave him, he’ll sleep just fine.”
These boys are playing on a different level than I ever considered, but I need to catch up. It’s not like I didn’t want to kick the guy in the balls for hurting Nico. What Caden did was probably more pleasant than what I had in mind.
“After we eat, we’re going to your place.” Luke leans his elbows on the table.
I swallow and nod.
“Caden and Nico will stay with you while we go with your mother where we need to go.” Luke’s gaze pierces into me.
We’re back in the land of someone listening to us. Our phones could be used. Our cars. Our houses.
I blow out a breath. They’re going to take my mom to the quarry to look for an SD card from thirteen years ago. I don’t have a lot of hope of them finding anything, but maybe we’ll find the answers to what happened to my father.
Maybe Mom will finally be able to put him to rest and move on with her life.
Maybe.
“We’ll talk after.” Luke’s gaze softens like he knows what I’m thinking. I draw in a breath and my heart settles. Even if it hurts to know the truth, these guys will be there for me.
