Page 92 of Code Violation

“There are only so many shifts available at a gas station,” Kane points out.

“What about the delivery job?” I ask, certain it doesn’t exist.

He shrugs nonchalantly. “I don’t think it’s going to work out. The owners refuse to set me on a convenient delivery route.”

Silence falls between us.

“I’m not giving you any more money. Not now or in the future. If you can’t afford to pay child support, then get a cheaper place to live and quit the drinking, smoking, and gambling.”

What’s really sad is only now, after I’ve refused another payout, does he look remotely rocked by our conversation.

Shaking his head, Kane spins on his heel and heads down my hallway toward the bathroom. I’ve no idea what his game is or if he genuinely needs to pee, but I’m not about to stop him. I’ve got a teammate waiting on my reply.

Me

Is this about Vesper and what you saw the other week?

His reply is instant.

Mason

She already told you about that, huh?

Me

Yeah, but I don’t want you worrying about it.

Mason

Silas, I was in a bar when I should’ve been on the ice in Vegas. I let the team down, and I’m really fucking sorry. I’m trying to straighten myself out, and I’ll get there. Please don’t tell Coach or Theo about it.

The toilet flushes, and I quickly type out a response.

Me

I don’t think I’ve ever been more grateful to learn of you ducking out of an away series. I owe you my life when all I can give you is my gratitude. If you’re worrying about Vesper, then don’t. I have my brother handled, and my lips are sealed.

Mason

Listen, I’ve never been the smartest guy around, but that guy … Kane? He gives me bad vibes. Vesper needs to stay the hell away from him.

Me

He’ll never go near her again.

Mason

I know you likely won’t care, but I had my reasons for lying about Vegas.

Me

Eloise?

Mason

She’s seeing the guy who’s liked her since they were teenagers. Every time we traveled to France in the offseason, he was sniffing around her whenever my back was turned. The day before we were due to fly to Vegas, I found a picture of them on her socials. He had his arms around her, and it was obvious, man. She’s moved on.

So, yeah, I drank myself into oblivion that night, was puking my guts up, and couldn’t make the flight, and then the depression took hold. Eloise wouldn’t answer my calls, as always, and I barely left my apartment until that night I went to Riley’s.