Page 129 of Contentious

“Carson… Could I speak to you for a minute?”

“Not now, Mom. We’re watching Iron Man.”

“Right now.”

Carson must’ve sensed her distress because he immediately moved to get up, grimacing as his wounds fought back. “Be back in a minute, buddy.”

“Hurry, this is a good part.”

He limped toward her, his expression intense and on guard. “What’s wrong?”

“Marlon is here, in the house, with a gun, and he wants us to drive him to Mexico, or he’ll kill us all, starting with Ty. He said to tell the security he was arrested and send them away so we can get out of here. Please.”

Carson held her gaze as he reached for his cell and called Anthony. “Hey, we just got word that Beckett has been arrested, so you can stand down. Send everyone home with my thanks.”

“Well, that’s great news. Will do, boss. Glad you guys can have some peace.”

“Thanks.” He put the phone back in his pocket. “They’re leaving.”

“Carson…”

He took hold of her trembling hands, infusing them with his warmth. “Where is he?”

“In my bedroom.”

“Did you offer him money?”

She nodded. “He says it’s too late for that now. He wants us to get him out of here.”

“Then let’s do that. Let’s give him what he wants and be rid of him.” Carson went to the door to look outside. “My guys are gone.” He turned toward the living room. “Ty, come here.”

“I’m watching the movie.”

“Ty. Now.”

Carson had never spoken to him in that tone before, and it got the child’s attention.

He got up and came over to them.

“We’ve got a problem, and I need you to do exactly what your mom and I tell you to do. You got me?”

“Okay.”

“Go get in the back seat of the Range Rover and wait for us.”

“Are you… What’s wrong?”

“Please do as Carson asks,” Cresley said. “It’s very important.”

“Okay,” Ty said, glancing at them over his shoulder as he moved toward the door.

Carson waited until Ty was in the car with the door closed. “Beckett! Come out here.”

Beckett strolled out of the bedroom and into the foyer, keeping the gun pointed at them. “You’re not giving the orders here, fuck boy.”

“You want something from us that we’re willing to give you, but you need to leave the gun here.”

“That’s not happening.” He waved the gun at them. “Leave the phones, and let’s go. I’ve got no time for bullshit.”