AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Consider it your payment for your attorney’s fees.”
“I knew you’d expect something out of it. How much does he charge? I’ll be happy to write him a check.”
“I suspect it would bounce.” He hesitated, then took a step back. “If you want to know more, then come inside. If not, then feel free to go.” With that, he turned on his heels and walked inside the building.
I waited several seconds for him to come back out, then turned back and opened my car door. I knew I should wait to find out what was under my seat, but there was no way I could pay attention in whatever meeting they had planned when I knew there was something terrible waiting for me.
I pulled out my phone and turned on the flashlight as I squatted between the open door and the car. I wasn’t stupid enough to blindly reach under the seat. For all I knew, there was a spring-loaded animal trap under there. But there wasn’t a trap, just another manila envelope that was fatter than the other. Dread washed through me as I pulled it out and saw a lump in the middle section.
I got in the car and shut the door before I broke the seal and carefully opened the flap, revealing a quart-sized Ziploc bag inside. I turned the envelope upside down and dumped the contents onto my lap, releasing a shriek when I saw a bloody thumb inside the bag that was sitting on my legs.
What the fuck?
I took several deep breaths to calm down. Was that Eddie’s thumb? Thankfully, it was too big to be Ava’s.
The passenger door opened, and Malcolm got inside. “What did you find?”
Closing my eyes, I internally berated myself. I wasn’t entirely stupid. Deep down I knew there was a good chance he’d come out to see what I was doing or watch me on surveillance cameras. It was hard to admit that maybe I actually wanted him to know, but right now, he had the upper hand and knowledge was currency in this strange dynamic. If I shared this with him, I’d be deeply in debt.
Covering the bag with the envelope, I gave him a sharp look. “How much is it worth to you?”
He continued to stare at me.
“Last night, you accused me of hiding something from you. Something big. You weren’t wrong, but up until a few minutes ago, I wasn’t sure if it had anything to do with Ava.”
His voice rumbled, deep and low. “Now you think it does?”
“Yes, but I’m not going to tell you until you come clean with your connection to Eddie Johnson. Are you willing to do that?”
“Are you sure you want to know?” he countered. “Because once I tell you, you can’t unknow it.”
“How profound,” I sneered.
His eyes narrowed. “I’ll swear you to secrecy, and there will be consequences if you break my trust.”
Was he going to admit he was up to something illegal?
“You can’t tell your deputy friend,” he continued. “Or the Jackson Creek PD one either. No. One. Have I made myself clear?”
“What’s to stop me from telling on you and then having the authorities hide me?”
He leaned over the console, invading my personal space and looking more menacing than he had in the two days I’d known him. “Try it, and I promise you won’t like the consequences.”
A chill ran down my spine. “Are you threatening me, Malcolm?”
His gaze turned deadly. “Take it as you will.”
I needed to kick him out of my car and head to my parents’ house to regroup. But he’d practically admitted that there was more to his interest in Eddie Johnson than being a stellar customer. It wasn’t like I was an officer obligated to report his illegal activity. I was a civilian now. And if what he told me was truly heinous, I’d report him anyway.
I shifted in my seat and lifted my chin. “Fine, but you first.” My movement made the envelope fall to the floor, though, revealing the bloody bag in my lap.
So much for having the upper hand.
He reached over and snatched it before I could stop him. Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, he stared at it in disgust. “What the fuck is this?”
“I think it belongs to Eddie.” I pulled the note out of my purse and held it up so he could read it. I’d lost all leverage now, but there was no way to stop this steaming locomotive.
“Why did they leave it for you?” he asked.
