Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 37200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
“One more question about Scott. Have you noticed if his behavior was more unusual than normal?”
“Umm, Scott wasn’t really the talking type. He’d say hi, look at the deposits, withdrawals for inventory or services, then the schedules, and after that, it was a quick goodbye. Honestly, he was never here for more than twenty minutes. I left him to it usually, because Scott came when it was our busiest time and I had to handle the front either by myself or with the other barista who works here.” I’m once again word vomiting like it’s my job.
“Thank you. If I have any further questions or can think of anything else, your attorney has my card. Please don’t hesitate to use it.” We shake hands. I’m grateful the questioning was over as fast as it was.
“You did good. Let’s get back out to Ezra before he has my damn head,” Sylvester jokes. I nod, still in shock about today’s events, following in his tracks, only looking up when Ezra meets us behind the counter. My arms wrap around his body, and I take what feels like a deep breath.
“If you need anything else, you have my number. I’m taking her home. Thanks again, Sly.” I’ve tuned the rest of the conversation out, too numb to think about anything else. As long as I’m in Ezra’s arms, I know I’m safe and protected, and that’s all I need.
TWENTY-SIX
Ezra
“So, anybody have any insight on how we can move this along?” Blake, Sly, Parker, Theo, and Boston are sitting in front of me, trying to form a game plan. It’s been two days since Detective Dickhead started his investigation. It didn’t matter that Blake handed over everything he had on the Smithers, which was on the up and up. It was Scotty boy who was a big concern, not that they’ll take Blake’s word for it, so we kept that information to ourselves. The problem is, after forty-eight hours of Millicent worrying, biting her nails, tossing and turning at night, I’m tired of not stepping in. If there’s something I can do to move things along, I’m more than open to it.
“I can send it anonymously to a news channel. It might create a stir for Millie, though. Is that something she’d be able to handle? Whatever happens, it’s going to garner attention regardless,” Blake states.
“Better you than me. It means the shop will get media, you’ll get media, and so will Millie. Think about that before you pull the trigger,” Parker inserts.
“Fuck, if it were just me, I wouldn’t care. You know Millie; she’s like Nessa. Neither of them care about our money or the fame that comes with Four Brothers.” I run my hand down my face. We’re all in the conference room at our office building. The glass windows are smoked out, so no one can see what or who we’re talking with.
“If we time things right, you let out what you know about Scotty to the media. I can make a statement about myself leaving New York, leaving dear old dad in the background. It would still shed some light on what Scott has been doing, forcing the police department’s hand while also putting it out there that the only son of Governor Wescott is leaving the fold even more.” Boston willing to throw himself out there onto the chopping block is not what I expected.
“Boston, there’s no coming back. You’re as good as written off. You do this publicly, without letting him know first, is that something you can deal with?” Theo asks, taking the words right out of all our mouths, especially Parker’s and mine. We’re the two from the wrong side of the tracks. New money. And Wescott makes sure we know it on the rare occurrence we’ve had to be in his presence.
“Yep. Talk to the lawyer and PI. I’m out of here. Need to wrap a few things up. I hope it all works out for your girl. This fucking state is too damn cold, and if I don’t do this my way, he’ll spin it in a way that’ll make it ten times worse.” Boston stands up, nodding in a way that tells us he’ll talk to us about his plan later.
“Alright, I’m with Boston on this. Once the dust settles, buy the fucking building under our shell name. Millie will never be the wiser. The Smithers are renting. It’ll be business as usual once the media frenzy calms down,” Theo suggests.
“Not a bad idea. Does Vanessa know about our shell company?” I peg Parker with a stare. He tells her everything, and it will fuck me over if he has.
“No, she doesn’t, cocksucker. So, do what needs to be done. Sly is here. Have him make an offer the owners can’t resist. Make the transition easy on everyone.” Sly has been quiet the majority of the time, watching how things unfold. The bulldog sits and waits for the perfect opportunity to attack.