I grabbed my keys from my counter. “You know where he’s staying?”
Cain scoffed as if what I’d said was insulting. “That shitty little motel at the edge of town.”
I headed out my front door. “Room number?”
“One sixteen. Just do me one favor?”
I beeped the locks on my truck. “What’s that?”
“Try not to get arrested or killed, would you?”
I poundedon the motel room door. It was a miracle that just that action didn’t knock the whole thing down. There was no answer. I pounded again. “Open the fucking door, Ailes, or I’ll take this interesting folder of information to the cops.”
The door swung open. Cody stood there looking hungover and pissed. “What the fuck is your deal, man?”
I gave his chest a hard shove, sending him in reverse a few steps to finally fall back onto the bed. “Oh, I’m going to tell you what mydealis. You walk out on your responsibilities as a man. That’s your problem. But you bring the fucking shitstorm that you’ve made of your life to my woman’s door? Inmytown? Now,thatis very much my fucking problem.”
Cody’s face paled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I let out a laugh, but it was cold and ugly. “Stop playing games, asswipe. I’ve got a folder of photos and documents that could send you to jail for at least a decade or two. I’m guessing if they made their way into your boss’s hands, you’d be saying goodbye permanently.”
Cody pushed to his feet. “You can’t threaten me.”
I arched a brow. “Can’t I? I’ve got people who will get that information to the copsandyour boss if you haven’t left town in one hour. I don’t care where the fuck you go as long as it’s out of the state of Oregon forever. When the paperwork comes through about terminating your rights to Noah, you won’t fight it. You’re going to do the first decent thing you’ve ever done for that kid and stay gone. Jensen is never going to hear from you again. Am I clear?”
Cody held up his hands in a gesture that was meant to be appeasing or pleading but instead looked pathetic. “Just hear me out, man.”
“You’ve got sixty seconds.”
He started pacing. “I need the cash. Jensen has more than she needs. And from what I’ve seen and heard around town, your family does, too. Just get me the money, and I’ll stay gone forever.”
This guy was a total and complete moron. Did he really think I believed his bullshit? “We give you one penny, and you’ll only come back for more. Not to mention, there isn’t one damned thing you’ve done to earn it.”
Cody’s face screwed up into an ugly scowl. “And either of you have? The only thing you’ve done is gotten born into a rich family.”
That muscle in my cheek began to tick. “How about we work for a fucking living? Jensen works herself to the bone almost every day trying to provide a good life for your son. What have you ever done?”
Cody threw up his hands. “God, that bitch must have developed a golden fucking pussy since I had her—”
I couldn’t hear the rest of his words because the blood roaring in my ears was too loud. Every ounce of control I had simply snapped. And I lunged.
Just as my fist met Cody’s jaw, the door burst open, and Walker was there, tearing me off Cody.
I struggled to break free of Walker’s hold. “Let me go!”
Walker held firm. “Once you’ve calmed down. When Cain called and said you were going to run Cody out of town, I knew we were in trouble. I know I have a hot head when it comes to my sister, but you’re even worse.”
I swallowed hard. “I’m okay now.”
Walker slowly released his hold and slapped me on the back.
Cody sat up from where he’d been sprawled on the floor. “I’m going to fucking sue your ass.”
Walker smirked. “I don’t know what you’d be suing him for. I saw the whole thing. Tuck was clearly defending himself. You can’t sue just because you got your ass handed to you in a fight.”
I grinned at Walker. “Well, thanks, Walk.”
“Anytime, bud.”
