Melt (Steel Brothers Saga 4)

“Hey, I had nothing to do with that.”

“Whatever. So if you’re that kind of guy already, breaking and entering and leaving an ominous rose on a woman’s pillow would be nothing to you.”

“I said I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I couldn’t read him. Jade had said he had a champion poker face. She was right.

Larry turned to Bryce. “To what do I owe the pleasure of the mayor’s son’s company?”

“My cousin Luke was one of the other kids who was taken twenty-five years ago,” Bryce said. “So I’m as involved in this as Joe is.”

“Great.” Larry rolled his eyes yet again.

“You might want to try being a little less of an asshat,” I said. “You know we can make or break you.”

“Are you kidding me? My fate is sealed. Don’t try to work some deal with me, Steel. I’m headed up the river, and we all know that.”

“Well, you should be. But we have some business to discuss. You’re going to tell us who the other two men are who took Talon.”

“Nope.” Larry crossed his arms over his chest. “I ain’t talkin’. Period.”

“You need to change your tune. The prosecution will be a lot easier on you if you cooperate.”

“I know my rights. And I know what the prosecution will and won’t do. But I will not talk. I can’t.”

“Why can’t you?” Bryce asked.

“Because they’ll fucking kill me.”

“You’re in prison, for God’s sake. No one from the outside can get to you in here. Why not do yourself a favor and make your life a little bit easier?” I said. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

“Are you offering me money, Steel? What good would money do me now?”

“Well…you can hire yourself a decent lawyer rather than the public defender you’ve got right now.”

Larry licked his lips. God, he was a snake. Was he considering my offer? I couldn’t tell.

“That’s interesting. How much are you offering?”

“I’d say two hundred grand could buy you some decent representation.”

“That’s it? Everyone knows you’re worth way more than that, Steel.”

“It may come as a surprise to you, Uncle, but my main business isn’t paying off criminals. I’m offering you more than enough to pay a decent attorney.”

Larry shook his head, laughing. “It’s still pennies to you.”

I tensed.

Bryce nudged my arm. “Don’t let him get to you, Joe.”

I had no intention of anything “getting” to me. If he wasn’t talking, I’d take the money off the table.

“Forget the money, then. Do what’s right for once in your life. Do it for your nephew, whose life you made hell. Do for your sister, my mother.”

“No can do.” Larry looked at the guard. “I’m done with these people.”

“Wait,” Bryce said, standing. “You can’t leave yet.”