Corbin (The Theriot Family)

Even though Ambrose preferred to keep to himself, we still helped each other when necessary. I delivered supplies and worked on his truck and boats, sometimes without even laying eyes on him. It was thanks to him that Remington had made me the offer that had resulted in my early release.

The drive to Ambrose’s place took a while, and I was really glad I’d put an air freshener in the car. Even if I hadn’t needed to ditch the car along with the body, there was no way in hell I would drive this vehicle all the way back to town smelling the way it did. I wanted to call Marley and describe in detail what I intended to do to him, but the wiser part of me knew it would be better to let him sweat. I wanted him wondering why I hadn’t called or why he hadn’t gotten word of my arrest.

Despite the horrible smell in the car and the spikes of fear racing through me that I would be caught before I could get rid of the body, every few miles my mind returned to thoughts of Corbin and the moment when he’d looked at me like he wanted me, like he’d be willing to do anything I said.

He was arrogant and rude, and he pushed all my buttons, but there was something that told me he had an underlying layer of sweetness. I wanted to bring it out. I’d seen it in the moment when he’d held the door open for Lottie and her kids. He might be a spoiled brat, but he had manners when he wanted to use them. I was sure his mama had seen to that. From everything I’d heard, she was not a woman to be messed with, and that—on top of his father’s murderous tendencies—meant I had no business messing with Corbin.

Finally, I reached the turnoff that would lead me to the little shack where Ambrose lived. I’d called once I was on the road and left him a voicemail, but the signal was spotty out in the swamp, and I had no idea if he knew to expect me. If he didn’t, there was a decent chance I’d be shot before I got close enough for him to identify me. I really didn’t want to die today, but of all the people I trusted, he was best equipped to help me.

Ambrose was standing on the porch when I pulled up near his shack. There wasn’t a weapon in his hand, so I knew he’d gotten my message. Not that I thought he wasn’t armed. I was quite sure he carried multiple weapons at all times, mostly because I did too, and I couldn’t blame him. The bayou was as dangerous as the city. The threats were just different.

I parked the car and hopped out. The bayou had its own unique smell, but I welcomed it compared to the stench inside the car.

Without offering any greeting, Ambrose said, “What’s the emergency?”

He’d never been one for small talk, even before his stint in the army had done a number on him.

“Marley sent me a car yesterday. One of my men went to check it out and found Rob’s body in the trunk. My guess is he’s been dead for days.”

“And now you need to get rid of him and the car.”

“Yes.” He didn’t even react to the fact that a man we’d both known well and had worked with was decomposing in the car I’d shown up in.

“You’ve come to the right place. Head about a mile that way. I’ll take the boat and meet you.” He pointed through the trees where there was no visible path. “There’s a great place to push the car into the water, and that area is full of gators. Gerard likes to hang out there.”

Gerard was a huge gator Ambrose had somehow befriended. Maybe they were more frenemies. I was sure either of them would eat the other if given the right opportunity. I started to ask how I was supposed to find this place, but Ambrose had already turned and headed away. He was a good friend, but he drove me fucking insane.

I somehow managed to weave my way along the bank of the bayou without going in, though there were a few moments when I was sure I was going to be gator food along with Rob. When I reached an area with few trees and land that sloped down to the water, I heard a boat motor. I hoped like hell it was Ambrose and I was in the right place.

The boat stopped and a man pulled it onto the shore. Once I was sure it was my friend, I got out of the car.

“Put it in neutral, and let’s get rid of this bastard,” he commanded. I was happy to do as he said.