Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Bullshit,” Wade says with a wave of his hand, not believing such a thing could happen.
I don’t have an opportunity to convince him because there’s a blur of movement and then Trey crashes into me. He drives me into the wall but I manage to brace against him so the impact isn’t too hard. His fist rears back as I grab a handful of his shirt, preparing to return the hit, but then we’re being pulled apart.
Tommy and Wade each have one of Trey’s arms and Ethan puts a restraining hand against my chest.
Trey’s face is red with rage. “I’m going to kick your ass for even thinking you’re good enough to breathe the same air as Kat.”
“Get over yourself, asshole,” I bark at him. “Kat is being held against her will in some strange place and she must be terrified. You can try to kick my ass after we get her back, but I have to go now. I just wanted to tell you what was going on.”
“We should call the police,” Marcie suggests.
“No!” I shake my head. “They warned me not to involve the police and if I did, not only would Kat be hurt, but they’d come after Sylvie. I don’t know if it’s a bluff, but I’m not risking it. I’m taking the bourbon to them and they said they’d release her.”
“I’m coming with you,” Ethan says.
“Me too,” Wade grunts, letting go of Trey’s arm.
“Fuck if you’re leaving me behind,” Trey adds, his eyes glacial as they lock onto me.
“And I’m going too,” Tommy says.
“I figured you’d all want to come but someone needs to stay here with Sylvie,” I say, turning to face Tommy. I have a feeling he’s going to be the decision maker. “My suggestion is Ethan comes with me and everyone else stay here with Sylvie.”
“I don’t like this,” Fi says, her hands wringing. “Maybe we should consider the police.”
I struggle to remain calm, forcing myself to take a breath and I soften my voice. “Mrs. Blackburn… please don’t risk Kat’s life like that. Their instructions are clear and I’m gladly willing to give up that bourbon. If that gets Kat back safe and keeps Sylvie safe, that’s what we need to do.”
“I agree,” Ethan says, and his brothers nod, although Trey makes a show of cracking his knuckles. Not sure if that’s for me or Kat’s kidnappers. “Where’s the bourbon?”
“In secured storage at the distillery. It won’t take me but a minute to get it and then I’ve been texted an address in Louisville to take it.”
“Then I suggest you get going,” Tommy says.
“You should bring weapons,” Wade suggests.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I had considered it myself but quickly abandoned it. “I really think all the man wants is the bourbon and then it will be over.”
I don’t dare tell them I was sent a photo of Kat blindfolded with a gun to her head.
“Are you sure?” Ethan asks with worry. “Because I don’t want to go to a gun fight without a gun.”
“Yeah… I mean, I’m pretty sure.”
Trey launches himself at me again but his dad and Wade intercept him. He screams at me over their shoulders. “You better be sure, asshole. That’s my sister’s life.”
“Weapons won’t be needed,” I grit out.
“Are you absolutely certain?” Ethan demands again and I get why he is pushing the point, but I’m out of goddamned patience.
“The only thing I’m fucking sure about is that I love your sister, okay? I’m going to get her now. You can come if you want but no weapons.”
Once again, the room goes deathly silent as everyone stares at me slack-jawed by my admission. But it’s Trey who breaks it by lunging again. “Going to kick your ass.”
I don’t let Tommy or Wade stop him, instead meeting him head-on. Both my hands grip his shirt and I drive him backward now, right into the counter. He grunts in pain as his lower back—hopefully his kidneys for extra enjoyment on my part—collides with the edge. “I don’t have time to deal with your bullshit. You can be a baby about this or you can man up, but I don’t have time to dick around with you.”
I release my hold on Trey and spin away from him, not concerned at all that he might attack. I saw his own fury change into chagrin when I called him a baby.
“I’m leaving. Ethan… are you coming?”
“Yeah, and I agree. Trey and Wade should stay here with Dad.”
A small argument breaks out among the brothers, the younger ones not wanting to be left behind. I don’t wait for them to figure it out but by the time I make it to the front door, Ethan’s the only one at my side.
Once we’re in my vehicle, I note the whole family standing on the front porch watching us. Tommy holds his wife close, Marcie beside Fi holding her hand. Wade leans back against the doorframe, a worried look on his face. Trey stands with fists clenched, looking like he wants to murder me.