Page 102 of Shephard
“Let’s take a walk outside,” Shephard stated, already turning toward the door. He chose the back door, heading there immediately. The dive bar backed up to a bank of woods, few other businesses in close proximity.
Cane was driven against the exterior wall, Jagger finally letting go.
I wasn’t surprised when Shephard eased his weapon from his jacket, placing the barrel against Cane’s throat. As he’d done before, he crowded the man’s space. “One last time, Cane. I’m not fucking around with this. What did you tell Konstantin?”
Cane was shaking and I almost felt bad for him. “I… He’ll kill me.”
“I’ll kill you if you don’t talk. I’m not a man who has patience. I suggest you listen to what I’m saying.”
My associate was almost blubbering. “He wanted to know where you lived. I didn’t know.”
“So let me guess,” I said. “You told him where Shephard could be found. My place.”
“I had no choice. He was going to kill me.”
“You always have a choice, Cane. Why didn’t you tell me?” What in the hell was wrong with the man?
“Because they’d know. You don’t understand.”
“Is Boris in town?” Jagger asked.
I was certain Cane would drop to the ground if Shephard hadn’t been holding him.
“I… I think so. I don’t know him. I walked away from my family. Can’t you see that? I wanted nothing to do with their violence.”
Shephard growled, driving the cold steel harder against his neck. “Not good enough. You placed Denise in the line of fire. Do you understand what that means?”
“No.” Cane wasn’t the brightest guy.
“It means if I see you another time walking the streets of Danger Falls, you’re a dead man. Do you get what I’m saying?”
“Yes. Yes, sir.”
“You’re certain of that?” Shephard pressed.
All Cane had to do was nod and I’d had enough. I didn’t wait for Shephard to share his displeasure. I threw a hard punch right in the asshole’s face.
The cracking sound indicated I might have hit the bullseye. Good.
As soon as Shephard backed away, putting away his weapon, Cane raced away into the darkness.
“You let him off easy, bro,” Jagger said.
“It’s not in our best interest to start killing off the locals.” Shephard brushed his knuckles down my face. “One tough lady. Aren’t you?”
“I have to be.”
“Not always. You can let someone else be your champion.”
I leaned in, lifting my head. “Are you volunteering?”
“Please. Get a room,” Jagger huffed before walking off.
“I like your brother. He reminds me of a grumpy guy I know.”
“You’re two-timing me already.” He pulled me onto my toes.
“I doubt I could get away with it.”