Page 37 of Loving Justice
“Is that why you showed up unannounced?” Downs said in a low voice.
“Nah. I brought you the information I swiped. The old man is getting ready to sign a big contract with Markum Livestock. They’re combining resources. Once that happens the Rose family will be indestructible.”
“Where’s the proof?” Downs remained stoic.
Grabbing the folded paper from his pocket, he tossed it into Downs’ lap. He stared at it for a good three seconds before he finally unfolded it and began to read. Still showing no emotion.
“You don’t think Rose will miss this information?” Downs said through tight lips.
“The man thinks he’s losing his mind,” Pok said with satisfaction.
With a long drawn-out sigh, Downs held the paper up and Tribe took it from him.
“I heard about Jinx’s accident. Did you orchestrate the event?”
Pok cleared his throat. “Why would I do such a thing?”
“Be careful. From what I understand Sagebrush Rose Ranch is more secure than Fort Knox.”
"I am fully aware of where the cameras are positioned."
“But if you get caught it ruins my day. That’s why I’ve warned you to stick to the plan. You’re supposed to be sitting back and listening, observing, not taking unnecessary risks.”
Pok’s fist ached to punch the man. He was never satisfied. “Fine.”
“Fine?” The next thing Pok knew, Tribe grabbed him by the back of his shirt, dragged him over the sofa and dropped him to the floor. Downs was standing above him, his eyes beady and his mouth thin. “It’s fine when I say it’s fine,” he snarled.
Tribe gave Pok a good kick to the ribs.
Pok bent over in pain, gritting his teeth. He swore then that one day soon both men would pay.
“Tribe, show him out.” Downs spit on Pok and walked away. “I’ve reached my patience.”
Tribe snatched Pok up by the collar and set him on his booted feet.
“I can walk,” Pok jerked away from the man’s grip.
Tribe gave Pok a good push toward the door. Once he was outside, he heard Tribe’s laughter until the door slammed shut.
Pok grimaced in pain. He wanted to go back inside and show Downs, and his thug, what destruction a real man could do when provoked. But he needed to bide his time.
He started for his truck, slowly, cringing at the pain in his side. He spat blood on the ground and shook his head. Anger sliced through him and his head felt like it would explode. He reached into his pocket and there he found a lighter. He took it out and flicked the flame, feeling calmness settle him.
Looking back at the house, he craved retribution, wanting to walk back inside and demand that Downs beg Pok for forgiveness. He took a step, but his cell phone buzzing paused him.
He dragged the phone out of his pocket. Lanah was calling. A part of him wanted to ignore the call, but he wasn’t finished with her yet.
“I was just thinking about you, beautiful,” he said when he clicked ‘talk’.
Her giggle vibrated at the other end of the line. “Good, because I’m thinking of you. How about we turn our thoughts into actions?”
“Now you’re speaking my language,” he said smoothly, climbing into the driver’s side. He grunted as the pain radiated through his body.
“Are you okay, cowboy?”
“I found myself up against one of the wild horses today. Got clobbered. A little sore.”
“Then how about you come to my place? Can you be here in thirty? Nurse Lanah will patch you up.”