Chapter Eight #3
Fuck. Seth knew that’s what he’d alluded to when he’d spewed hot garbage at him, but he needed confirmation.
He refused to take the bait and ignored the insulting “kid” comment and the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Oliver.
There are about thirty cabins tucked around this lake and only one main access road. ”
“I could’ve bought that excuse until you opened up the door wrapped in a towel.
I figured this was where you were hiding out before the town hall meeting, but I didn’t expect to find you screwing away your nerves.
” He cocked his head to the side. “It’s not a bad idea if you were doing it with someone that wouldn’t cause a judge to dismiss the entire case against Mick and Quinton Carson. ”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Ollie.”
“It’s Ollie again, huh? Our previous relationship won’t save you now, dumbass.” He shook his head. “You thought your smoking-hot lover returned to collect something he’d left behind when you answered the door. I’ll ask again. What the fuck are you thinking?”
Seth called on his training to prevent his thoughts from showing in his expression.
“All I hear is a bunch of bullshit supposition. Who do you work for now, TMZ?” The insult landed, and Oliver bristled like a pissed-off porcupine, but Seth didn’t wait for him to respond.
“I listened to your insulting speculation, so it’s your turn to tell me why you drove out here. ”
“I was going to give you a heads-up about something big I’m about to break, but you don’t deserve it.” Oliver pursed his lips and shook his head. “You disappoint me, Seth. I thought you were so much better than this.”
Seth snorted. “Funny. I had the same reaction when I heard you were chummy with Amos Martindale.”
Oliver’s green eyes opened wide, and Seth knew he’d fucked up. Keeping his expression neutral became nearly impossible when Ollie pointed at him and shouted, “Aha! I fucking knew it!”
Seth rolled his eyes. “You don’t know jack.”
“Who’s Jack?” Oliver asked coyly. “And what does he have to do with you fucking a victim slash material witness in what will be the county’s biggest trial in history?
” Ollie shook his head and waved his hands.
“Forget I asked. You’re not going to admit that you’re meeting Rueben Sanchez at your fuck pad.
” He held up his hand to cut Seth off before he could respond.
“And I don’t need you to tell me, Seth. I know damn well your boy toy saw me talking to Martindale.
I caught him watching me when I tracked the wily man down to give him the opportunity to confirm or deny some jaw-dropping information I uncovered about him. ”
Seth stood taller. “What information?”
“Oh ho,” Ollie said. “Look who perked right up.” His ex tsked like a schoolmarm and sighed dramatically. “You disappoint me, Seth. You’ve gone from a crusader for the people to just another elected official who abuses his position.”
Seth staggered back a step from the blast of that blow. “Fuck you, Ollie.”
Ollie advanced, pointing his finger again.
“No, fuck you. I bet you’re not thinking about what will happen when this affair leaks, and you know damn well it will.
Neither of you are being smart about the situation.
I saw the little shit buying a burner phone at the local general store a while back, for fuck’s sake.
Is that how you arrange your little assignations? ”
“Are you writing scripts on the side for Lifetime?” Seth fired back.
Ollie smirked but otherwise ignored the barb. “People are going to eviscerate Rueben when the story breaks and the Carsons will walk free. Is that what you want?”
Seth ground his teeth together to keep from spewing hateful things in return. Oliver was right about it all, and he was just pissed. “Of course not.”
Oliver’s expression softened at the admission. “Then stop this before it’s too late.”
Did that mean Ollie would keep his secret?
Seth wanted to plead with him not to expose his relationship with Rueben.
Ollie had once felt guilty about breaking Seth’s heart, and he could probably lean into that to gain his favor.
Seth took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
But he wouldn’t do that. It would only make him as despicable as Ollie claimed.
“Do what you think is best, Ollie. I won’t try to stop you from going public with your allegations. ”
And they both knew that was all Ollie had, but for how long? Despite Seth’s digs, Oliver wasn’t a journalist who reported wild speculation, but the prospect of a juicy story turned him into a dog with a bone. He would not let this go, so Seth and Rueben would need to be smarter.
Ollie’s face was completely devoid of emotion as he studied Seth. After a long stretch of awkward silence, he said, “See you at the town hall meeting.” Oliver turned and left without giving Seth a hint about the information he had on Amos Martindale.