4 #4
Just then, Mike stepped forward and said, “Kam, hey. It’s good to see you again.” He’d come around the back of the tow truck,
all smiles, as if he hadn’t been trying to manipulate Glory again.
Fighting the urge to remove Mike’s smile with his fist, Kam got to his first question. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
Confusion filled Mike’s expression. “Why are you angry?” Then with dawning horror, “My God. Did something happen with Glory?
Is she okay?”
Taken aback by that reaction, Kam clenched and unclenched. “Glory is fine.” Better than fine; she was safe with family. “Did
you have permission to move her car?”
Blowing out a deep sigh of relief, Mike slumped against the tow truck. “Don’t scare me like that. The way you were acting—”
“Answer my question.”
With a conspiratorial smile, Mike leaned toward him. “I was going to surprise her. You know how women are. They don’t want
to have to deal with stuff like this.”
That sentiment mirrored his own a little too closely for Kam to correct him, but he did say, “Glory is resilient. She’d have
figured it out.” Studying the other man, Kam watched for any telltale signs of deception. “As it happens, she doesn’t need
to—and she doesn’t need your help. I’m here to take care of it for her.”
“Oh?” Mike’s smile tightened. “She gave you permission?”
No, she hadn’t, but only because he hadn’t asked. Now, of course, he realized he should have. He’d apologize for that as soon
as he saw her. For now, he just fudged things a bit. “I had to come for my car anyway.”
“But I already have the tow truck. Jones has been paid and he’s ready to handle it.” Arrogantly generous, Mike offered, “I’ll
even have him come back for your car, if you’d like.”
“No thanks. It’s already handled.”
“But—” The rebuttal dropped off when his attention caught on something—or someone—behind Kam’s shoulder. The way Mike fell back a step was a clear sign that Tanner had joined them.
Looming large and angry, Tanner asked, “Is it already hooked up?”
“No, but in another minute or two, it would’ve been gone.”
Jones said, “I haven’t touched it, I swear!”
“Count yourself lucky.” Tanner stepped up alongside Kam. “This is the guy?”
Somewhat recovered, Mike lifted his eyebrows. “The guy? If you mean Glory’s boyfriend, then yes, I’m the guy.”
Tanner made a rude sound. “Odd that she’s never mentioned you. Even odder that she’d dodge you.” He took another step forward.
“But she won’t have to do that anymore, right?”
Far as threats went, Tanner’s was clear. Kam scowled. Damn it, he could handle Mike on his own. To Tanner, he said, “See what’s
keeping Liam. I’ve got this.”
Reluctantly, Tanner stepped toward his truck to make the call.
Knowing he wouldn’t have much time, not with the way his “big brother” liked to oversee things, Kam moved toward Mike. “Let’s
talk.”
Amicable in the extreme, Mike smiled and followed along. “Of course.”
He went only as far as Glory’s car. “You know anything about Glory’s broken window?”
Showing only enigmatic concern, Mike regarded her car. “One of the windows is broken?”
Animosity heating, Kam had to admit that Mike was either one hell of a liar or certifiably unhinged enough to believe his
own bullshit. No way was he innocent. “At her house.”
“She has a house?” Affecting the look of a proud boyfriend, Mike said, “I shouldn’t be surprised.
She’s a hard worker and she has a great job with a supportive family.
I just never pictured her in a home of her own.
She’s always enjoyed an apartment.” He grinned.
“I assumed the responsibilities of a house didn’t interest her. ”
Done being nice, Kam said, “You don’t interest her. Last night, Glory was clear.” Mike started to speak, but Kam crowded closer, cutting him off. “She doesn’t
want you around, and she damn sure doesn’t need your favors. I told you once already, so this is your last chance. Leave her
alone.”
Finding his spine, Mike stiffened. “You’re threatening me?”
“Just giving you pertinent details.”
“Sounded more like a threat to me. So spell it out. What are these dire consequences?”
The thing was, Kam had dealt with every kind of person in existence: bad, ugly, mean, misunderstood, and dangerous. Where
Mike fell, he didn’t yet know. The urge to strike him was there, tightening his hands into fists, causing his shoulders to
bunch.
His father had settled disputes, and in just about every other situation, in that exact way, but by God, he was not his father.
He considered himself smarter and more controlled, so he knew not to state his intent upfront. It was always better to hold
on to your ammunition so it couldn’t be used against you.
If it became necessary, he’d take Mike apart and probably enjoy it, but for now, he didn’t want to give the prick a reason
to call the cops.
Filling his smile with evil intent, Kam pressed closer, close enough that Mike shrunk back, tucked in his chin, and turned
his face away to keep from touching.
“She’s not alone, Mike.” Without raising his voice, Kam put steal into his tone. “I’m in the picture and I’m telling you flat
out: Stay. Away. From her.”