“I’m trying to get my cell phone in my pocket. Shit this hurts!”
“You’re bleeding. What the hell do you need your phone for?”
“To call the cops, you moron. You’ve outdone yourself, Jeff. Even I didn’t think you were capable of this.”
God damn. Why the hell should he care about his brother’s wounded arm? Wayne was about to finger him to the cops. Black rage bubbled in his blood. He was through. Through with these people. Fine. He’d take the heat. What choice did he have? He’d be dragged off to jail and then he’d cop some kind of plea and get probation. Max had killed someone. He hadn’t.
He’d take care of this, and then he’d make a life with Mia. A modest life, but a good life. A happy life.
He looked at his brother, hatred boiling in him. “Don’t bother with your phone. Regan said the cops are already on their way.”
“You won’t get away with this, Jeff.”
Jeff didn’t reply.
“Why did you do it?”
Jeff shook his head and met his brother’s gaze. “You’re really asking that question? Really? You don’t think it’s just a little unfair that you stand to inherit everything Grandpa owns and I get squat? Christ, Wayne, I wanted what’s rightfully mine.”
“And instead of talking to us, you dragged those two dregs of society in here to rob us? You’re insane.”
“Talk to you? You can’t be serious. Neither of you have had a kind word to say to me—”
“Freeze!”
Three uniformed cops bombarded the room, guns pointed.
“Cuff them both,” one said.
“Hey,” Wayne said. “I live here. This is my house. And I’ve been shot in the arm.”
“And you?” The cop turned to Jeff.
Must be a new cop. Most people in town knew who Jeff Bay was.
“I have no idea who he is.” Wayne looked away. “Cuff him and get him the hell out of my house.”
Chapter Twenty
Jeff basked in his happiness as Maria cuddled against him, her soft snores giving away her slumber. She was his again. And this time he’d never let her go.
She stretched a little and opened her eyes.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.” He chuckled. “Or should I say good evening?”
She smiled. “You doing okay?”
He nodded. “I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
He looked into her chocolate-brown eyes. “I love you, Mia.”
“Oh, Jeff.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed, and then pulled back a little and returned his gaze. “I never thought I’d hear you say that again. I love you too.”
He smiled and pushed a stray strand of onyx hair behind her ear. “Thank you for waiting.”
“I would have waited forever. There’s never been anyone else for me.”