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“I started Black Industries. My building is right next door. Own the entire twenty-seventh floor.”
I raised my eyebrows like that impressed me, because I knew that was what he was hoping for.
Caleb pointed to his left. “Hugh here is my right-hand man.”
“Wow,” I drawled. “Nice job, working for your bestie.”
Hugh frowned, and I couldn’t blame him. I had said it slightly condescendingly. I turned to Leonn. “Just heard a bit of your conversation. You’re a doctor?”
Leonn glanced at Caleb for direction.
It was on the tip of my tongue to mutter, “Yeah, asshole. I know exactly what you did.”
But that wasn’t going to get me anywhere with them. I shook my head, faking sympathy for Leonn and his work problems. “Bitches be crazy, right? My wife is the same. Don’t know why I married her.” That was actually vaguely true, but I wouldn’t have normally been quite douchey enough to say it out loud to anyone.
The worry in Leonn’s expression rapidly changed to relieved laughter. “Don’t know why we even bother, right?”
Caleb deftly changed the subject, leaning forward on his elbows to study me. “Sorry to hear about your old man. Let us know when the funeral is. I’d like to come and pay my respects.”
I nodded. “Sure. Will do.”
“How long are you in town for?”
I shrugged. “A few weeks maybe. Got some things to tie up with my dad’s business and belongings.”
Caleb glanced at Leonn then back up at me. “I’m having a Halloween party next weekend. You should come? Would be a good chance to catch up properly. Some of the other guys from college will be there. Should be a good night.”
“Yeah? Sounds great.”
It sounded shit and like I’d rather poke my eyes out with a rusted fork than hang with the three of them, knowing what they liked to do for sport. But what was that saying?
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer?
Getting inside their inner circle and finding out whatever Rebel needed to know for her revenge plan could come in handy. Fuck knows I kinda owed her one, after trying to take the house out from under her.
Caleb handed me a business card. “My number is on there. Send me a text, and I’ll send you back the address. Your wife in town?”
I shook my head. “Nah. Left the old ball and chain back in Cali.”
Caleb chuckled. “I know how that feels. I just got rid of one myself a few months back.”
“Good for you.”
“We’ll have something a little special at the party. In the form of sluts. What your wife doesn’t know won’t hurt her, right?”
It felt like a test. To see if I shared their values and could be trusted. I laughed and channeled my inner frat boy. “Slut me up, baby.”
They all laughed, and we shook hands, promising to catch up at the party.
The instant I walked outside the smile fell from my face.
I felt dirty. If I could have walked right into an acid wash, I very well might have.
For all that I hated the man who I’d become since I’d moved away from this town, for the first time, I realized it could have been worse if I’d stayed.
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KIAN