Page 132 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

The counter dug into my hip as I leaned against it. I crossed my arms. “C’mon Liis. You don’t believe I’m that clueless. Travis comes home from conferences with a busted eyebrow and lip. Fading bruises on his jaw and cheekbones. Cut and swollen knuckles.”

“Really? That’s odd,” Liis said, trying to seem busy again.

“You know what’s really odd?” I asked, crossing my hands across my middle. “Last month when Travis was in Philly and I got in that fender bender? Kostas came to help, and while we were waiting for the police to take the photos, he got a text message. From you.”

“Who?”

“Kostas,” I said, watching the wheels turn behind her eyes. “He’s always … around. But not. Almost like he keeps an eye on me for Travis when he’s gone.”

Liis grinned. “That’s kind of sweet. I can see Travis doing that.”

“Strange how he swooped in and bought Iron E from Becca, and then decided Travis was his go-to for conventions. And … he never goes.”

“You think so?”

“You know who else calls Kostas sometimes? Val Taber.”

“You’re saying these names like I should know them.”

“Liis,” I said, lowering my voice. “When you and Thomas visited last Christmas, you left your badge on your belt. It was hidden by your blazer, but when you leaned in to hug Jim, the lights glinted off the metal.”

She looked at me and chuckled. “Badge? What kind of badge?”

“Your federal badge.”

She burst into laughter. “Abby! You crack me up!”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Travis was just let off the hook because they wanted Brandon instead? You don’t really think I’m that stupid. I know everything there is to know about Mick and Benny and his associates. Why haven’t you asked me to help? Why Travis?”

“Abby …”

“I want my husband home. And you’re going to help me.”

She glanced over my shoulder, and then met my gaze. “Help with what?”

“I’m going to get intel on my father, and in turn on Benny, and help you wrap this up so I get my husband back. Whatever agreement you have with him for immunity, him fighting for Benny, it’s going to stop.”

“You can’t be serious.”

I closed my eyes. “Just … stop,” I said, trying to stay calm. “Stop lying to me. Travis is forced to every time he leaves town. You’re going to help me do this, or I’m going to blow your cover.”

Liis leaned in. I’d finally gotten her attention. “Abby, you don’t understand how dangerous that is. You could get Travis killed.”

I sighed, finally hearing the truth. “I don’t mean with Benny.” I pointed with my thumb behind me. “Those boys made a promise to their dad not to go into law enforcement. I know it’s important to Thomas to keep up the façade. You help me help Travis, and we can all keep pretending for Jim.”

“That is abadidea.”

As tiny as Liis was, she could be intimidating when she wanted to, I’d give her that. But I wasn’t backing down. It had taken me this long to figure it out and now that I had confirmation, I was going to convince her to help.

“This day will end in one of two ways. Either you and I have an understanding, or Thomas will have a lot of explaining to do. And when they find out he’s recruited Travis against his will and forced him to lie to me …”

“Okay,” Liis snapped. She took a deep breath and relaxed her shoulders. “Okay. But it’s going to be a long conversation, a lot of planning, and … Jesus, I could lose my job over this.”

I shot her a dubious look. “For me trying to repair my relationship with my father? Good luck to anyone trying to prove otherwise.”

Liis shook her head. “Abby, this is extremely dangerous. Travis wouldn’t want you getting involved.”

“You’re talking to me like these people didn’t pop in and out of my entire childhood. I know them better than anyone, and I know how to navigate the dark side of Vegas. This is what I know. You should’ve asked me in the first place. Travis wouldn’t be trading punches for a living … or whatever the hell else you have him doing.”