Page 16 of Almost Beautiful (Beautiful 3)

“It’s not your offer,” Jesse said, looking to Travis. “It’s just one more thing he can do for you, Maddox. He can make you rich, make your problems go away …”

“Who are you right now?” I asked, disgusted.

“You’re not fighting anymore,” Jesse continued, ignoring my jab. “You’re a married man. You have bills to pay. Benny can make all of it go away, Maddox. All you have to do is what you do best.”

“It’s not what I do anymore,” Travis said. His rage was boiling just beneath the surface, and it bled through to his tone.

“Well,” Jesse said, handing him his card. “Let me know if you change your mind, but you should probably decide quickly. Our ears at the FBI say you don’t have much time.” He looked to me, for the first time his confidence waned, replaced by a tinge of sadness. “You, too.”

“Her?” Travis asked. “Why her?”

Jesse returned his attention to Travis, all sympathy disappearing from his eyes. “Decide soon. Benny won’t get involved once charges are filed.” Jesse walked a few steps backward, then looked up at America. “And head’s up. They bugged your whole place.”

“Since when?” I asked.

“I got the call on my way here. You were at the dealership.”

“They were just here?” I asked, pointing to the apartment. “Inside, installing surveillance equipment in just the last hour and a half?”

“It’s what they do. Doesn’t take long for suits.”

“We can work around that,” I said, looking to Travis. “And we have plans for income. We don’t need Benny’s help.” I turned back to Jesse. “We don’t.”

“He’s not doing this out of the goodness of his heart, Abby. You have something he wants. Both of you. But he’s willing to help you with just what Travis has to offer. Abby,” he said, moving toward me. Travis took a step, his chest touching my back.

“If you touch her …” Travis began.

Jesse held up his hands. “I care about her, too, Travis, and have for a lot longer. We’re wasting time. You’re both in a lot of trouble. Abby”—he looked to me again—“no matter how you feel about Benny or your dad, I’d take him up on it. This might be your only chance.”

He turned and walked away, stopping at a slick, black McLaren.

“Holy shit, that’s a three-hundred-thousand-dollar car,” Shepley said, unable to hide his excitement. As Jesse backed away and drove off, Shepley snapped out of it. “Wait. You’re in trouble with the Feds? Because of the fire? Trav, are you going to prison over this?”

Travis ran his hand over his wet hair and face, and then looked down at me.

“No,” I said. “We’ll find another way.”

Travis nodded and turned his attention to his cousin. “Not another word, Shep. Never discuss this again.”

“Are you going to be okay, though?”

“Shep, listen to me. I’m scared, too, but you have to stay out of this. You don’t know anything. Don’t ask me anything again. You don’t want to get involved.”

“You’re family, Trav. I can’t just stay out of this!”

“Damn it, Shep! You can’t help me!” he yelled, calming himself before he spoke again. “Do for America what I didn’t do for Abby. Keep her safe.”

I took his hand and squeezed, hating that he felt that way.

After a long pause, Shepley nodded, worry darkening his face.

Chapter Five

What’s Left of Right

Travis

ABBY’S HAND FELT SMALL BUT RELAXEDin mine as we walked down the wet sidewalk, past the yellow tape surrounding Keaton Hall.