Page 53 of Brick

***

“What’d you findout?”Brick asked Zain, as they hit the interstate.It was almost 8:30p.m., and the September sky was dark.

“Fucker’s at home.Chillin’ like he didn’t just take a kid from his mother.”

“He must’ve got the message from Justin by now.”Brick’s mouth twitched as he imagined Keetan receiving the news that Brick had taken back his son.He couldn’t wait to watch the bastard flounder as the next part of his sick plan was shot to hell.

Whatever flimsy evidence he thought he had against Natalie.

“You mentioned Keetan has a recording we need to get back.”

“That’s right.”

Zain stroked his dark beard.“Care to elaborate?”

Brick sighed.It was Natalie’s business.He didn’t want to share her personal story.But given that she was wanted on suspicion of manslaughter, he might have to offer his friend some context.

“Keetan’s sister died a decade ago.Natalie was there at the time of her death.”

Zain stopped at a red light and flicked his gaze toward Brick.“You telling me the murder accusation is true?”

“No,” he snapped.“She didn’t kill his sister,” he added, with emphasis.

Zain lifted one hand off the steering wheel, palm out in surrender.“Fine.Just checking.But you realize a recording wouldn’t be enough to incriminate her anyway.”

“I know.I’m sure it wouldn’t hold up in court.But it doesn’t matter.He’s been lording this over her for years.Even if it’s not enough to lock Natalie up, it would be enough to devastate her if it got out.”

“All right.”

“I don’t want that sonofabitch having a single tie to Natalie and Bray.Nothing that he could use to—” He snapped his mouth closed.

“To get them back?”Zain offered, his voice gruff but understanding.

“To hurt them,” Brick countered.Or to get them back.

“Fair enough.You and Natalie seem...cozy.Think there’s still something there?”

Brick shifted uncomfortably.He’d already told Natalie he wouldn’t let anything come between them.They still had a lot to figure out, however.Shit that could make or break whatever was starting.

“I want to be in their lives,” Brick finally answered.“We don’t know what that’s gonna look like yet.”

“Will she move to Seattle?”

Brick blew out an exasperated breath.“Dude.”He didn’t stifle the bite in his tone.“I literally just found her yesterday—just met my son today.I hope she’ll move.I plan to do everything to help them if it’s something she’s willing to do, but we haven’t discussed it yet.”

“Sorry.Just trying to wrap my head around the idea of you having a kid.I mean that in the best way.It’s good.”A beat passed.“I could see you guys together.Happy and shit.”

Brick snorted.“Thanks.Appreciate it.”

“No problem.You ready to pound her ex’s face in?”

“Can’t fucking wait.”

CHAPTER 15

Zain parked onthe side of the road three doors down from Keetan’s house.From where they sat, only one vehicle was visible in the driveway.The porch light was on.They’d waited outside for almost ten minutes to see if anyone would enter or leave, but the house remained quiet.If Justin and his gang members were around, there was no sign of them.

“I’m ready when you are,” Zain said.