Page 13 of Devious Corruption

“Nothing we can’t handle, but you have to get it back for us.” Keith grabs my forearm, squeezing. “You have to. Today. Now. This afternoon.”

“How am I supposed to do that? You just said he’s some big guy in the—” I cut off when the happy couple reappears from the magazine section and crosses over to where she’ll find books to plan her perfect wedding.

“You know him, obviously. Just tell him you need it back.” Joey comes closer, they’re huddled around me. “I’m serious, Max. We need it back.”

“I get that, but I already told him he couldn’t take it,and he did.” The asshole. “He said if you wanted it back, you’d have to go get it.”

Keith’s lips turn white as he presses them together, and for the first time in the all the time I’ve been with them, I’m not sure he’s not considering turning over a few tables.

“Tell me what’s going on; I can help.”

Keith lets my arm go. “You can’t.”

He shoves his hand into hair, leaving it spiked.

“Maybe I can try;” I offer.

“Can you call him?” Joey asks. His annoyance flattens out, and he’s back to strategic thinking.

“I don’t have his number, but I have his sister’s.”

Keith’s eyebrows raise. “That’s who that new girl is? His sister?”

“I didn’t realize who or what he was when I’d met her. She’s a fashion guru, or will be soon, and was helping Vee with something. Her brother wasn’t a concern at the time.”

“Well, he is now.” Keith reaches around me and grabs my cell phone that’s sitting on the counter. “Call her, get his number.”

A shadow appears to my left. The happy couple is ready to check out.

I grab the phone from Keith and shove it into my back pocket while giving him a look that I hope he reads asgive me a damn minute.

“All set?” I ask the bride as I grab the stack of bridal magazines and two books from her.

“I think so. Sorry if we’re interrupting?” She gives a wary glance at my brothers, who have stepped back far enough not to crowd us, but not so far away that she doesn’t realize they’re waiting for me.

“Oh, no. Not at all. Did you find everything all right?” I scan the bar codes then bag the items.

“Yes, you have a nice selection. I was surprised, given how small the store is.” Her fiancé hands over his credit card. A black Amex. It’s heavy and thick, and with no limit.

“Thanks. I try to keep the stock up as best I can. Paper receipt, or would you like it emailed?” My fingers hover over the register.

The heat from Keith’s glare will burn my skin if this goes on much longer.

“Oh, none needed.” The bride takes the bag from the counter.

I finish the transaction, swiping the luxury card and handing it back to the groom. He’s dressed in a suit that’s clearly tailor-fitted, and on his pinkie is a thick gold ring with a diamond nestled in the top and a five-pointed star with the initial D in the center on the side.

“Great. Well, have a good day, and congratulations.”

I hold my salesmen smile in place until they’re back on the street before I return my attention back to my brothers.

“Call him.” Joey demands.

“Her.” Keith corrects him. “She has to call the girl to get the number for him.”

I sigh. “He’s going to want to know where you got it.Are you in trouble with some other group that sells guns? Did you steal it from someone who does?”

Keith nudges Joey, and they share a look. Their ability to have full conversations right in front of me without making a sound is impressive.