Page 142 of Family Jewels

I’d been oblivious to it all. He hadn’t shared a word of it with me during our weekly meetings, and while I was fit to be tied, he’d been dishonest with me, my respect for his rule over the county increased.

“Any time the law’s looking into an illegal venture,” James said, “it puts anyone associated with the person being investigated at risk. But more importantly, most pimps are selfish pricks who treat women as property. I won’t tolerate that kind of behavior in this county.”

“How’s it any different than you havin’ the Bunny Ranch?” Buck asked with a sneer. “I see. It’s a case of do as I say, not as I do.”

“The Bunny Ranch is a strip club, which is watched over by the sheriff’s department. I treat my dancers better than most places. They get guaranteed wages, and I offer health benefits. I’m pretty much the only place in the state to offer that.”

“They’re still sleepin’ with customers for money,” Kip said. “Prostitution.”

“What they do when they leave the club is their own damn business. We recommend that they don’t for their own safety, but we don’t stop them either. And we sure as hell don’t take a cut.” James’ eyes turned hard. “So no, Wagner. It’s not do as I say. I don’t condone prostitution, and I won’t allow anyone to run a prostitution network in this county.”

“Then how the hell am I supposed to make money?”

“I have several opportunities for men who’ve proved themselves loyal to me. I’d be more than happy to take a meeting, Wagner, but you have to prove I can trust you. After this stunt, you’re back at square one. But I’m willing to revisit this again if you choose to prove yourself.”

Kip looked genuinely shocked.

“Any more questions, Mr. Wagner?” I asked. “Anything else you’d like to discuss?”

“No,” he snapped, but he seemed less angry than when he’d first walked in.

“You’re not falling for his bullshit, are you, Wagner?” Buck asked in disgust.

“Mr. Reynolds, what Mr. Wagner and Mr. Malcolm discuss is between them. If you would like to bring your own matter to the table, feel free.”

“Fine. I want my damn necklace.”

I crossed over and stood in front of him, staring down into his arrogant face. “I told you that you would get it when we’re done.”

He lifted his eyes to mine. “What’s to stop me from takin’ it right now and walkin’ out?”

Neely Kate picked up one of Jed’s guns from the chair and aimed it at Buck. “How about this big ol’ gun?” She cocked her head to the side. “I don’t miss; ask anyone in this room who’s seen me shoot. And unlike Lady, I have no problem takin’ care of the trash when it needs to be taken out.”

Buck’s face turned red, but he didn’t budge from his chair.

“Mr. Reynolds,” I said. “How many men are supporting your takeover? Five? Ten?”

He glared at me.

“I know all about your coup attempt—storm the pool hall and eliminate Skeeter and Jed—but it’s a fool’s plan.”

He jerked upright, his mouth dropping open before he managed to shake off his surprise. “How the hell would you know that?”

“Are you serious? First off, it’s going to be so obvious who’s responsible that even the Henryetta Police Department could figure it out. Sure, you might be king, but for how long? A few days? Since it’s the Henryetta PD, your reign might take a week or two, but it hardly seems worth a lifetime in prison. It would be hard to rule there, and even harder to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”

“I’ve got a plan,” he said with a smirk. “And I’ve got an inside man at the sheriff’s office.”

I laughed. “I have several. And, I assure you, mine are higher placed than yours.”

He pointed his finger at me. “I told you that you’re Malcolm’s bitch.”

My gaze turned cold. “I warned you.”

He grinned, comfortable in his conviction that I didn’t have the power to follow through on my threat.

“Neely Kate,” I said. “Give me the necklace.”

She gave it to me, and I held the gaudy necklace up, pretending to examine it. “What did Raddy say these stones were? White sapphires?”