Same old shit. Different day.
Hank was never going to change, he was as predictable as the moon. Boring, sad and pathetic, he was everything Fury wasn’t.
And Fury was all the good that a man like Hank could only ever dream of becoming.
That is, as long as Bodhi Green didn’t sink his claws into him too deeply.
CHAPTER 21
BODHI
My eyes trailed over Jackie’s pert ass as she fluttered around the diner, topping off coffee cups and delivering platters of steaming eggs and bacon and sausage.
She was definitely beautiful. Just like her mother, Jane, had been, and just as my father had described her grandmother.
Looks like that runs in the family, I guess.
Will sat to my right, sullen and angry as usual. Ross, always chipper and upbeat, sat to my left. And Connor sat next to him. Our corner booth gave me the perfect view of the front door, so I could always see who was coming in. My father taught me to never turn my back to the door, and I’d taken his advice to heart.
“Bodhi, did you hear me?” Will asked, his voice urgent and low.
“What, sorry?” I said, pulling my eyes away from Jackie’s curves.
“Someone broke into my house last night,” he said.
“Shit,” I said, shaking my head. “I don’t know what’s going on. Did they take anything?”
“Not that I can tell, which is fucking weird, because my laptop was right there in plain sight. They just rummaged through my office, but everything is still there. Someone’s looking for something, I tell you!”
“Well, I’ve got a man on it, don’t worry.”
“What do you mean?”
“I hired some security.”
“You did?” he asked, his eyes wide. “That’s not like you.”
“Modern times call for modern solutions. I’ll send my guy over to your place to look around, too. His name is Fury.”
“Fury?” Ross asked. “You’re kidding, right? What kind of man goes by the name of Fury?”
“A tank of a man,” I replied, smiling proudly. I liked Fury. I liked his quiet yet seething demeanor. I liked his hulking frame, his scary tattoos and scars. “You’ll see. I’ll send him over to your place this afternoon, Will.”
“Alright,” Will said. “But I don’t think some big ape running around is going to solve anything. We’ve still got New York to think about and those guys aren’t happy, Bodhi.”
“Fuck them!” I said, my voice bellowing through the diner. A few heads turned my way, but most of the people in Greenville were used to my sudden outbursts. “They can kiss my ass. And trust me, they’ll do what we want. Money talks. And those kind of people? They always listen.”
“Bodhi, listen man, I gotta tell you,” Will said, shaking his head. “I’m thinking about leaving.”
“What do you mean?”
“Leaving town. Moving away. Starting fresh somewhere else. Take the wife and kid and look for a less stressful life.”
“Is that so?” I said, staring him down. “I don’t think so.”
“You can’t just —.”
“— yes, I can.”
“Bodhi, it’s not fair to my family!”
“Yeah, and what you did to Bryce wasn’t fair, either was it?” I whispered, seething with anger. “And yet, look at you — a free man, with a loving family, a strong career and your freedom. What does Bryce have? Nothing but a cold grave.”
“Bodhi, I know, and really, I appreciate everything you’ve done, but this is getting to be too much for me to take. Maybe we should just turn ourselves in and get it over with. We’ve been living with this secret for twenty-five years! It’s wearing on me.”
“You selfish prick,” I said, shaking my head. “After all I’ve done for you over the years and now, as soon as the heat gets turned up a little, you want to abandon ship? Fuck you, Will. You’re an asshole.”
“Bodhi…”
“You’re not fucking going anywhere, and if you tell anyone what happened, I’ll make sure you don’t live to see the light of day, do you fucking understand me, Will?”
He hung his head in defeat and I couldn’t help but smirk. The little asshole threatening to ruin everything, after I saved his ass? Fuck him.
“Fine,” he muttered. I glanced over at Ross and he shook his head and shrugged.
“Ain’t no use in dredging up the past, Will,” Ross said. “Won’t do anything but ruin our lives at this point.”
“He’s right, Will,” Connor said. “We’ve come this far. We just have to stay the course. Nothing good will come out of it.”
“I don’t see how you guys sleep at night,” Will said, shaking his head.
“In a comfortable bed and very deeply, thank you very much,” I said, laughing.
Jackie walked up, filling up our cups.
“Hey, Jackie,” I said, eyeing her up and down.
“Bodhi,” she nodded, avoiding my eye. “Can I get you fellas anything else?”
“We’re good,” I said. “Jackie, why don’t you ever smile? A pretty girl with a face like that? You should be smiling all the time.”
She pursed her lips and shook her head.
“I only smile at people when I want to, Bodhi,” she said.
“Such a shame,” I said, shaking my head.
“Why don’t you go make your wife smile and leave my face alone?”
“Testy,” I said, laughing. “I think my wife forgot how to smile.”
Will shook his head but I ignored him. I was pretty sure he was still in love with Marilyn, but he’d never admit it. Or, at least the woman she used to be. Nobody could love the woman she’d turned into. God, she was like a limp rag most days, just uselessly taking up space. If I didn’t have to consider what it would do to Molly, I’d just get rid of her and find someone new, someone younger, healthier, prettier.
Jackie strolled away without another word and Will turned back to me.
“I have to go,” he said. “I have a conference call with the attorneys in an hour.”
“Me, too,” Ross said. “Gotta get to the office.”
“Yep, same,” Connor said. “Bodhi, let me know if any information turns up about the break-ins.”
“I’m going to have my guy put in surveillance cameras today. I’d suggest you do the same, Will. Want me to have him put cameras in your place, too?”
“I don’t know, Bodhi. That’s so disturbing. Whatever happened to the town where you could leave your doors unlocked twenty-four seven?”
“Everything changes, my friend,” I said. “Everything changes.”
“Yeah,” he said, shaking his head. “I think I’ll pass on the cameras for now.”
“Suit yourself,” I said.
“If I suited myself, I’d be fleeing this god-awful town.”
“Don’t start up again,” I warned, as the three of them slid out of the booth.
“Yeah, yeah,” Will said, throwing a twenty down on the table and walking away.
“Call me after your conference call,” I called after him. He waved without turning around and was out the door in seconds.
“I think he’s starting to lose it, boys,” I said to Ross and Connor.
“He’s just scared, Bodhi, cut him a little slack,” Ross said.
I shrugged as they walked away, leaving me alone in the booth. I looked around at the diner, the past strolling through my head like a movie. So much had occurred in this place, from my first date as a teen to celebrations after winning football games. We’d organized the search for Bryce here, too. The entire town had participated in the search back then. We’d never had anyone disappear like that before and most of the townsfolk was convinced we had a murderer walking amongst us or something. Luckily, they’d never found him, because I’d managed to convince everyone there was no need to look on my folk’s property back then.
The Green family was a pillar in the community. Nobody in my family would ever suspect Bryce would be buried
there and that’s exactly why I’d chosen that spot. And I’d been right. All this time, Bryce’s grave had gone completely undiscovered and undisturbed. Every now and then, I’d wander back there, talk to him a little, spend a little time with him, even leave behind some flowers occasionally. But, for the most part, after all the hoopla died down and he was never found, after the search was called off, folks just went on with their lives as if nothing had ever happened.
Will, Ross and Connor had benefited the most from my quick thinking and they’d do best to remember that.
My property was vast and other than wildlife, completely deserted.
Plenty of room for more graves, should the need arise…
CHAPTER 22
FURY
Green’s voice carried down the hall as soon as I opened the door to the building. His loud voice had risen to an angry shriek.
“I don’t care what you have to do, Andrew! Get it fucking done! Those contracts need to be signed today or else you’re fucking fired? Do you understand?”
Pearl greeted me with a shaky smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Phillips.”
“Call me Fury, please, Pearl,” I said.
“I don’t care what it costs!” Green yelled. His office door was open and I hesitated at Pearl’s desk, not sure if I should go in or not.
“Fury it is,” she said. “Wait here and I’ll let Mr. Green know you’re here.”
I nodded and sat down in a nearby chair.
“There was another break-in last night. I’m pretty sure it was Antonio’s men looking for information and I know they’re behind the delay. Fix it, Andrew! Fix it now!” Green yelled, before I heard a loud thump that I was pretty sure was a phone being hurled across the room.
I’d worn a suit today, something Grace obtained from the clothing store on the corner, my gun hidden in the holster at my waist. The heaviness of it comforted me. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this job, from this man that I knew was dangerous, at least to his family. Grace and Ryder had given me a small lecture before I’d left, reminding me that little Molly’s life was on the line. Staying undercover was essential for getting her to a safe place, no matter what I found out. Ryder insisted that I never try to handle anything dangerous alone and to call them first if I saw an opportunity to remove Molly from the house.
I assured them I’d follow their rules, no matter how hard I found it to keep my cool around Green. I’d instantly disliked him yesterday.
He was older than me, at least by ten years, maybe fifteen, but I was much larger than him. I knew I could take him if I had to. What I didn’t really know for sure is if I would be able to restrain myself from blowing his head off if I actually witnessed him hurting his daughter.
I’d try.
For Grace and Ryder, and for Molly, I’d try.
I might have made a promise to Solid Ground to always consult with them, that was part of the agreement, but that didn’t make it any easier.
After a moment, Pearl walked out with a nervous smile and nodded at me.
“Mr. Green is ready for you,” she said, softly, a stark contrast to the raving lunatic in the office behind her.
I walked in, tentatively knocking on the open door.
“Fury!” Bodhi greeted me enthusiastically. “So glad to see you!”
“Hello, Mr. Green,” I nodded. “I’m happy to be here.”
“Call me Bodhi,” he said. “We’re going to get to know each other very well, you and I.”
“Bodhi,” I nodded, standing in front of his desk. “How can I help you today?”
“Close the door,” he nodded. I turned and closed it, walking back to him. “Have a seat.”
I sat down facing him and smiled.
“I’ve never had security,” he quipped, with a proud smile. “Never needed one. But things are changing, the world is changing, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“People aren’t nice anymore, they don’t follow the rules,” he continued. I nodded in agreement. “I mentioned I’ve had a few break-ins. So has my partner, Will. Have you ever done any investigative work, Fury?”
“Sure,” I nodded, lying.
“I need to figure out why they’re breaking in. They never take anything or disturb much at all.”
“How are they breaking in?”
“They come right through the door, I think. When I came in the office this morning, the back door was open.”
“Do you have surveillance, sir?”
“Stop calling me ‘sir’, that’s my father. And he’s dead as a doornail.”
“Will do, Bodhi,” I replied.
“Surveillance is another thing I haven’t needed. Don’t think anyone in this town has surveillance, actually. But I was going to suggest that.”
“That would be the first thing I would suggest, too.”
“Okay, we can do that.”
“Excellent,” I replied. “Do you have any idea who might be trespassing?”
“I’m doing this deal in New York,” he said. “Big project. A hotel in Manhattan. I had to venture out of this stupid town to make any real money. My lawyer has been working on acquiring the land and the permits necessary to start construction, but he’s running into a few problems with the locals. They want affordable housing built instead of a boutique hotel, but I have no interest in building some low-rent housing project. What a headache, can you imagine? Anyway, I suspect the previous owners of the land are trying to discredit me in some way. Trying to find some dirt on me, or something. So, I think it may be them.”
“Anyone else that might have a reason?”
“Not that I know of,” he replied.
“And you said your home was broken into as well?”
“Yes, and that’s harder to explain. My estate is well-secured.”
“Do you have cameras there?”
“No. Like I said…”
“No need, right.”
“Right. So, I need your help.”
“How can I help?”
“I’d like you to check everything out, head up this project to make everything more secure. Pearl can find a surveillance company to install all the cameras but look over my home and business and tell me how to make it more secure. Install new locks, that kind of thing.”
“I can do that,” I replied.
“Excellent. Work on the office today and then you can go home with me later. My wife is having the maid cook up something special for dinner tonight, you can join us.”
“That’s not necessary,” I replied.
“Nonsense, I insist.”
“Alright,” I agreed, standing up. “If there’s not anything else right now, I’ll get to work.”
“Fantastic,” he said. “I met with the Sheriff this morning to report the break in and he insists it’s bored teenagers that are breaking in. I don’t agree.”
“Either way, sir — I mean, Bodhi — we’ll get to the bottom of it.”
“Thank you, Fury,” he said, flashing me a smile. “I think I’m going to like having you around.”
I nodded back and left his office to find Pearl.
“Leaving so soon?” she asked.
“No. Mr. Green would like you to find a surveillance company to install cameras here and at his home. I’ll be looking around the premises for a while.”
“Alright,” she nodded. “But that’s going to be difficult around here.”
“Why?”
“Everyone in this town leaves their doors unlocked twenty-four seven. There’s no security company in town.”
“I see,” I said. “You know what? I know a guy. I’ll give him a call.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do,” she said. “I can always call a company from the city.”
“Thank you, Pearl,” I said. “Do you have any idea who might be breaking in?”
“No,” she said. “Although, I’d imagine it could be any number of people.”
“Why do you say that?”
/> “Mr. Green isn’t the most liked figure in town,” she whispered. “Sometimes people get petty and lash out.”
“I see,” I said. “Has he upset anyone recently? Can you give me a list of names?”
Her laughter echoed throughout the room.
“Just pick up the white pages and point.”
“I see,” I said. “Thank you, Pearl.”
“Certainly,” she said. I turned and walked to the front door, a smirk on my face. Green evidently had many enemies. Figuring out who was doing this probably wouldn’t be too difficult. Pearl might not have given me names, but I suspected they were on the tip of her tongue.
I just needed to loosen her up a little and get her talking.
After all, loose lips sink ships and Green’s ship was taking on a whole lot of water.
I walked outside and pulled out my phone. Ryder answered on the first ring.
“How’s it going, Fury?”
“So far, so good,” I said. “He wants me to find someone to install security cameras at his house and business. Think you can take care of that?”
“Sure can,” he said.
“You’re hired!” I laughed.
“Should be easy enough,” he said. “I’ll make a quick trip to Portland for the supplies and install everything tomorrow.”
“Perfect,” I said. “Thanks, brother.”
“Any other news?”
“Not yet.”
“Keep your chin up.”
“Will do, brother. Let me know if Riot uncovers anything.”
CHAPTER 23
MOLLY
I stared at the humongous man sitting at our dinner table with eyes as wide as saucers. He seemed to be as wide as he was tall and his arms looked like they could crush a pick-up truck. Tattoos wrapped around his arms like sleeves and the closer I looked at them, the more I shuddered. There was a pair of screaming demons on one arm and the other arm was covered entirely in skulls. Even his knuckles were tattooed.
“Molly stop staring at our guest,” Daddy said.
FURIOUS: GODS OF CHAOS MC (BOOK SEVEN) Page 12
