The Enemy's Son
Page 9
Seeing Alexander that close to Cora made Nick’s skin crawl. He was glad she went inside and Alexander walked to meet him.
He didn’t waste any pleasantries. “Did Jerry find the money this soon?”
Alexander snorted. “Hardly.”
Nick had to play his role and pretend they were on the same team. “So what’s the news?”
“He still claims someone else stole it. He’s investigating, he says. My guess is he’ll get himself killed.”
Nick held a straight face even though he felt like punching Alexander right in that straight, pointed nose of his.
“Did I ruin your plans by showing up?” Alexander’s mouth twisted. “I hope you won’t bother pretending you’re not trying to get her into bed.”
Alexander’s crude words pushed Nick’s buttons. Still, he only shrugged.
“I’m just doing what my father needs me to.” Nick tried to take a non defensive stance to avoid a conflict. “Keith wants her up here for a while, so this is where we’re staying.”
“I don’t buy it, and I don’t know why Keith does.”
Alexander wanted a fight, and a reason to grab Cora and take off with her. “Guess it’s a family thing,” Nick said, abandoning his plans for avoiding a conflict. That had to piss Alexander off.
“Keith doesn’t need a lawyer around,” Alexander said. “You know that, don’t you? You walked away and you’re not getting back in.”
It was obvious why Alexander felt so strongly. He was Keith’s number one man, and he got there because Nick chose to leave his family.
“Don’t be so sure.” Nick took a new line of defense. “Maybe a lawyer in the family could prove useful.”
Alexander was so stunned that he took a step backwards. Nick immediately regretted his words because now Alexander had another reason to watch him closely.
“What do you want with Cora?” Nick asked. He knew it was a dangerous question, but he hoped Alexander might let something slip. “Why did you really get her involved?”
Alexander laughed. “You know it was the only way to get Jerry to find the money while trusting that he wouldn’t go to the police. We can’t let information like this reach the press.”
Alexander’s story remained the same but his actions said otherwise. Nick couldn’t imagine Alexander sacrificing his job, but his instincts told him that Alexander wanted Cora for something more. Nick stepped back. “We don’t need to get in each other’s way. You do your job and I’ll do mine.”
“That’s right. You do what you’re told.” Alexander turned and stalked off to the path leading to the shed.
Nick glanced toward the cabin, wondering if Cora heard the conversation.