[Charlie Rhodes 06.0] The Incubus Impasse

by Amanda M. Lee

  Jack picked that moment to return. He was momentarily oblivious. “Everyone ready?” When I didn’t immediately answer, he shifted his gaze to me ... and then was on me in two long strides. “What’s wrong?” His hand was on my forehead. “Are you relapsing? Do you need to go to the hospital? You know what? You’re going whether you like it or not. That’s all there is to it.”

  The look Casey shot me was full of warning. He was silently admonishing me to keep my mouth shut. I’d done that before, though, and I had no intention of doing it again.

  “He says he’s my brother.” I blurted out the words, earning a scowl from Casey. “He says he’s my brother and knows ... everything.”

  Jack immediately pushed himself between us, standing as a buffer between Casey and me. Fury radiated off him in waves. “I knew there had to be something wrong with you. No one can put up with Laura. Who are you? What’s your game?”

  The sigh Casey let loose was long and drawn out. “I’m Charlie’s brother ... though I used to call her something else. That’s for another time. Before you start, Jack, you should know that I’ve already volunteered to take a DNA test. I don’t expect her to swallow this information on faith alone.”

  “How awesome of you,” Jack drawled. “Why are you here? What do you want from her?”

  “That’s to be discussed once the DNA test is finalized. She’s not going to believe until she has proof. She’s always had a hard head.”

  I felt sick to my stomach and bent over at the waist. “Jack ... .”

  He immediately moved his hand to my back. “It’s okay. I won’t let him hurt you ... or take you. We’ll get rid of him.”

  “Oh, don’t be so hasty,” Casey chided. “How are you going to explain wanting to oust me? If you try, I’ll tell Chris what she can do. You’ll leave me no other choice. Is that what you want?”

  “You’re blackmailing us?” I was incredulous. “So much for family bonding.”

  “There’s a lot you don’t know, Charlie,” Casey countered. “I’m being as expedient as I can. There is a specific outcome here that needs to be achieved. Make no mistake about it, we will come to a meeting of the minds.”

  “And what happens if we don’t agree to your terms?” Jack challenged.

  “You’ll find out that she can be taken after all.” Casey was firm. “Don’t fight me on this, Jack. You’ll lose.” With those words, he strolled toward the door. “We should get moving. They’re waiting for us at the airport.”

  Jack pulled me into his arms the second he disappeared. “It’s okay.” He kissed my forehead and hugged me tight. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll figure this out.”

  I wanted to laugh, but it would’ve been hollow. How were we supposed to figure this out?

  “It’s going to be okay,” he repeated, hugging me as tightly as he could. “If this guy wants a war, he’s got one. I’ll fight him.”

  I believed that. The question was: Would Jack be capable of stopping him?

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  About the Author

  I want to thank everyone who takes the time to read my novels. I have a particular brand of humor that isn’t for everyone – and I know that.

  If you liked the book, please take a few minutes and leave a review. An independent author does it all on their own, and the reviews are helpful. I understand that my characters aren’t for everyone, though. There’s a lot of snark and sarcasm in my world – and I know some people don’t like that.

  Special thanks go out to Heidi Bitsoli and Phil VanHulle for correcting the (numerous) errors that creep into a work of fiction.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  For more information:

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