Page 74 of Reins

Wade snorts and Pete chuckles.

They know him so well.

“We need to get enough on the Baileys before they get too spooked and really disappear. If they have no problem going to Mexico, what’s stopping them from going to a country with no extradition?” I don’t know if I could live with myself if justice is never served.

“That’s a point,” Wade growls. “They’d be living it up, untouchable after all the pain they’ve caused.”

“They need to pay.” My hand clenches to bounce against my thigh.

“Yep.” Wade raises his nearly empty cup and tosses the last of it back. “You gonna stick around for the funeral?”

“When is it?” I don’t want to think about it. That makes my parents being dead final.

“Mason said probably middle of January when they get the grave markers. My wife volunteered to help babysit.” He stares down at his hand.

That’s when I notice the wedding band for the first time.

“Congrats, buddy,” I croak. I never thought I’d see the day.

“Thanks. Remember Quinn and Maria?” He raises his cheek and squints at me like he’s searching for some deeper answer.

“I do.” I have a feeling I know what’s coming next.

“Their daughter, Elena. We got hitched just before Thanksgiving.” His dark gaze lights up. “We got a kid coming this spring.”

“The same Elena that Max Simmons tried to kidnap?” I know it’s exactly who it is, but on some basic level I want him to know that I’ve filled in all the gaps.

His smile fades into a glower. “Yea. That son of a bitch. I’ve been trying to get in to interrogate him.”

“You know that won’t happen.” Pete rolls his eyes, then holds up his empty glass. “Talk about a conflict of interest. You know better,” he grumbles.

I pick up the decanter and fill all of our cups for another round.

Might as well.

“I just need five minutes.” Wade’s big ol’ paw widens and then cinches into a fist tight enough to make his knuckles turn white.

Then he shakes his fingers out and focuses on me. “I showed Elena your picture. She had no idea who you were. That was the other key for me that you’re innocent.”

“Jesus Christ, Wade.” I rub my palm down my face. “I wasn’t the driver. Ava was. I found proof. I thought that part of my past was over.” My hand shakes, but no amount of alcohol will get rid of the tremor caused by knowing so much misery was based on that lie. “But the Baileys can’t let it go. I’m positive that’s what this is all about. They still are out for revenge even after all these years.”

“You weren’t the driver?” His amber eyes are so wide there’s a sea of white around them. “Holy shit, Cade.”

“No. And I’m pretty sure Eli tampered with the brakes. He caused it. I was blamed for it. And Black Gulch is paying the price.” My fucking family, who hates me.

“I can see why you don’t want to wait.” He frowns and moves to the sink. “I hope you keep me in the loop and I’ll do the same.”

When Wade moves closer, his palms clap me on either shoulder. “Am I gonna see you again?”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. This time I pull him in for one last hug.

As we part, I pause. “Can you do me a small favor?”

“Of course.” He towers over me, rivaling only Dixon in size.

“Make sure this makes it onto one of my parent’s headstones?” I hold out the small green piece of jade I’ve carried in my pocket for years. “I don’t need it anymore. I know the real monsters are people now.”

Wade’s copper brows knit in a confused expression, but he nods and takes the stone. “That they are, man. That they are.”