Page 126 of Cold Hard Cash

Jimmy pouted, retreating from the yelling to the parlor at the front of the house. He hated that Cold didn’t trust him to know exactly what he was up to, and he sighed as he flopped into a chair.

He was still shocked by the mysterious phone call Augustus had been keeping a secret all this time. Now he understood why Augustus had been so convinced of David’s guilt, but it didn’t change Jimmy’s memory of what happened. He knew his father was innocent, so who was his mother talking about?

Augustus had mentioned something about a customer who had been harassing her at the jewelry shop, and then there was a robbery there the same night she was murdered. It couldn’t be a coincidence. Jimmy was frustrated. It felt like the answer was right there, but he couldn’t put it together.

He knew it had something to do with the ring from Don Rafaello.

But what?

That name Augustus had said, Gregory Rees, definitely meant something to Cold. Upon hearing it, the gangster’s face had lit up like it was Christmas morning. Jimmy was totally at Cold’s mercy for any information, though none seemed to be forthcoming anytime soon.

“Crap,” Jimmy mumbled, wishing he was an actual detective and could solve this mystery.

He looked up when he heard footsteps, and he stood to see who it was.

Augustus paused when he saw Jimmy. His face looked decades older, creased with exhaustion. “Well,” he said grimly, “I see you’ve made yourself right at home.”

“Augustus.” Jimmy frowned and wrung his hands. “I understand now why you thought it was my dad,” he began, slowly walking toward him. “I do. But there has to be another explanation—”

“Jimmy.” Augustus held up his hands. “Just stop.”

Jimmy’s heart sank.

“I’ve never claimed to be a perfect man.I know I’ve made mistakes. I’ve done plenty wrong, and I should probably let Cold turn me in. But if I can do right by you and David…” Augustus’ eyes watered. “And by Eliza. If I can do right by her, then maybe God will forgive me for all my other sins.”

“Augustus…” Jimmy wished he could reach out and embrace him. The chasm between them was still too deep, and he couldn’t bring himself to cross it. There were too many years of pain and anger. He managed to offer a small smile at least. “Does that mean you believe me?”

“It means… it means I’m willing to admit I may have been wrong,” Augustus said, his tone strained. “But Legrand is still the worst fucking monster I’ve ever met, and I will pray you wake up one day and see that for yourself before it’s too late.”

Jimmy cringed at the language, trying to respond. “But Augustus, he’s really not—”

“He’s a monster,” Augustus cut in fiercely. “If you stay here with him, you’re a fool.” He didn’t give Jimmy a chance to reply, heading toward the door.

Jimmy started after him, but he froze when he saw Lorre and Tamerlane intercepting Augustus.

“Hey there, Duplin,” Lorre said with a scowl, his eyes glittering with rage despite his calm tone.

Tamerlane walked behind Augustus, silent and watching him carefully.

“Hey, Lorre,” Augustus said, completely fearless. “Wanna get the hell out of my way?”

“You know, one of these days, I’m gonna get you for my brother,” Lorre warned.

“Well, that day is not today,” Augustus shot back with a wry smile.

“Maybe not.” Lorre glanced over his shoulder and shared a grin with Tamerlane. “But damn is it good to see Cold made you his bitch.”

Augustus’ smile dropped.

“Have a great day, Detective,” Tamerlane said cheerfully. He laughed as Lorre stepped aside to let Augustus leave.

Augustus gave Jimmy one last lingering stare before he walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Jimmy felt a hand on his waist. He jumped, his heart pounding fearfully until he heard a familiar purr. “It’s only me.”

Whirling around to see Cold standing there, Jimmy laughed breathlessly. “I hate when you do that.”

“I’ll avoid it in the future then.” Cold touched Jimmy’s cheek. His expression became stern as he looked at Tamerlane and Lorre. “Well?”