Free Read from Shake the Sugar Tree
“You're late.”
Roderick Borst blamed the fifth. The easy way it hit his belly after a long day of working the books and maintaining order in his real estate kingdom lent to the occasional mishap. This one would cost, for sure. Truth was, his kingdom belonged to Delvecchio. And if he ever found out Roderick was skimming...
Cody's roughened cowboy boot hit Roderick's lower back with uncanny precision.
He dropped to his knees and moaned against the pain in his side. He would endure the pain in order to keep his secret. Borrow the money, cover the books. Better—safer—to owe Cody Quinn.
“You're short as well.”
Roderick pushed up on his hands but didn't raise his head. “Two thousand is a sign of good faith. You know I'll get you the rest.”
“Well now,” the long drawl quipped. “That's good. That's real good because you've got seventy-two hours.”
Oh God. “But—”
Cody nodded his head.
Movement in the corner of Roderick's eye sent his pulse racing. Two meaty looking rednecks circled him. He tensed, sweat rolled down his temple. In a flash, the men came at him. He blocked the first blow, then the second. His temper rose. They were toying with him—small jabs as laughter echoed through the basement. They retreated and Roderick came to a halt, breathing hard.
“You tell that pretty Nurse Katie I said hi...” Cody was near the exit door, his hat lowered over his eyes.
Anger with a large dose of fear rose in Roderick's throat. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. You won't be disappointed.”
“Hey, Rod.”
Roderick stopped brushing himself free of the dirt that covered his suit and looked up. His blood ran cold at the piercing gaze from eyes as blue and cold as ice.
“Ah'm never disappointed.”
