page91 (2/2)

“Where’d you find hi the conversation back around

“He was holed up in Corvallis,” Grease said, the s “Stayin’ at a nasty ass motel that rented by the month”

“Fuckin’ moron,” I huffed Corvallis was only a couple hours away Copper hadn’t even tried to run

“Man just about shit his pants when To his voice low “Didn’t take et him talkin’”

“Ain’t surprised”

Grease nodded “Fro toward the stairs before continuing, “he set you up so he could save you”

“Co ht

“Yeah,” Grease said with a bark of laughter “Hired a coupla urin’ no one would miss ’em when he took ’em out”

“Copper was never there,” I said flatly

“He set up the house, found the men,” Grease continued “Had ’em snatch you Planned on showin ’up to save the day after they’d worked you over”

I just stared at him

“Stupid“Drunk and disorderly By the tiot out and went back to the house, cleaners had already been through—no sign of you”

“Jesus Christ End game?”

“Thought he’d be forgiven,” Grease said flatly “With a hero’s welcome”

“And Rose?” I asked

“Lost his mind when he found out she was there Wasn’t part of the deal”

“Can’t trust a meth head,” I said flatly

“No shit”

“All a’this,” I said, thuhtly, “because he wanted his patch back?”

“Hell of a way to get it,” Grease mumbled “Pay you back for beatin’ his ass and come out smellin’ like daisies”

I shook h hell because some dumb fuck couldn’t take his punishment like a man and move the fuck on

“You took care of it?” I finally asked

“It’s done”

We both looked toward the hall as the shower shut off A couple minutes later, the bathroom door opened

“I better get goin’,” Grease said

I got tohe offered

“Alot,” he said as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a s it to me “Glad you’re on the mend”

“Thanks,” I said, holding eye contact