The next morning, I booked a direct flight from LaGuardia to Atlanta. The flight was full, but luckily, I snagged a middle seat. Unfortunately, I was sandwiched between a guy who was so big he needed two seats and a college kid that was built like a linebacker.

My mind replayed everything I had learned over the past 12 hours. I finally learned why I never heard back from Mac. After calling his phone for about fifty times in a row, his wife finally picked up to tell me that he’d had a stroke about a week and a half ago. I wanted to kick myself.

Captain Brown however came through for me big-time. I learned about the connection between Mayor Decapio and Senator Hunt. Never in a million years would I have guessed that they were college fraternity brothers. I didn’t even know they had fraternities back then.

I cringed as I reread the document he sent me. It was a closed file that only someone with his connections could get their hands on. My brain couldn’t compute how fucked up this was. With each passing second, I became more unhinged. It turned out Lexi wasn’t Colton’s only victim. I reviewed the details of the police report and wondered how the hell he had gotten away with it.

I spent the entire night digging up as much information as I could. I wasn’t going to Atlanta unprepared. I anxiously rubbed my hands down the length of my jeans and prayed that I wasn’t too late.

As soon as the plane touched down and the seat belt light turned off, I jumped up and moved up the cabin like a man on a mission. I felt like a ticking bomb, ready to go off.

I immediately spotted Lexi’s sister Laney waiting for me in baggage claim. The resemblance was uncanny. They could easily pass for twins. Laney and I had had a nice, long conversation after I’d tracked her down last night. I was so thankful that I left the bar early, otherwise I would not have been able to get as much done as I did. I was still running on no sleep, but that was okay. I was so damn wired I couldn’t sit still. We agreed to meet at the airport and drive over to her parent’s house together. Colton didn’t have a clue what was coming.

Let the motherfucking games begin.

The ride to her parent’s house took forever. I knew Lexi’s family had money, but this house was ridiculous.

Laney pointed to the shiny black SUV. “I don’t want you to freak out, but that’s Colton’s Range Rover over there.”

I shifted in my seat and cleared my throat. “It looks like I’m about to crash a party.”

She grabbed the keys out of the ignition and paused, looking unsure. “I just hope I’m doing the right thing.”

“Laney.” I softened my voice because I could tell she was nervous. I needed her to be strong. She was the only chance I had at nailing the bastard to the wall. “I promise you, he’s going to pay. I swear on my life, he’s not walking this time.”

I reached for her trembling hand. “Don’t listen to anything he says. Don’t let him get to you. I’m going to take care of this. He is never going to hurt you or your sister again.”

She gave a shaky nod as we exited the car.

I stared at the massive front door in front of me. My hands were shaking and my stomach was turned inside out. I squared my shoulders and set my jaw. I was ready to get this over with. As soon as Laney pushed the door open, I stepped inside and scanned the room. Lexi and Colton had just rounded the corner.

I stood frozen, maybe thirty feet away from them. They both halted in their tracks as soon as they noticed me. All I saw was red. The short distance between us felt like miles. I couldn’t peel my eyes away from her. She hung her head low and buried her face in her hands.

“Lexi.” I said softly. I was so overcome with emotion, I could barely talk. The only thing I wanted to do was pull her into my arms. A flood of emotions hit me at once: relief, regret, pain, sadness; you name it and I was feeling it.

Silence fell around us as tension filled the room. An older couple, who I assumed were Lexi’s parents, stared at me with shock and confusion. It was going to be damned near impossible for this to end peacefully. Finally, my eyes landed on Colton. His spine strengthened with the privileged arrogance that I was all too accustomed to when he saw Laney standing by my side. He watched us closely.

Lexi wasted no time and rushed into my arms. I held her tight, crushing her against my body. Warmth and relief engulfed me as she held onto me like I was her lifeline. Her body trembled against mine with her head buried in the crook of my neck. Having her in my arms felt like everything was right in my world again. I continued to hold her while she sobbed against my chest, soaking my shirt with tears.

I held my eyes shut and kissed the top of her head. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m here. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I sensed movement across the room. I pulled back with her face cupped in my hands. “You need to stand over there.” I gestured towards a man who I assumed was her father.

She drew back; her tears practically drenched her skin. “Brad, please.” Her eyes flickered over my shoulder before landing on her sister. She glanced back towards me with an unspoken question. She had no idea what was going on.

Laney walked up, gently pulling her out of my arms and guided her to their father.

I advanced towards Colton. “You’ve underestimated me, Mr. Hunt.”

He narrowed his eyes and smiled that smug smile that annoyed the shit out of me. “You do realize that I could destroy you, right?

Lexi’s dad stepped forward, looking frustrated. “Could someone tell me what the hell is going on?” The question barely escaped his mouth when I heard Colton growl.

His face twisted while he looked right at me. “Meet Brad Morgan, Sir. He’s the man who turned Alexis against us.”

“No!” Lexi shouted, trying to free herself from Laney’s grasp. “Daddy, don’t listen to him.” She looked around at everyone. “Colton is the reason why I left home.” She cried, wiping her eyes with the back of her arm. “The only reason why I’m standing here right now is because he’s been blackmailing me.”

Colton looked like he was barely holding on. His face was frozen; his jaw was tight, his eyes were narrowed, and his fist clenched at his side. He looked like he was ready to pop a blood vessel. “Alexis.” He warned. I pushed my body into his, cutting off his path to Lexi. If he thought he was going to get near her, he was going to have to kick my ass to do it.

He straightened his shoulders and narrowed his eyes at me. “You sure you want to let this continue? Because I can assure you, it won’t end well for either one of you.”

“Give it your best shot, Trust Fund boy.”

He gave me a dark look; the warning was clear. “You’re playing a very dangerous game here, Mr. Morgan. A game you don’t have a chance to win.”

“Oh yeah, how’s that?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

“I have enough photographic evidence of the abuse I suffered from you and your goons to end your careers.”

“Really?” I mocked. I didn’t give a shit what evidence he thought he had. He was going down. “Well, I guess it’s too bad for you that I quit the NYP. I’m no longer a cop employed by the State of New York. Not that it matters because we both know your story is bullshit.”

Lexi’s head snapped towards mine. “What do you mean, you quit?”

“I’ll explain everything to you later.” I told her, and then I turned my attention to Colton. “Now, where were we?”

His nostrils flared. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you?”

“Colton, don’t!” Lexi pleaded. I was torn between comforting her and kicking the living shit out of him in the living room. For her sake, I was willing to play his little game of cat and mouse. He hadn’t realized it yet, but I knew I had the upper hand.

Colton leveled his gaze on her. “You sure this is what you want? There is no going back from here, my dear. Choose very carefully, Alexis. He’ll pay the price one way or another.”

His threatening tone only infuriated me further. “Don’t you ever talk to her like that again.” I pushed on his chest, sending him stumbling backwards. I had made my mind up; I was going to finish him off. The hell with the consequences, any price I had to pay would be worth it.

Lexi’s father stood between us, angling his head to Colton. “I’m sick of listening to the two of you talk in riddles. I want answers, now!” He demanded, with his face pinched tight.

“Do you want to fill Mr. Manning in, or should I?” I asked, feeling the veins bulge in the back of my neck.

Colton’s gaze briefly skittered to Laney. I could see the beads of sweat building on his forehead because he knew he was fucked.

“Sir, you know me better than anyone. What they are about to tell you is pure lies. Now, I don’t blame Alexis, because he’s brainwashed her against us. Please keep in mind our history. You know the kind of man I am and the family I come from. Don’t believe a word that comes out of this stranger’s mouth.”

“Daddy, he’s lying. He always lies. He’s trying to make Brad out to be the bad guy. I can’t allow him to do that.” Her tears continued to fall. “Colton has done nothing but hurt me. He has done terrible things…”

I saw Mr. Manning’s opinion of Colton start to waver. “Why do you say those things, honey?” He stopped and closed his eyes, like he was working out a puzzle in his head. “You brought things up in the past, but we just assumed that…” He paused, as his face fell. Clarity was finally setting in. I could see in his eyes the moment when he realized the truth. He wiped his hands down his face, shaking his head in disbelief. “You weren’t lying, were you?”

“No, Daddy. I wasn’t lying.”

Colton frantically ran his hands through his hair. “Sir, I know this is a lot to consider, but you know there are always two sides to every story.”

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

Mr. Manning’s face drained of all color. You could see the guilt settle in. It had been almost a decade, and he was just realizing what a lying, sack of shit Colton Hunt really was. He walked over and pulled Lexi into his chest. Their relationship had been strained over the years, but she was still his daughter.

Lexi’s dad let go of her. He looked at Colton like he was ready to lose his shit. When he stepped forward, I couldn’t help but notice the strong set of his jaw and the visible tension in his shoulders.

“You’re right, Colton. Every story may have two sides, but right now I’m only interested in hearing one.” He looked down at his daughter as if it was the first time he was really seeing her. “Let’s go to my study so we can chat.” He turned to Colton. “You can leave.”

Colton rocked uncomfortably on his feet. His earlier bravado was gone. He nervously yanked at the sleeve of his sport coat, revealing the Brunello Cucinelli label. I knew that jacket probably cost a couple thousand bucks. No doubt purchased using his Daddy’s credit card.

“But, Sir,” he held his hand out, trying to stop him.

“I don’t want to hear it, Colton. I’ve listened to you for the last ten years. I think it’s high time that I started listening to my daughter. Alone!” He seared him with a look that left nothing up for debate.

Colton leaned his head back, looking up at the ceiling. Maybe he was thinking of a way out of this mess. I wasn’t sure, but whatever it was he was done.

“With all due respect, Sir, I think you need to hear my side of the story before these two go and pollute my reputation and my good name even further.”

Mr. Manning raised an eyebrow. Colton wasn’t helping himself, but there was no way I was letting him know that. I took great pleasure in watching him dig his own grave.

“I’m not the slightest bit concerned about your reputation at the moment. So, if you will excuse me, I’m leaving.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you do that. These two are going to poison you with their lies about me; I can’t allow that to happen. I love your daughter. I always have, but she needs help. That loser,” he pointed a finger in my direction, “can’t be trusted. He’s a dirty New York cop who has done nothing but turn Alexis against us. She’s been fooled by him. You can’t believe a word from either of them.”

“Shut up, Colton!” Laney’s loud voice echoed across the room practically shaking the walls. “Enough! Stop with all the lies!”

Colton was so focused on Lexi that he seemed unaffected by Laney’s outburst. In fact, he looked like a hungry wolf who was about to eat her up and spit her out.

“You sure you want to go there, Laney? Because I can assure you, you’re no victim.”

Panic pierced her eyes; she was practically twisting into a pile of nerves. I sprung forward, gripping him by lapels of his sport coat. I dragged him up against the wall and pushed him on the top of a nearby desk.

I leaned over him. “Don’t you fucking threaten her, you pussy.”

Colton’s hands gripped the edge of the cherry wood ledge and laughed maniacally. “What are you going to do about it?”

My chest heaved and my eyes glowed with rage. “I will shove this Size 11 boot of mine so far up your ass you will be pissing polish and shitting leather for a month. And when I’m done with that, I will fucking end you. Right here, right now.”

He laughed, and I watched his lips curl over his teeth. “Is that another threat, Officer?”

“You bet your ass it is. You know what, Colton?” I placed my face within an inch of his. “Being a cop has granted me access to some very confidential information. The kind of information that you prayed night and day would never become public. I know your kind. I’ve been arresting assholes like you for years. You think that your Daddy’s money and connections will always make all your troubles disappear. Well, this may surprise you, but even a simple street cop like me has a few connections of my own. I was able to get case files on you pulled that had been sealed for years.” He swallowed nervously. “Your daddy may be a fraternity buddy of the Mayor’s, but let me tell you about a good friend of my daddy’s. See, he ran a security business in D.C., protecting the lives of some very appreciative, powerful men. Sometimes it doesn’t come down to money.”

I bent low and whispered dramatically in his ear. “You’ll never guess which one of his most appreciative clients had hired him to run his security detail? Even saved his life once from a convict out on parole.” He stared at me but remained quiet. “Go ahead, guess, shit head.” I could see him start to sweat. “OK… give up?” I smirked. “The Attorney General of the United States. That’s right, asshole. They became close friends after my dad saved his life. So close, in fact, that he took a personal call from me at 3:00 this morning.”

The room remained silent as I continued. “I got my hands on a police report that was dated around the same time Lexi left town a few months ago.” I arched my eyebrow. “You don’t happen to remember that now, do you?”

I let him up as he stumbled forward. The color drained from his face as he looked at Lexi’s dad. “Sir, Alexis and I were having problems. Laney was jealous of our relationship and she wanted to hurt Alexis. I fought her advances every chance I could, but I made a mistake. I’m not proud of what I did, but it takes two to tango.”

Laney sobbed, wiping away the mascara that ran down her cheeks. “You’re out of your mind. I never hit on you. You attacked me, you asshole.”