Page 88 of The Logic of Loyalty

“What the fuck did you just say?” I shove him harder against the wall, my mind reeling. How did he⁠—

“Your woman is pregnant, and your current job is ruining your marriage. Unless the rumors are true, and Josh really is—” His voice cuts off with his oxygen, and Billy hovers behind me.

I hit the wall next to his head, splitting my knuckles with the impact. Even in his bravado, he flinches and claws at my arm. “You listen closely, Bob. I’ll tell you one time. You’re done in this town. You’re leaving. We know every single camera is pointed in this direction, and there is only one that is currently on. All I needed was the semblance of you reaching for me, and we are set. Nobody is leaving this alleyway with the upper hand.”

I remove my forearm, and he gasps, coughing and leaning against his knees. Joe has done an admirable job redirecting traffic from the entrance to this alleyway.

“You don’t even have a mark on you.” He stands back up and straightens out his suit, dusting his hands on his pants like that will fix his face.

“Mind your business, Bob. Don’t worry your pretty little head. Now, listen closely. You’re putting in for a transfer—effective immediately.”

“Why would I⁠—”

“Krista is not good at covering her tracks, and I have a camera in my office.”

“That’s—”

“Perfectly legal.” I take in his expression. “You did not cover your tracks when you took all of those risks and shortcuts to get your numbers up. You can either move on with an opportunity to start over fresh somewhere else, or I can dismantle your life slowly, piece by piece, starting with your career.” He sputters, but doesn’t say anything. “Good boy.” His nostrils flare, and his mouth remains shut. “While you’ve been fucking around behind my sister’s back, all over town, the county, and even in the company offices.” I shudder at the memory of that encounter. “I’ve been gathering evidence.”

“Stop acting like you’re some sort of saint, Trevor. You were panting after those short skirts just as badly as I was. The difference is, I actually acted on it.”

Frustration flows through me at his words. “Why does everyone think I wanted her?”

“Well, you did say she was beautiful⁠—”

“And you’re a good-looking guy, Billy. Does that mean I want to suck your cock now?” I shake my head. I hate myself for using that stupid word. I’m never using that word on anyone that’s not my family or a vehicle again. “I am not a hormonal school boy. I can notice a woman’s beauty and not need to stick my dick in her.” I turn back to Bobby and lock eyes with him. “We are not the same.”

Billy grunts from behind me, but I ignore the prude.

I crowd him against the wall. “I’ll know your choice when I come in tomorrow. If I don’t hear ’Bobby Transferred,’ I’ll know to start my campaign to ruin your life as an unpaid part-time job. The joy from your ruination is payment enough.” I step back and remember an important detail as he attempts to slink away. “Oh, yeah.” I throw him back up against the wall, placing my forearm against his throat again. “Fucking touch my wife again? I’ll begin my campaign to carve you into tiny pieces, starting with making you into a eunuch.” I release my hold and finally step back. “You’re not a total idiot, Bobby. You must be aware that you’re on thin ice here. You aren’t getting that promotion, you cheated on the boss’s daughter, and you sidestepped our bank’s general protocols for your own benefits for years. I have everything documented. Color-coded. Filed.”

Bobby meets my eyes, and he straightens himself up, resettling his coat meticulously on his shoulders. “I transfer, and we’re done.”

“You transfer, then what I have planned won’t bother you.” Done my ass.

I lean back against the other side of the narrow alleyway and look him over. “You’re a smart guy. Good-looking. You’ll land on your feet.” I hand him his phone, and he checks the screen. He smirks, then settles it into his pocket.

“Fine. Deal.” He reaches out as if to shake on his. I dodge him.

“Ew. Fuck off.”

He snorts and walks away without looking back. A little too cocky for my liking.

Once he’s out of sight, I turn to my friend. “Alright, your turn.”

“Are you sure this is the best option? It seems a little over the top to me.”

“If he comes forward, we have enough video evidence to make his argument invalid as long as we have evidence that he hit me too.”

“You’re sure.”

“Yes, I already told you. It makes the—” All the air leaves my lungs when his fist lands in my gut. “Ngh—Fuck! Goddamn, that hurts.”

Billy shakes out his hand with a savage grin. “You’re welcome.”

“I didn’t even get a chance to flex, you Neanderthal.”

“That was the point.”