“Why? He ruined yours,” I said.
“No, he didn’t.”
“He absolutely did. Are you happy? No. Are you doing what you want to be doing in life? Also no. And why? Because he told you to be here for him.” I slid out my phone, already hitting Asher’s name. “Asher is a friend, but he really doesn’t care if I’m dead or not. At least, not completely. He will tell you the truth about the hit, whether it hurts me or not.”
“Hello?” Asher asked.
“Hey, Regan’s here. She wants the information on who is trying to kill her.” I said.
She was already shaking her head. “How do I know you didn’t just pay him off to lie?”
“Because I have more money than Rook. I don’t need pennies to lie over something so simple,” Asher said.
“I don’t know how to trust either one of you. From what little I’ve heard, you’re another criminal, and he’s got me locked up in my own house.”
Asher scoffed. “So you don’t die. You should trust the guy trying to keep you alive a little. Rook already came down to my office to convince me to not go after the cash being offered for you. Luckily, I’m happy to keep Rook’s help, and he will make me more money alive. You won’t, though. The only reason you don’t have another dozen men out looking for you tonight is because Rook offered free services for me to make it clear they couldn’t pursue you.”
Regan’s eyes went wide, and I hoped that meant she was finally realizing that this was actually happening.
“So there really is someone willing to pay to have us killed?”
“There is,” Asher said. “You should be flattered, it’s a sizable amount. I usually only see that for high-ranking people. They are really needing you gone.”
“Who?” Regan asked.
“Who wants you dead? Pretty sure you know him well.”
“Who?” she asked again.
“Cameron Fletcher put out the request for Rook and the girl that rides with him. Gave their descriptions, their gear, and the bike.”
She dropped back, her face blank as she stared off. “Did he give a name for the girl?”
Asher laughed. “Hoping Daddy isn’t trying to kill you?”
“Wouldn’t you?” she snapped. Pride swelled again in my chest that she wasn’t scared of yelling back at Asher.
“No,” he said. “If someone wants me dead, I kill them first.”
“Even if it’s your parent?”
“Especiallyif it’s my parent. You better learn who your dad is before he gets his shot because I know him well enough, and I know for a fucking fact he will take that shot the second he has a clear one. Metaphorically, at least. Your dad is a coward when it comes to killing someone himself.”
Her mouth dropped open, as her eyes went wide. “I’ve had enough.”
“Do you believe me now?”
“Yeah. I’m done.”
“Keep me updated, Asher.”
“I would like to say the same to you, but I think you are going to be busy attempting to keep a girl. Although, let me know if locking one up works because I think I need a wife and can’t seem to keep a woman around.”
I groaned. “So far, not great, but I’ll keep you posted. Talk later.” I slipped my phone back in my pocket, facing Regan again. “Do you believe me at all yet?”
“I do.”
“You do?” Hope filled my chest, and I forced myself not to reach out to her.