Page 5 of A Corruption Dark & Deadly

Bruce didn’t say anything. Annie could tell he was biting his lip, chastised.

Jericho turned to look back at Annie. “I don’t appreciate it when women are referred to in any derogatory way,” he explained. “Even if they’re quote-unquote acting like a bitch, it just tells me the individual has little to no vocabulary because he has to resort to something as lowbrow as name-calling.”

Annie felt herself agree with him, surprised.

“Sorry,” Bruce shot out, more defensive than sincere. Annie was certain that if Bruce hadn’t been lectured by Jericho, of all people, he actually would have meant the apology. “What if I gave you something else, instead of money? Clearly, I don’t have fifty grand. I invested it and I have the receipts to prove that to you. Since I don’t want to give you the property I purchased nor do I have fifty grand to give you now, would you be open to receiving something worth more than that?”

Jericho quirked a brow. “I’m listening,” he said.

“My house,” Bruce said.

“What house?” Annie asked, furrowing her brows. “You don’t have a house.”

“Mom and Dad’s house,” Bruce explained quickly. “It’s in Eastvale, just outside the city. Three bedrooms, two and a half baths. Easily worth two-fifty, three if we fixed it up a bit.” His eyes were wide. “What do you say?”