Free Ring of Fire by Taylor Lee Page A

hard, the crease between his prominent brows deep, rigid.
    “What do you want, Nate?”
    Nate quirked a brow. “Hell, Cougar, like you told that band of junkyard dogs, I came to catch up with my old buddy. To see how you’re doing. I haven’t talked to you for nearly a year. Christ, Cougar, I haven’t even arrested you!”
    The big man pressed his lips together in a firm line.
    “And you’re not gonna, Nate.”
    “Hmm. Well, we’ll see about that, Cougar.”
    Nate leaned forward and assumed a casual pose.
    “I hear you and Jeb split.”
    “Good ole Nate. You never did pussyfoot around. You get right to the point. Where did you hear that?”
    Nate shrugged. “Got my sources.”
    “One of them happen to live on a couple million dollar spread over on Widow Lake?”
    “Apparently you got your sources too, huh, Cougar?”
    Cougar glared at him through narrowed eyes.
    “Yeah, I heard you and the nigger went out and met with Jeb. I’m surprised that black dude came back with both of his nuts. That why you’re not introducing me to your colorful sidekick? Fraid, when it comes down to it, I’m more dangerous than Jeb? More given to action, not just bullshit?”
    Nate managed to swallow the bile that rose in his throat at the ugly threat. He forced himself to speak quietly, nonchalantly.
    “Tell you what. To correct the record, Commander Carter and I met with Jeb. Don’t worry, I’ll be introducing you to Sam soon enough. A little heads up, Cougar. Sam was SWAT in the LAPD for five years and is a nationally ranked MMA fighter. Might want to think about that when you are considering your various actions and the names you ascribe to the men I work with—who also happen to be my friends.”
    Cougar shrugged, but Nate didn’t miss his surprised frown or the color that rose up on his bearded cheeks. Good to know that at least the asshole would think twice before he insulted Sam again.
    Meantime, Cougar apparently decided offense was better than defense.
    “Hadn’t noticed that you’re particularly loyal to your friends, Nate. In fact you’ve gotten downright uppity in your old age. Seem to think that you and the nigg… your Commander friend are a better class of people than those you used to know.”
    “Not so, Cougar. I’m loyal to the people who are loyal to me. And to the values I hold. I’m not loyal to men who prey on others, make their living on the backs of weaker people and judge a person’s worth by the color of his skin.”
    When Cougar didn’t respond, just glowered at him, Nate upped the ante.
    “So Jeb threw you out, huh, Cougar? Couldn’t keep up with the Big Man?”
    “You trying to get a rise out of me, Nate?”
    Nate shrugged. “I’m just reporting what I was told—and what I see. The spread that Jeb’s got? A couple million dollars doesn’t begin to describe those palatial digs. Think about it, Cougar. That prick’s probably bought five million dollars of toys within the last year alone. Where the hell is he getting that kind of money? How come he’s not giving any of it to you? Did you fall out of favor? Not kiss his ass as often as you should’ve?”
    Cougar’s voice tightened. “You can stop now, Nate. You don’t need to stir up any more trouble between Jeb and me. We know where we hang.”
    “You still hangin’ together? Or are you his faithful his lap dog, yippin’ at his heels, like you always did? Snatching up the shit he leaves in his wake. Got to tell you, buddy. That’s a familiar image. Jeb calling the shots, lying and cheating his way to the bigger prize, while Cougar, the faithful hound dog, runs behind him—trying to keep up.”
    Cougar visibly clenched his teeth. His expression hardened. His eyes were narrow slits.
    “Can’t believe I used to rise to your bait. Well, I ain’t gonna do it, Nate. You of all people ought to know better. You ought to know that you don’t call the game at halftime. Unless you’re a fair weather fan you sure as hell don’t