Bad: Payden Beck Crime Thriller, #3

By Michael Golvach

In every police officer's career, lines must sometimes be crossed—finding one's way back is the hard part.

• WINNER: Book Excellence Award 2023 – Best Suspense Fiction
• WINNER: Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Winter 2022 – Best Crime Fiction
• FINALIST: Readers' Favorite Book Awards 2022 – Fiction-Mystery-Murder

Payden Beck's, and his partner Bryan Verrill's, first big case ends badly in court, putting a vicious child murderer back on the street.

When he sees the opportunity to ensure the criminal who got away never harms another soul, he must decide how far he'll go to get justice for the victims.

Some lines should never be crossed, even when they must be.

EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS the third novel in the award-winning "Payden Beck Crime Thriller" series, from the same author who brought you such greats as fiX, Home, and Missing Pieces.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC
• Release date: Nov 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781622532773

Michael Golvach

Ever since I was able to read, I’ve had a book (or a comic book in the early days) in my hands or on my person. I grew up in a non-digital age, in a home with one telephone that everyone shared, one television that no one watched, and in which movies were a luxury. Aside from radio theatre, books were my best non-human friends. My love of reading never died. When I was 8 years old, I drew my first series of comic books. They were terrible, but I still love them. To me, they represent the moment the wise-old-man inside my little boy’s head finally made me aware that I loved to create. As it turned out, I enjoyed writing much more than I enjoyed drawing, but I’ve spent most of my life doing some form of creative work. And when not, I’ve worked some boring jobs in very creative ways. To this day, I love to write and to share my creations with others. I’m the guy who will watch a good movie twenty more times, if it means I get to introduce it to someone else and participate in their joy of discovering something entertaining or valuable. I can’t be quite so intimately participatory with my own writing, but I do love to know that I’ve brightened someone’s day, made them think, feel or—at the very least—provided them with a welcome distraction for a while.

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BAD

Payden Beck Crime Thriller – Book 3

Copyright © 2021 Michael Golvach

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ISBN (EPUB Version): 1622532775

ISBN-13 (EPUB Version): 978-1-62253-277-3

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Editor: Becky Stephens

Cover Artist: Richard Tran

Interior Designer: Lane Diamond

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

At the end of this novel of approximately 73,372 words, you will find two Special Sneak Previews: 1) A FAMILY FEUD TEXAS STYLE by Kent Swarts, the award-winning first book in the Denny McConnell PI series of detective murder mysteries set it Texas, and; 2) RED ON THE RUN by K.M. Hodge, the first novel from the award-winning Syndicate-Born Trilogy series. We think you’ll enjoy these books, too, and provide these previews as a FREE extra service, which you should in no way consider a part of the price you paid for this book. We hope you will both appreciate and enjoy the opportunity. Thank you.

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eBook License Notes:

You may not use, reproduce or transmit in any manner, any part of this book without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations used in critical articles and reviews, or in accordance with federal Fair Use laws. All rights are reserved.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only; it may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, please return to your eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or the author has used them fictitiously.

Books by Michael Golvach

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PAYDEN BECK CRIME THRILLER

Book 1: 10-30

Book 2: Dormir

Book 3: Bad

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OTHER BOOKS/NOVELS

Bloody Gullets

fiX

Home

Missing Pieces

Transmissions

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mikegolvach.net

What Others Are Saying about Michael Golvach’s Books

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10-30:

"Michael D Golvach’s 10-30 is a ‘Riveting Crime Mystery.’ Payden Beck has graduated from the police academy and is starting his first week under one of the most experienced officers, Richard LaMont. At the end of the week, LaMont takes Payden home to meet his younger wife, Ana, and when LaMont is called into work, Payden stays behind to look after Ana. The weekend passes in peace but on Monday morning LaMont is dead, found at his own kitchen table. While Payden cannot be a suspect, things are about to take a nightmarish turn for him. LaMont was a very private man and, together with Ana, Payden is about to find out why. Nothing is ever as it seems and secrets can never stay hidden forever. The deeper Ana and Payden slip into the investigation, the more confusing things become and events take a horrifying turn. Will they solve the mystery of Richard’s death? What they uncover in their quest could put their lives in danger.

"Michael D Golvach’s 10-30 really did make for riveting reading. This is a thriller that takes you on a journey you will never forget, a story with many twists and turns, a great deal of suspense and not a small amount of intrigue. It is an intense read, not one you should take your attention off for a single minute and, believe me when I say it, this is one story you will not want to put down. Mr. Golvach uses descriptive prose that puts you right there in the middle of the action. As the mystery deepens, you are pulled deeper and deeper in so there’s no getting out until the end. With some utterly believable characters, a unique storyline and a well-paced mystery, this is a heart-stopping tale that will enthrall any reader." ~ Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite

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Dormir:

"I was excited to see Golvach’s contemporary crime novel, Dormir, pop up on Reader’s Favorite review list; doubly so when I saw Payden Beck (he of 10-30 fame; the novel that introduced Payden to a worldwide audience) was the lead character. I’ve read several novels and stories by this multi-award-winning author and none have disappointed—au contraire. Golvach digs deeply into his character’s psyche to bring out those traits of good and bad that everyone carries within. Payden isn’t an angel, far from it, but like most people he overcomes his inner devils with an innate sense of right and wrong, a strong belief that victory over evil requires fighting fire with fire, no holds barred where self-sacrifice is a given. Dormir is a faced paced crime thriller and at the same time an innocently pure love story between an old man and a thirteen-year-old girl much wiser than her age. Few novels can create the strong emotional response that brings tears to my eyes, Michael Golvach has written a story that did and this isn’t the first time he’s done it. I first ‘met’ Michael through his short story horror collection, Bloody Gullets, a fascinating psychological and bloody horror feast. He surprised with his crime thrillers and impressed me with his versatility in crossing genres while always working in an emotionally charged undercurrent. I can’t wait for his next surprise." ~ LAS Book Reviews

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fiX:

"Golvach’s skill in creating an illusory scene that reeks of reality is unparalleled by anyone I’ve read in the past, except the indomitable Edgar A. Poe. His characters come alive as everyday people with talents and shortcomings, trying their best to survive a hostile environment and eventuality that grows weirder and more complicated with every turn of the page. So much goes on, so fast in this story, it’s impossible for me and my meager talents to describe. How Golvach keeps it all together and pulls every unimaginable facet into a tightly woven, beautifully executed story is beyond me. But you can trust me on this; you will never see what’s coming, and that makes FiX a must-read story for every fan of paranormal/horror thrillers, crime mysteries and, believe it or not, a love story." ~ Lex Allen for Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards

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Home:

"A slick, stylish and disturbing supernatural thriller, Home is the latest release from Michael Golvach that once again sees him delving into the darkest depths of the human psyche. Delivering an exacting plot and noir narrative underlined by magical realism Golvach sets out to engage our senses and does so with consummate ease. A superb example of how to manipulate readers on an emotive level Golvach’s Home veers between the haunting and brutal and when it comes to originality it doesn’t get any better.

"Avoiding the temptation to concoct prescriptive characters he shows us, without compromise, the depth of their conflict and the totality of their emotional angst in uncompromising prose and pin-sharp dialogue that brings Alexis, Marlon and Anson to life. On the immediate level Home might lean towards paranormal romance but with Golvach modulating tension and pace rapidly gathering momentum Home works well as both supernatural thriller and paranormal suspense as he weaves illusion and reality in a way that is both cutting and clever. There’s no wanton wittering with Golvach and from the very first page, readers will find themselves settling in for a genuine page-turner." ~ BookViral Reviews

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Transmissions:

"I’ve read several of Michael Golvach’s novels and short story collections. From gruesome horror to mind-boggling mystery to twisting, turning plots in detective/crime stories. Each of these novels and stories contained everything a reader could ask for... characters that you hated, loved or felt indifferent to, scenes that reflected great amounts of verisimilitude, as well as plot and sub-plot lines that kept you on your toes while turning the pages as fast as you could eager to see what’s next. I’ve lost hours and hours of sleep, but it was always worth it.

"Transmissions is different. Oh, it has everything mentioned above. It’s a page turner, it’s a wicked ride through terrifying scenes of the occult, time and space; a story that is horrible and beautiful rolled into one—in other words, a typical Golvach novel. What made it different is the romance. As stated in the synopsis, it’s a romance from afar; a romance of memories and lack thereof. It’s a genre bending mystery, horror, occult, love story that, for the life of me, defies adequate description. It’s a story that Alfred Hitchcock or Rod Serling in his ‘Twilight Zone’ would present, and it is a story brilliantly orchestrated and narrated as only Michael Golvach can." ~ LAS Book Reviews

BONUS CONTENT

We’re pleased to offer you not one, but two Special Sneak Previews at the end of this book.

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In the first preview, you’ll enjoy the First Chapter of A FAMILY FEUD TEXAS STYLE by Kent Swarts, the award-winning first book in the Denny McConnell PI series of detective murder mysteries set it Texas.

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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

YOU’LL FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

The DENNY McCONNELL PI Series at Evolved Publishing

In the second preview, you’ll enjoy the First 2 Chapters of the award-winning RED ON THE RUN, the first book in USA Today Bestselling Author K.M. Hodge’s The Syndicate-Born Trilogy.

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OR GRAB THE FULL EBOOK TODAY!

YOU’LL FIND LINKS TO YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER HERE:

SYNDICATE-BORN TRILOGY at Evolved Publishing

Table of Contents

Copyright

Books by Michael Golvach

What Others Are Saying

BONUS CONTENT

Table of Contents

Dedication

BAD

Prologue

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

X

XI

XII

XIII

XIV

XV

XVI

XVII

XVIII

XIX

XX

XXI

XXII

XXIII

XXIV

XXV

XXVI

XXVII

XXVIII

XXIX

XXX

XXXI

XXXII

XXXIII

XXXIV

XXXV

XXXVI

XXXVII

XXXVIII

XXXIX

XL

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

About the Author

What’s Next?

More from Michael Golvach

More from Evolved Publishing

Special Sneak Preview: A FAMILY FEUD TEXAS STYLE by Kent Swarts

Special Sneak Preview: RED ON THE RUN by K.M. Hodge

Dedication

For Duane Joseph Golvach,

I miss you. Thank you for being a good father to me while we had our time together in this life.

Prologue

My name is Payden Beck, it’s been three years since I buried the love of my life, and I am not a good man.

Ana still comes to me, in my dreams, and I don’t suppose that will ever end. Of all the lessons she taught me, none stuck. Not for a moment after she passed.

I know only one thing for certain: Life is a pig roast, and we’re all meat on the spit.

Wake, Mr. Beck. It’s been three years since you decided nothing matters. What good has it done you? How does it feel knowing the only other person who could answer that question is no longer? Let go.

I’ve done well since then. I’ve excelled in my field. I’ve turned a fleeting friendship into a bond that extends beyond the graveyard I call a job. I’ll have to work hard to destroy what I’ve spent so much time building, but I can do it. I know how, I know why and I know the change must happen fast.

Your only enemy is yourself, Mr. Beck. Not the imposters you spend your time with, nor the criminals on whose broken backs you’ve marched your way to a promising career.

There’s no advancing now. I’m stuck in place. Like all the sheep ready for sheering.

If you can’t muster the grit to do what must be done, Mr. Beck, then, at the least, keep moving. Or you’ll drown. So many people deserve to take the ultimate bath before you. The people in your ear, telling you how to live, for instance.

Live as you see fit, Mr. Beck. Never by their rules. Never at their suggestion or command.

I know I must begin my real job. The passion I can’t forget now that I’ve suffered for years in my chosen profession: an officer of the law.

You’re a janitor, Mr. Beck. Clean house.

I’ve decided to do one thing today, every day for the rest of my life. Swat a fly. Work my way up.

While you’re busy, Mr. Beck, have fun. So long as it’s productive.

Like my old man used to say, ‘show them who you are’. And like my father never told me, ‘don’t let them see you coming’.

Now go be a good detective, Mr. Beck. Just don’t be too good. This world isn’t for the soft. Only for the children and the meat. Never hurt the children, but get your fill of the meat.

Flush the toilets. Scrub. Flush again, and don’t stop until the water turns red.

Life is a pig roast, and we’re all—

Life is an outhouse. Tomorrow, someone else will shit on your work.

My name is—

Your name is Payden Beck and you are dissociating.

I

SEVERANCE - I

***

Homicide detectives Payden Beck and Bryan Verrill sat in the gallery of the local courthouse, listening to closing arguments in the case of the State versus Jeremiah Brickell. If ever a serial rapist who’d graduated to murder had a more ridiculous name, neither of them could recall.

Their first big case, in the small town they’d lived in long enough it seemed like home, was going sideways.

Insinuations of police brutality, backed up by well-documented bruises on the defendant’s body. Allegations of coerced confession, backed up by Payden’s and Bryan’s voices on a tape-recorded night-long interrogation. Mishandling—and dismissal—of crucial evidence. Intimidation of key proponents of the defendant’s innocence and members of the media. Everything necessary to keep the public safe from a man everyone knew was guilty, but whom the State would need a miracle to legally prove so.

Payden rubbed his hands together. Bryan wrung his hands with worry neither he nor Payden would have a job after the verdict was rendered. Their captain was a generous man—he knew the system worked for the criminals and against the victims—but he’d have to make a hard decision soon. If the choice came down to their careers or his, they’d be pumping gas within the week.

It’s not—He’s going to walk, Payden muttered as he stared at Jeremiah, who sat in his chair beside his well-paid counsel, smiling.

Bryan looked ahead, not acknowledging Payden with his body or face. Maybe.

Now he’s had a taste, he’ll be coming back for blood.

We’ll be there to stop him. Bryan gave Payden a stern glance.

Payden nodded, scratching his thighs.

Maybe if you’d kept your cool—

You didn’t stop me.

Bryan shook his head. I haven’t let this job turn me into what we’re trying to end.

Meaning?

Meaning, you’ve become the street. You’re a good detective, but you get too involved.

I become them so I can take them down. I do what has to be done.

You’re gone and you’re never coming back. You know as well as I.

Fuck you and your over-educated mouth, Payden said.

The judge pounded his gavel and ordered the jury into deliberation. Giving them specific instructions on what they were allowed to remember and use from the trial when they made their final decision.

They were out less than thirty minutes.

They found the defendant not guilty on all counts. No admissible evidence could prove, beyond doubt, Jeremiah committed any of the acts he’d stood trial for.

Payden and Bryan watched, from their seats near the centre aisle, as Jeremiah walked past and gave them each a wink.

Payden stood and walked toward the doors of the courtroom, a few feet behind Jeremiah. Bryan followed Payden more closely.

The reporters in the hallway were backed away by police and guards on staff.

When the doors to the main elevator closed, Jeremiah, his lawyer, two guards, Payden and Bryan stood inside.

Jeremiah chuckled, looking at Payden. I like you. He rubbed his wrists. You got the job done. He winked again. Maybe someday you’ll catch the real guy. You and your Oriental puppy.

I’m not Oriental—I mean Asian, Bryan replied, watching the two guards pretend not to hear. Enjoy your freedom while you can.

While I can? Jeremiah asked. That sounds like a threat. He nudged his lawyer. Is that a—

No, his lawyer replied, unfazed.

Jeremiah looked Payden up and down. Mr. Beck. Care to elaborate on your straight man’s dig?

Know this, Payden said, taking his time. There ain’t a thing in the world I want more than to find the person who raped those little girls. At the bottom of a dry well with a broken neck.

Jeremiah looked to his lawyer, who shook his head again.

Turns out you’re not the guy. Not here. Not now.

Apology accepted, Mr. Beck.

None offered. Payden scratched his neck. Maybe later.

The elevator doors opened when it reached the basement parking garage.

Take care, Jerry.

Thank you for your service, officers. Jeremiah nodded as he walked away.

Bryan and Payden exited the elevator and stopped outside the doors. Payden pulled a cigarette from the pack in his jacket’s inside pocket and offered one to Bryan, who took it, lit his cigarette, then lit Payden’s.

Decide, Payden whispered, though no one was in sight or earshot. Yes or no?

Bryan took a drag off his cigarette. Do you listen to yourself talk?

I know what I’m saying.

I mean, do you ever stop and think? It’s bad enough three years on the street turned you sloppy-mouthed. I hope you’re not asking what I think you are.

Sloppy-mouthed? Payden took a hit off his cigarette. How so?

I remember when you spoke properly, like an officer. It wasn’t that long ago.

Maybe you’re getting slow. Make up your mind. Yes or no?

We can’t stop Jeremiah from leaving.

Why would we? He ain’t going nowhere—

Isn’t going anywhere. You see how you—

Payden scoffed. With or without you.

Bryan put out his cigarette on the concrete floor. There’ll be eyes on that guy for at least a week.

Too bad he’s clever.

What do you—

Quit asking questions you know the answers to. Payden waved to Bryan. Jerry’s free. If the blues lose track, that’s on them. Payden walked to his car. We go, right after work.

But, Mindy—

Call and tell her we’re buying a bottle and getting piss drunk at my place. If she comes by, tell her, tomorrow, you were blacked-out and I don’t like her. She’ll buy that.

But, the captain—

Yes or no. Make up your mind before five.

Bryan followed Payden to their unmarked car, wringing his hands again.

II

SEVERANCE - II

***

Bryan sat at his desk, facing Payden’s, in their small office. Feeling sick as he watched Payden eat his second hot dog and listened to him sucking down his large drink. Feeling worse than when they’d left the courthouse.

Sooner than later, one of their phones would ring. The news wouldn’t be good. If Payden was worried, he wasn’t showing it, and that made Bryan uneasy.

Of the two of them, Bryan was the voice of reason. The one who kept them going, and kept them from roaring past the point of no return. But he’d let Payden go too far with Jeremiah. Though he wanted to blame Payden or the department—everyone saw Jeremiah’s face when they paraded him into the interrogation room, and everyone saw how much worse he looked after he confessed—he blamed himself. Keeping Payden’s spiralling lack of inhibition under control was part of his job, as he saw it. He’d failed more miserably at doing so in the weeks leading to Jeremiah’s court date than ever before.

Get enough to eat? Bryan asked.

Still hungry, Payden replied. We’ll go out after work. Before.

Before what? Bryan stared at his desk phone.

Pretend you don’t know. You coming with?

Bryan stood and hammered his desk with his fists.

Make up your mind. You’ll feel better.

I don’t want to hear any more about—

Then don’t listen.

Bryan slammed his fists on his desk again. I need you to stop talking and pay attention.

Payden held up his hands in surrender.

Good. Bryan sat at his desk. If we’re ending the day with our jobs intact, you’ll have to straighten up when the captain calls. Nod when he tells us he ought to throw us out on our asses. Thank him for not doing so. Tell him you’re sorry. Admit you fucked up. Above all, don’t speak unless spoken to, or I’m letting you go. I can’t carry you anymore.

Bryan looked at the ceiling, catching his breath as quietly as possible. He rarely lost his temper with anyone but Mindy. He prayed his long-dead parents would understand he wasn’t out of control. He was still the solid, independent man they’d raised. No worse for Payden’s wear. Stronger every day. As they’d demanded.

Payden rubbed his palms together and scanned the floor. Didn’t realise you were this upset.

Bryan shook his head and rubbed his eyelids.

I get you’re mad at me. Especially after Jerry’s interrogation.

You stopped recording and threatened to cut his head off with a butter knife from the break room.

Yeah, Payden said. It just—That guy wouldn’t crack.

Not the point.

All right, Payden said. Apologies for losing it with Jerry.

Just remember—

Bryan’s desk phone rang.

Payden brought his voice to a hush. I won’t stand in your way.

Bryan’s stomach rumbled as he put the phone’s speaker to his ear. Hungry at last. Years of blocked energy released in one outburst. He hung up the phone after acknowledging he and Payden were to report to the captain’s office. Time to go.

Payden and Bryan got up from their seats, left their office and walked the maze of hallways past the bullpen to the captain’s office. When they reached it, Bryan knocked on the door. It creaked open on its own.

The captain sat at his desk, glaring. Get your asses in here.

They walked into the room and Payden closed the door. Yes, sir, he said, moving to the far end of the captain’s desk while Bryan stood at the end nearest the door.

The captain gave Payden a queer look. Yes, sir? Did I hear you right, Beck?

Yes— he replied.

Shut the fuck up, the captain interrupted. Don’t answer rhetorical questions. And pay attention if you don’t want to end up a civilian like every other meatball on the street. Got me?

Yes—

Sir. Understood, Beck. I’m guessing your change in attitude has to do with your partner. The captain looked at Bryan. You finally tell this fuck he crossed my line?

Bryan cleared his throat. In a manner of speaking, sir.

The captain slammed his opened hands on his desk’s top. It’s about God damned time. He shook his head. How’d you let this monkey get so far from the organ? Pride?

No, sir, Bryan said. I—

No? The captain hammered his fists on his desk’s top, then he stood and walked to Bryan. Did you say no to me, Verrill?

No—

Don’t you lie to me. You said it again. You have a problem with the truth, don’t you? Like your handy-dandy, half-deranged partner. The captain pointed at Payden with his thumb, not looking back. Is that how you snagged that smoking-hot Mindy girl, you—what fucking breed are you, you slippery cock sucker?

Sir? Bryan asked. I’m not sure what you want—

You’re not sure what I want? the captain screamed.

Bryan nodded.

You work for me, right?

Bryan nodded again.

Then you damn well know what I want. I want you to tell me why I shouldn’t fire your fucking ass for insubordination. I want you to tell me—

Sir, Payden interrupted. He’s never refused to obey any of your orders.

Shut it, Beck, the captain growled, nose to nose with Bryan. I’ll be crawling up your asshole directly. He focussed his energy on Bryan again. Tell me, Verrill? Is your woman employed? How long you think she’ll suffer your tiny pecker when you ain’t got a penny coming in?

Sir— Bryan began, still not breaking on the outside. Wondering what his parents would think of him, as he took the captain’s verbal abuse. Though they’d curse him for losing his job as equally.

Keep a lid on it, you little rat, the captain shouted, turning to face Payden.

Payden straightened his stance as the captain approached, noting the defeat in Bryan’s eyes.

Beck, the captain shouted. I should clean the streets with your fat head, you dumb mother fucker. This morning, one of the worst criminals who ever called our town home skated because of you. Did you actually graduate the academy? Did you bullshit your way into my backyard?

No, sir, Payden said, wincing on the inside.

Jesus. The captain rubbed his chin. Were you not paying attention when Verrill told me no?

Yes, sir.

Yes, you weren’t paying attention? Is that what you’re telling me, you sanctimonious prick?

I was paying attention, sir. Payden kept a straight face.

That’s good, the captain said, seething. You learn faster than your muscle-headed boyfriend. Maybe you retained a brain cell going solo. Or is that an act? The captain thumbed his lips. It is, ain’t it? You get more ass than a toilet seat, you just keep it quiet. Be honest with me, you fucking punk.

Honest, sir?

You’re familiar with the term. Tell me you want to choke me to death and shit on my grave. Tell me.

Payden cleared his throat. I want to choke you to death and—

The captain stamped his foot on the floor and wagged his finger in Payden’s face. You got balls, Beck. You know what balls get you?

Payden shook his head.

"Then