Relentless Read Online Free PDF Page A

surrounding us and not totally conform to
the mainstream way of life and welcome all the hate and crime you
live with in your world. When I first heard you were coming back, I
thought it would be for something good. I’ll admit, I had a moment
when I thought your money would help us out. Now, I know better. It
won’t, and we don’t want it. Not how you’re trying to do it. So,
yes, in this instance, I’m doing exactly that.”
    Toby sat forward, resting his elbows on the table.
Instantly, three elderly women sent him a disapproving look. He
focused on the man across from him. “In no world does Mellie need
your help in protection. That woman is fire and ice. She doesn’t
crack. Secondly, life is a business. Either I do this or someone
else will. It’s called progress—you get onboard or get out of its
way.” Why is it churning my gut to think of him protecting her?
And, why am I focusing on that bit?
    Bobby held his gaze for a while. “You really mean
that, don’t you?”
    “It’s the way the world works, Bobby. You can’t have
your head in the sand.”
    His laughter was anything but jovial. “Right,
because we’re not in your league here; we must be back in the Stone
Age. I remember you used to consider yourself the Hannibal of our
group.” He finished his Coke and stood. “This is one time,
Hannibal, when your plan won’t come together. And I, for one, will
be glad.” Bobby walked away and pushed out of the diner without a
look back.
    The patrons were watching Toby and making no qualms
about doing so. He finished his meal, paid, and left. Bobby’s words
rattled around in his head as he walked up the main drag. This was
the third person he’d heard this from, and it had begun to make him
question what he was doing here. Gazing to each side of the street,
he tried to envision his strip mall in place of the buildings there
now. It wasn’t as easy as it had been before.
    The town square would have to go, probably become
more parking. He pivoted to take it all in. The towering Cottonwood
trees surrounding the square offered shade to those who chose to
sit on the numerous benches. In the center was a fountain. Right
now, small children with their families ran around and played with
reckless abandon. Something they’d not be able to do if it was a
parking lot.
    “There are other parks in Cottonwood Falls,” he
muttered, turning his back to the square and walking on.
    Logic told him some of those would have to go as
well, again, for parking and to have a place to store the
construction vehicles. He again observed the way the people
interacted with one another.
    Once he reached his car, he ducked inside. He drove
around, looking at places that could use a complete makeover or
just be torn down. Toby passed his old high school and smiled at
the boys playing football. A little farther, and he reached the
hospital. He’d been born there. It wasn’t a massive
twenty-plus-floored building that did it all, including elective
surgeries. It had one floor. On his way back to his parents’, he
passed the police station. Four cars, that was it. And, they didn’t
double up in the vehicles. They had the sheriff and three deputies.
Another fact that would definitely have to change.
    He walked in the house and was met by the scent of
fresh lemon pie. His mom welcomed him with a smile as she walked
toward him, wiping her hands off on her apron.
    “Bobby was looking for you,” she said, kissing his
cheek. “Did he find you?”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Good, good. Dinner is at six sharp.” She went back
to the kitchen and began rolling out the dough. “Chicken pot pies
tonight.”
    “You’re spoiling me, Ma.”
    “Good, then maybe you’ll stay around. You know the
old Felton house is up for sale.”
    “You mentioned that already.”
    “Sometimes, as I’ve learned being married to your
father all these years, you Latner men need more than one
reminder.” She shooed him away so he jogged up to his room