Killing Chase by Ben Muse Read Free Book Online

for the first time in forever.
    “Congratulations, Chase. Your father is looking forward to seeing you.” We walked out to the parking lot and I turned to look at Ashmore one final time before getting into a black Cadillac Escalade.
    “How is he?”
    “You can ask him yourself in ten minutes. He flew us up here from Foggy Harbor. Do you want to stop and get some real food before we head to the airport?”
    I hadn’t even thought about real food, or the fact that I would be free, somewhat, to make decisions for myself.
    “They still make onion rings, right, Art? And chili dogs? Please say yes.”
    “Yes, I believe they do. Your father informed me that you turned into quite the fitness nut after losing all that weight. You sure you want to jump right into the greasy stuff so quick?”
    “I think I can handle the minor derailment to my fitness program.”
    “Driver, the closest Sonic please,” Art, the consummate southern gentleman, said to the man at the wheel. He then pulled out a phone and made a call to the plane to let them know of the slight delay.
    “What kind of phone is that?” I asked after he had completed the call.
    He looked at it before answering. “It’s an iPhone 4s. Technology has evolved quite a bit since you’ve been away. Don’t worry. It’s all pretty intuitive, and your dad already has a technology session lined up for you.” If Art only knew about the technology session the FBI had planned for me. He handed the phone over for me to examine.
    “So, what are your plans, Chase?”
    “To be honest, I’m not sure. Take a few days to relax and reacquaint myself with the real world before I start looking for a job, I guess. I still can’t believe I’m out. How did this happen?” What story did they feed you, Art?
    “From what I gather, the state of North Carolina has overcrowded prisons, and since you’ve been the model prisoner, you get the benefit of early release.”
    “How will the news of my release go over back home?” I asked. I wondered if retribution from the remaining Tanner brothers might be in my near future, once word of my release got out.
    “I wouldn’t worry too much about them if I were you. Cameron’s oldest brother, Joe, moved away a few years ago, and his younger brother is doing time at a state prison in Charlotte. Your father sent the Tanner family a rather sizable check soon after you entered the system. Technically, he didn’t have to pay them anything since you were eighteen, but your father wanted to get out in front of this before a lawyer had a chance to whisper ‘civil lawsuit’ in their ears. They come from nothing, so a five-hundred-thousand-dollar check was like winning the lottery to ’em and small potatoes for Hank. Paperwork is all signed absolving you from any future lawsuits.”
    “It isn’t like I’m worth much anyways, Art. Can’t take blood from a turnip,” I said, using one of my grandfather’s phrases.
    Art got serious for a moment. “Chase, I know things haven’t always been great between you and your father, but he wants a better relationship. Give him a chance,” he advised. I gathered that Art was here not so much as my lawyer, but more to soften me up and help me see my father in a better light. Well, I’d oblige him in spades.
    “How’s the yacht-building business?” I said later, between bites of chili dog and onion ring. Art was one of dad’s closest advisers, and I was interested to hear his answer.
    “Booming! Can’t build them fast enough. Each new Russian billionaire wants a bigger ship than the last one. We call it keeping up with the Ivans.” He laughed.
    “So the new boat’s impressive?”
    “It’s the most amazing ship I’ve ever seen. To call it a boat is like saying the Louvre is a wall outside a kindergarten classroom. You’ll see for yourself when he gives you the tour.”
    We pulled into the small airport parking lot and the driver dropped us off at the main terminal. I followed Art through the