Jayce looked at me, and gave me a slight smile to let me know that he agreed with what I’d said.
“And still, the thrill of it made you feel indestructible; made every single bone in your body thrum in delight,” the sheriff stated.
“Fuck yeah, it did,” I admitted. “But that doesn’t mean every kill’s gonna have the same effect.”
“Why not?”
“Because we wouldn’t be executing those forourselves,” Jayce provided.
“Unfortunately, not everything in this world is aboutyou.” Sheriff Solo exhaled audibly and ran a hand over his slicked-back hair. “Have you thought about how many people there might be in Riverside that don’t have the opportunity, strength, or means of discretion to do what the two of you have done?” he asked. “People of power; people who simply want justice. Victims of violence, theft, abduction, trafficking.” His eyes bore into mine. “Rape.”
My entire body went cold at that. My throat closed up; my palms turned clammy.
“But why should we kill for others?” Jayce inquired. “It’s not like we owe them anything.”
“True, but it’s the right thing to do, don’t you think? And, you’ll only kill those who deserve to be killed.”
I let go of a crude laugh. “We’re not vigilantes, Sheriff.”
“Of course not, but there’s a motherfucking load of money involved in this – enough to keep you and your future secured. If the idea of being righteous isn’t your forte, then maybe being rich is.”
“For how long are we to do this?” I questioned.
“Until you don’t wanna do it anymore. You say the word, and you’re out. I won’t ask questions or force you to stay if you don’t wish to.”
“And what about the safety of our person?” Jayce asked.
Sheriff Solo leaned in and placed his elbows on his thighs before giving us a smirk. “You’ll be untouchable.Invincible.”
“Why us, though?” I had to know. “There’s literally a prison full of potential candidates just outside, and yet, you chose to pitch your proposal to me and Jayce.”
“Let’s just say I have a soft spot for assholes who talk back,” he answered.
I snorted, whereas Jayce chuckled.
“So…” The sheriff’s eyes gleamed against the dwindling nightlight as he straightened. “Are you guys in?”
“Do we have time to think about it?” Jayce asked.
“Given how the two of you are to meet the magistrate in a few hours, I’d say no.”
“And if we decline your offer?” I added. “What then?”
Sheriff Solo lifted a shoulder. “You’ll be tried for murder, of course, and will have to serve time. 20 years, if not more.”
Again, Jayce looked at me, and I looked at him. And, even though we’d barely known each other for a few hours, I knew exactly what he was thinking, and exactly what his answer to the sheriff’s proposition was going to be.
20.
“So, you and Jayce said yes to him,” I state.
“Yup,” Dorran says, then gives me a roguish smile. “Best decision of my life.”
I chuckle, then fix one of his vest’s straps into place. “I still can’t believe Chris is your boss. He’s always been so…I don’t know,mundane,I guess. At least that’s how he appears whenever I see him during events and such.”
He laughs. “Solo is an ethical motherfucker in his own right. All of us are.”
“So...” I shrug. “You like it, then – killing people?”
