London scowls. “He’s always had common sense.”
“Debatable.”
London’s eyes flash as she moves to Katia and clenches her hands into fists. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You’re right. I don’t.”
“I’ve dealt with a lot of assholes in my life, but Jack Payne…”
“He’s not your run-of-the-mill asshole.”
London turns her focus back to the punching bag as if she can summon my father there through sheer will. “I just stood there. He threatened my family, he’s got people watching including Mathew, and I…I just fucking stood there like an idiot. I should’ve done something.”
“It would’ve made things worse. Mathew isn’t going to do anything.”
London throws her hands up and begins throwing punches again, one after the other in quick succession. “He’s already threatened me and my family. How much worse can it possibly get?”
“Threats are nothing in our world. You got off easy.”
London stops punching and faces Katia again. “You don’t like him much, do you?”
Katia doesn’t say anything.
“What if we work together to take him down? We could recruit other people. I’m sure you’re not the only one—”
Katia throws her head back and laughs, cutting London off. “Blondie, if you’ve got some kind of death wish, keep me out of it. We cannot go after Jack Payne.”
“Why not?”
“Because you’ll get yourselves killed,” I add, emerging from the shadows. Two pairs of eyes turn to me, and London squares her shoulders while Katia looks away. I stop in the middle of the room and make a big show of putting away my gun. London’s eyes flick from the weapon to my face and back again until she crosses her arms over her chest and exhales.
“What are you doing here, London?”
“Practicing.”
“In the middle of the fucking night? I don’t think so. Let’s go.”
“No.”
I turn to Katia and frown. “You’re supposed to be keeping her out of trouble. Clearly, I’ve overestimated your abilities.”
Katia shifts from one foot to the other, but her face gives nothing away.
I know her well enough to know that she’s keeping her anger under wraps and on a tight leash.
I’ve known her long enough to know that she takes pride in her abilities.
My words have found their mark.
I have no idea what London has that blinds Katia, but endangering her life once is inexcusable. Twice is asking for trouble, and she’s lucky I have a war looming, or we’d be having a different conversation. As it is, I’m still mulling over the appropriate punishment to get my point across.
Katia knows it’s coming, but she’s smart enough to know it can’t be stopped.
“It’s not her fault,” London argues hotly. “She’s doing the best she can.”
“I don’t care what bond the two of you have forged, but stay out of it,” I snap. “She knows what she’s signed up for, and she knows who she works for. She also knows better than to interfere when it isn’t her business. Or maybe you need reminding.”
Katia stiffens. “No, I don’t.”
