“Stop right there.” His voice shakes.
I grab his wrist, pinch the nerve, and loosen his grip on the gun. I knock him over the head with his pistol, and he crumples to the ground.
“Clear?” Endo asks on the com.
“Mmhm.”
“Connor is where?” he asks.
“I’m not his keeper, Endo.” I switch to Mary. “Let’s get you armed and safe.” I pass her the gun from the cop and money from my wallet, thankful now that Dina didn’t accept my bribe. “We need to separate. The longer you stay with me, the worse it will be for you. Here’s what we’re doing. I’m going to hot-wire a car, and you’re going to drive it back to the airport we came from and get on the cargo plane back to Couldermouth.”
“I can’t leave you out here, Declan.”
“If you stay, I’ll worry about you. I need to work alone, and I need to know you’re safe. Check in with Endo when you’re en route.”
When faced with life-and-death choices, we don’t have the luxury of being considerate of someone’s feelings. They will heal the pain of that hurt if they’re alive. If not, then those courtesy conversations won’t matter. Whether I hurt Mary’s feelings isthe last thing on my mind. Mary needs to survive this ordeal. Kindness, while surviving, is optional.
I kiss her warm, wrinkly cheek.
“I love you, Declan Crossbow. Don’t you dare die in this city and leave your brother behind. As for hot-wiring, I’ll find my own car. I just need an oldy but goody.”
Mary walks off as if we’re not wanted by the cops.
Fuck.
But beginner’s luck lands her right next to a 1995 Jusik convertible with those big round headlights that remind me of puppy eyes. Mary opens the car door and slides inside. It was unlocked? I crab walk between the cars to get a better look. She’s looking around the car and putting on sunglasses.
No rush, Mary.
A cigarette is next. Looking for a lighter now. Are you kidding me?
She finds one and rolls down the window to let out some smoke. She shows me a key on a key chain with a big plastic ass. Unbelievable.
Mary pulls out. In style, mind you.
Exhaling a sigh of relief, I rest against the wall. I need to think, plan, forecast.
“Where is your brother?” Endo asks in my ear.
I say nothing.
“He was with your woman,” Endo concludes.
“She’s not really my woman. She’s still married.”
“Was he with her?”
I can’t speak because a rock is stuck in my throat. What if they’re dead? Pain rips through my chest, and I fold over.
“Declan?” Endo’s voice sounds urgent.
I can’t find my voice.
“Declan, answer me.”
“He’s been wearing his brown contact. He’s been drawing attention to himself. He wanted to know what we’re up against. I forbade it, but you know Con. He wouldn’t listen.”
“Ivan tried to kill you,” Endo concludes.
