I take my time answering. He wants to know what kind of man I am. So, I show him.
“I want to give Rachel everything,” I reply. “No matter the cost.”
His smile spreads slow and wide. “Excellent.” He flicks ash into the tray. “The board meets soon. I’ll get you in the room, and let you see what we do. Then, you decide.”
“I’m sure it’ll work out.” I extend my hand. “Thank you for the opportunity, Sir.”
He shakes it. Two devils sealing a deal. At least, that’s whathethinks.
Me? I’m going to burn this whole thing to the ground.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and check the screen.
“Apologies,” I say, standing. “Work never sleeps.”
He waves me off with a knowing smirk.
I’m out the door and through the hall before the stench of cigars clings too tight. Once I’m clear of cameras and prying eyes, I answer.
“Yes?”
A nervous voice on the other end rattles off updates. Everything’s in motion. The pieces are coming together faster than I anticipated.
“Bring the package to me,” I say, no hesitation, and hang up.
This is going to be very... interesting.
∞∞∞
The next day, I’m posted up outside my building, sunglasses on, arms crossed. I’m early. Always am.
Based on our last check-in, my contact should be arriving any minute now. I lean against the stone facade, soaking in the calm before the storm. There’s a thrum of anticipation in my chest I haven’t felt in years.
The Dodge turns the corner right on time. It’s ugly and beat-up. Obviously doesn’t belong in this part of town, butneither do I.
The car pulls up. In the passenger seat is a woman. She’s talking, animated, probably asking questions. She doesn’t know yet.
I push off the wall and stroll over. Then I yank the door open with a vicious grin.
“Honey, you’re home,” I sing, syrup-slick and venom-laced.
Her head snaps toward me. Familiar blue eyes widen in horror.
“Johnny?” she gasps. “Johnny—no. Oh God. No, no, no—”
She tries to backpedal, scrambling across the seat, but it’s too late.
“Sean! What the f—”
She’s cut off. The syringe hits her neck fast and clean. Her eyes glaze over and close. Her limbs go slack. She’s still breathing, just out cold.
Sean stares at me from the driver’s side, one brow raised. “You two know each other?”
“Wekneweach other,” I correct, scooping her into my arms. “Past tense.”
He doesn’t look entirely convinced. “Did I make a mistake bringing her here? You said you’d protect her.”
“And I am. She just wouldn’t have accepted it willingly.”
