Come on.
The killer leaned over him. “I’ve killed people for less than that disrespect.”
But he would hardly get contracts if he treated people like that. Why take the meet if it wasn’t his norm?
Jax said, “So I shouldn’t check that you’re for real before I hand over a hundred thousand dollars? I could’ve hired someone off the street for ten grand, and they could’ve put a bullet in a guy’s brain no problem. I came to you because you were recommended.”
The guy shoved off Jax but didn’t get far. Jax moved as well. The guy straightened, kicking off Jax’s grip on him beforestriding over to the duffel. He unzipped it and looked inside, swearing loudly.
Jax had already rolled over on the ground, raised a gun, and pointed it at the guy.
The contract killer reached for the back of his belt.
“Got your gun.”
The guy swore.
“Fine, I lied. But I can pay you. It’s just for answering some questions and not for killing anyone.”
The guy froze where he stood, on the wrong end of a gun—his own gun.
Jax shifted and got up, first on his knees, and then he rocked and stood in one move. “You still get a hundred thousand. I’ll have it sent to whatever account you want. But I want answers.”
The killer would know he was never going to be able to run faster than a bullet. Even if he tried, there was too much of a chance Jax wouldn’t miss. He had to agree, or he was going to lose his life—or a leg.
The guy’s body language radiated anger and frustration. “What do you want to know?”
“Who hired you to kidnap Ellayna Feathers and kill her mother and brother?”
“I didn’t do that job.”
“I know,” Jax said. “Because they’re still alive. I want to know who paid you the first half for the job.”
“Why? They weren’t there; they were already gone!”
Jax asked, “Did you tell whoever hired you that or try to give their money back?”
The killer laughed. “Not my fault I couldn’t do the job. Someone else got there first.”
“How did they contact you?”
“Why do you care?” The guy shifted, his movements jerky.
Jax said, “Not your concern. I just want everything you know about these people. SoIcan find them.”
The guy shook his head. “How do you think they found me? Same way you did.”
“I meant what I said about paying you. And I don’t want to shoot you, but I will if I have to. All I want is their information.”
Kenna watched the guy look at his boots for a second. Assessing his options.
He finally looked up. “You know what happens to people who talk? Won’t matter if you paid me or not. Fact is, you might as well put a bullet in my brain. I’m done anyway.”
“I’d love to talk you into quitting,” Jax said. “I’ll know I made the world a better place tonight.”
“A do-gooder?” The guy laughed. “This gets better and better.”
Kenna spotted a flash of movement in her rearview. But it happened so quickly she wondered if she saw it. Nothing else happened. Jax faced off against the guy, and she was fine here with Maizie in the car.
