He leans forward and squares his shoulders and asks, “What else do you want, Kade?”
I shake my head and I take in a short breath. Once she’s safe, I don’t know what I can do. Gates told me to abort two days ago. But I couldn’t leave yet, not if the report was false. I couldn't waste this chance..
Intel was collected between Ricky and Vic. They were planning my execution. Two days later and the only plan I have now is to get her home safe. Beyond that, I abort or I'm dead. I can't let that man live though. There has to be some justice, no matter how small. I can't leave and do nothing.
“I like you, Kade. I’ve always had a weak spot for you. When I found out about your friend, I hurt for you. I still do.” My blood chills at his confession. My brow furrows and then my grip tightens on the armrests. He lowers his eyes to something on his desk and fiddles with it, but I can’t tell what it is.
“You knew?” I wasn’t told anyone else knew. As far as the department knows, it was only a conversation between Ricky and Vic. And now Vic is dead.
“Of course,” Gabriel answers easily. “It’s my job to know who’s walking through those doors.” He clears his throat. “I almost killed you on day one.” He holds up his hand and says, “No offense, Kade. I was just doing my job. But then I thought, maybe I could form a much-needed partnership. After all, you being a cop means that Ricky is your enemy, too.”
“I’m listening.” Although my heart hurts at the memory of James, hope fills my chest. We have a common enemy, and that can only work in my favor.
“Do you know who I don’t like?” he asks me with a glint in his eyes. “I don’t like Ricardo Stone. I don’t like what he does, and I don’t like how I’m inherently associated with him.”
“I can understand how that would reflect poorly.” I keep my voice even and wait for him to continue.
“I’d like him to die, Kade.”
I nod my head once, relief flowing through me for the first time since I stepped into this office.
“His business is bad for my business. I want him dead, and I want all of his business gone. If that means I have to deal with you,” he points his finger at me and then holds it in the air, “one last time before we part ways with no ill feelings, I think that can be arranged.”
“What deal are you offering?” I ask him. I don't have anything to bargain with, but I need to know the terms if I'm going to make a deal with the devil.
He gives me an asymmetrical grin and says, “I have enough information on his contacts and operations that if they were to get into the wrong hands, or the right hands, well it would do me well to see that happen.” Gabriel smiles at me and relaxes in his seat. “He dies, and everyone in this business knows that you did it and I had nothing to do with it.” He holds my gaze. “And the information I give to you, you got from him.”
“Is that all?” I ask. For the first time in years, I feel like I've made progress in this case. I'm focused on revenge and finally ending this.
“That, and the fact you’ve never met me or my Talia. You’ve never been here, and you don’t know what they’re talking about.” He leans back in his seat. “I want this to be a win, win, win for me, Kade. If you make that happen, we’ll part dear friends.” He gives me a wide smile and says, “In fact, I’ll owe you one.”
“I’ll make sure it happens,” I say. I’m eager to accept his deal and finally see a way out of this. But first I need Olivia away from all this. I need her safe. For all I know, Stone will kill me before I can kill him.
Or Gabriel will, once I’ve done his dirty work for him.
Olivia
“I’m sorry, angel.” I think I hear Kade’s voice, but my eyelids are so heavy. I feel his small kiss on my forehead. I try to get up so I can kneel for him, but my body doesn’t quite respond. I moan out for him, but they aren’t the words I want. My head falls to the side.
“It’ll wear off soon.” I hear his voice, but I don’t understand.
“I promise you, I’ll keep you safe.” I can feel his body carry me away, but I don’t know where to. I can feel a cold breeze on my face, and the sounds of car doors opening.
Outside? Are we leaving? I try to ask, but I can’t.
* * *
Kade sets me down against leather, and the sounds of a car starting make me realize we are leaving. I want to ask where, but I can’t.
I try to roll my body and ask him, but I’m so heavy.
His hand cups my face and he kisses me. His comforting touch puts me at ease.
“Sleep, angel,” I hear him say. I’d nod my head if I could. I want to sleep. My body’s so tired.
As I drift off into a deep sleep, I swear I hear him say, “Forgive me, angel,” and even softer, “I love you.”
But I’m not certain of anything. It all feels like a dream.
