“Well, you cared about him, and honestly, this is about revenge, Willow, don’t you get it? He was just another casualty.”
“You killed him?”
“You ask a lot of questions.”
“So you just went on a killing spree?”
“There were only five people.” She rolls her eyes. “Trust me when I say they deserved it.”
“Six,” I correct. “You don’t have to do this. Bolt made his own decisions and life choices. You can’t go around blaming people because he couldn’t get his shit together.”
“It changed him, you know? Having a dad like that. Oh, trust me, Bolt was no angel, but it felt kinda poetic. I was finishing what Dead Bolt started, and even if I never knew the man, I can appreciate he stood for justice, too.”
“How can you say that? Not every person you or he killed were bad people. That isn’t justice, that’s murder.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” she says. “We’re vigilantes. Misunderstood. But I wouldn’t expect you to get any of that. Not that it matters now.”
“Who are the Directors?”
She tuts. “You have no idea how far this goes, do you? You think the raid that made you Captain was bad? That was child’s play. These men are ruthless beyond anything we’ve ever seen.”
“The cartel?”
“Guess again.”
“What does it matter if I know shit?” I spit at her. “I’m dead, anyway.” I need her to tell me. When I get out of this—and I will get out of it—I can find them and nail their asses. They can try to get rid of me, but I’ll fight to the death. I’m petty like that.
“You’re right, but weirder things have happened. Or should I say,Stranger Things?” She laughs at her own joke. “I want you to know it was my suggestion they sell you rather than just kill you. That way, they will prolong your agony as much as possible. Then you’ll finally understand why I had it in for you, and why I detest you so much for taking Aaron away from me.”
The penny drops. “Did Bolt have a thing for me?” I laugh. “Is that what this is about? Jealousy? When I was undercover, ready to turn every damn one of them in, including him?”
She slaps me again, harder this time, and I know we have a winner. If I can provoke her, maybe I can fight my way out ofthis before that horrible Darius guy comes back. Granted, that is a little hard when my feet are bound, and hands tied. Still, they tied my hands to the front, which really makes no sense. These two idiots are rookies when it comes to hostages, even if my restraints are so tight, I can barely feel my feet and hands. They clearly underestimated me, and most people do. They don’t know how dirty I can fight, especially if it’s for my life.
“You don’t know shit!”
“That’s it, isn’t it? Oh, fuck, that is truly tragic. You thought you’d take everyone out who was ever a threat not just to you, but to Bolt because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.”
Smack.
“Just keep this up, and I’ll be sending the Directors your head,” she warns.
Yes, this isexactlywhat I want. Clare angry. If I can get her off guard, maybe, just maybe, I can knock her over. She’s still crouching, and far too close, but there’s a slight chance. And if there’s a chance, I’m gonna go for it.
“Wouldn’t that be a shame. What about the money?”
“You think I give a shit about that? It won’t bring Aaron back.”
I shrug. “Maybe you belong in Hell, with him and his dad.”
“I could fuck you up,” she warns. “I’d get less money, but I could say you struggled.”
“Like I said, hardly a fair fight when you have me tied up. Really pathetic when you think about it.”
She’s not backing down, though, poking me in the chest with a bony finger. “A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, I’m sure you understand. It’s dog eat cat in this world, and the only thing that matters is getting out on top.”
“Oh, I guess you just forgot about one thing?” I sing, a little glee in my tone. If she has a gun, I’m fucking dead, but I’m gonnatake my chances. I’m dead either way, and I’m not gonna go down without a fight.
“What, that Haze will be looking for you in places you’re not even going? I’ve got it all mapped out, don’t worry.”
