“Take you out before you get too… popular.”
I don’t blink. “If he thought he had to? Yeah.”
Ray exhales and rubs his jaw. “Fucking hell. The man’s pushing seventy and still can’t let go. Still no heir?”
“No one who stuck around. The last one died in a ‘boating accident.’” I gesture quotes with my fingers. “Right after he called Igor unfit to lead.”
Ray mutters under his breath. “That makes three wives, two advisors, and no potential heir. Either the man’s got cursed luck or he’s playing God a little too often.”
“He thinks losing control is the same as dying.”
Ray’s voice softens. “He’s not wrong. Not in that world.”
I glance at him. “And what about you? You got out. Found yourself a yoga wife and a toddler who paints the walls. You ever look over your shoulder?”
“All the fucking time.” He grins faintly. “But it’s different when you’re not living on someone else’s leash. You should try it sometime.”
“I’m not built for normal.”
Ray shrugs. “No one is. Until they are.”
I look down at the mug, then at the address he gave me.
Desert Palms. A throwaway apartment with no ties. A quiet place for someone like me to disappear.
Ray shifts. “You want the key now, or you coming with me?”
“Give me the key.”
He pulls a folded envelope from his jacket and slides it across the table. “Key’s inside. It’s a third-floor unit. Shit exterior, solid walls. Quiet neighbors. Or deaf.”
I tuck the envelope into my coat.
Then glance at the window again.
Car’s gone.
Just like that.
No engine. No headlights. No movement. Gone like it was never there.
Ray leans forward, dropping his voice. “Let me guess: Igor told you this isn’t just about money, right? That it’s personal. A message. Some legacy shit.”
I don’t respond. But again, I don’t have to.
He studies me for a long moment. “You think he’s got someone watching you.”
“Not just think.”
He mutters, “Old bastard’s getting scared.”
“Scared men are dangerous.”
“So are men with nothing left to prove.” Ray downs the rest of his coffee. “You ever think he’s not testing your loyalty anymore? Just measuring how long you’ll stay quiet.”
I meet his eyes.
“He’ll die before he hands me the throne.”
