Me
Alright, fine. Out with it.
Franklin
The number it was sent to isn’t traceable. At least not yet. I’m working on it, but so far nothing.
Me
Alright, thanks man. I appreciate the help. We need to make sure we have eyes on her apartment at all times. I want to know if anyone shows up looking for her or Derek. I’ll have one of my guys head your way. They can watch the cameras while you work on tracing that number.
Franklin
You got it boss.
Frustrated all over again, I climb in the truck and take a deep breath to settle myself. I need to think rationally, without emotion. It’s impossible where Dani is concerned, though. I slam my fist against the steering wheel, the overpowering urge to kill and maim pounding against my skin like a beast in a cage.
I look forward to dealing out Derek’s punishment and eventually taking his life. The thought of watching the light fade from his eyes is a sight I relish to see.
He’s going to wish he never stepped foot in that apartment.
I pushopen the door to the holding cell and walk into the small room, closing the door behind me. My men close and lock the door once I’m inside, locking the lion in a cage with a gazelle.
I stand in front of his chair with my arms crossed, waiting for him to stir to my presence. When I get no reaction, I kick his chair, causing him to jump awake.
“Welcome, Derek. How was your nap?”
“F-fine. What do you want with me? I already told them all I know,” he exclaims, his voice shaky with fear. His left eye is swollen shut and his lip is busted open. He’s also missing a front tooth, but he was missing that before we brought him in.
“How’d you lose your tooth, huh? I know it wasn’t from my men, so why don’t you tell me who did that to you? Maybe we can work something out. I take care of your problem, you help me with mine?”
“Your problem?”
“Yeah, I’ll tell you all about it, but why don’t you tell me first who knocked your tooth out?”
“I can’t m-man, you don’t understand w-what he’ll do to me.”
“Look, Derek. As far as I’m concerned, if you don’t tell me what I want to know, you’re a dead man.”
“You don’t get it. If I tell you, then I’m a d-dead man anyway.”
“I can protect you, Derek. I just need to know who sent you after Dani and why.”
I circle his chair slowly as I crack my knuckles. I’m going to enjoy every bit of this.
“His n-n-name is Andrei. That’s all I know.”
“Bullshit, Derek. I know you know more than you’re letting on. Tell me what I want to know, and I won’t start pulling your nails off one by one.”
He blanches and his eyes widen as I come to stand in front of him.
“I can’t.”
Well, that’s really too bad, I think to myself. Turning back to the bars of the cell, I tap them three times signaling my men.
“Bring me the pliers.”
I hold my hand out, the cold metal landing in the palm of my hand moments later.
