“Sure.” Wylder smiles. There’s nothing pleasant about it. “Lowerthe gun, and I’ll behave in the civilized manner in which I was raised.”
Gordon does no such thing. “Oh, I know all about your upbringing. It’s what makes this so fun.”
Wylder cocks his head, studying Gordon. “How so?”
If I didn’t know better, I’d think Wylder is calm. Unruffled. Completely in control.
But I do know better.
Wylder has handed over all of his control to his monster.
And he won’t stop until Gordon’s heart stops beating.
“Everyone believes The Firm is unstoppable,” Gordon muses. “But all of its power comes from control, isn’t that right? Controlling the money. The connections. The influence.”
Wylder doesn’t flinch. “So?”
“So, it’d be a shame if someone knew exactly who The Firm really are,” Gordon continues. “Because if I did, I’d have the control.”
“Ah.” Wylder nods slowly. “So that’s what this has all been about. You hope to control The Firm, and in turn, control everyone in St. Dismas.”
“And beyond. Really, I’m surprised your family hasn’t broadened your reach. Such a waste. I shall have no qualms in restricting my…ambition.”
Wylder’s smile is almost pitying. “Sorry, you seem to be suffering under the misapprehension that we will do your bidding.”
“Oh, you will.” Gordon pushes the gun harder against my neck. “Especially given I have your boy. Make no mistake, Wylder Buckingham, Neo here will be the one to pay if you step out of line. It’s why I’ll be keeping him here with me. Nice and safe…unless you choose not to cooperate.”
No.If the Buckinghams allow Umbra to control them…
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Wylder says conversationally, taking a casual step. Not toward me, but the desk. “Threatening Neo won’t make me do as you tell me.”
I squeeze my eyes shut at that.
But Wylder’s not done. “It’ll just make your death more painful.”
My eyes fly open. Wylder isn’t looking at me, instead he’s strolling around the desk casually, like this is a business discussion. A simple negotiation between equals.
Rather than between a monster and a moron who’s got a gun against someone the monster cares about.
Gordon chuckles. “I could kill him before you take a single step.”
Wylder’s hand moves so fast, I’m not certain Gordon sees it. But I do. He palms something smoothly off the desk before letting his arm swing lazily at his side. “You could, but then you’d have no bargaining chip.”
“You think your lover is the only card I have to play?”
A shadow crosses inside the window to my left. My pulse picks up, but I don’t let myself react otherwise.
Wylder gives Gordon an amused look as he strolls toward the front of the desk. “I assume you’re going to share. You wannabes are all the same.”
That has Gordon frowning. “What?”
“You think you’re the first group to try and take us down?” Wylder laughs softly. “You’re the eighth, and that’s just since I took the helm. Ask me where the other seven are now.”
Gordon’s eyes narrow. “It doesn’t matter. I’ll succeed where they didn’t because I have something they didn’t.”
God, and I think I’m dramatic. I have nothing on Gordon.
Wylder’s stare is almost bored. His stance is anything but. “Do tell.”
