The words come out stronger than I feel, and a thrill cuts through the terror at the way his eye twitches. “Guess your family doesn’t know you’re in Atlanta.”
His face twists further, the scars pulling tight. “Why would I tell them? My father came to Costa Rica—I saw it in my hospital records.Viewed patient and could not identify patient as his son.” He says in a mocking voice.
“What a coincidence they never found me. My father knew where I was, he just didn’t want me back like this.” He uses the tip of the knife to gesture at his face. “When I finally found a way back to the States, I noticed this one following you.” He jerks a thumb at Hannah. “We came to a mutual agreement—she couldwork with me as a bonus job. Maybe eventually I’ll let my mother know I’m still alive. I haven’t decided yet.”
“But you can’t pay Hannah without the bitcoin.”
The answer hangs unspoken and obvious in the air.
Aaron lunges, his knife pressing against my throat, and I feel blood trickle down my neck.
“Tell me where the picture is,” he seethes. “Or I’ll make the other side of your face match this mess.” The knife trails down my unscarred cheek, pressing just enough to sting.
“I already gave it to your family.”
He freezes, knife hovering. “You’re lying.”
Hannah’s head snaps up. “What is she talking about?”
“Your brother approached me,” I say, words tumbling out, buying time. “Told me the family thought I had it. I had our cyber guy go through the phone. He found the picture. So, I gave it to them.”
“No!” Aaron howls, the sound raw and animal. He tears at his hair with one hand, knife waving wildly. “No, no, no!”
“They’ll have already emptied it to pay back Mikhail Kovalyov, I’m sure. He’s been putting pressure on them.”
Hannah’s face darkens. “So, youcan’tpay me?”
Aaron rounds on her. “The bitch is lying!”
“I did my job. Bugged her phone and arranged for her to be followed looking for an opportunity to grab her. And I jammed the cameras today to get her here, didn’t I? You owe me.” Hannah’s eyes narrow as she advances on him.
“Owe you? For what? Youdidn’tget her, and I helped you get her in the car.” Aaron’s voice rises, veins bulging in his neck.
Hannah jabs a finger at his chest. “You promised double if I helped with the cleanup. Where’s my money?”
“I’ll get it. After she talks!”
Their voices blend into a furious cacophony, faces inches apart. Hannah shoves him; he shoves back. My heart races. This could be an opportunity.
“Fuck this. Let’s see how much your family cares you’re alive.” Hannah turns toward the door, and I make my bid.
“If all you care about is money,” I call, voice hoarse but steady, “I can pay you. I have money. My father has money. My husband hasa lotof money.”
Hannah pauses at the threshold, hand on the rusted knob. She turns slowly, eyes flicking over me, considering. For a heartbeat, hope flares.
Come on. Take it.
But Aaron decides for her. He pulls a gun from his waistband and fires. Hannah’s body jerks as blood spreads across her shirt before she crumples, eyes wide in shock. The body hits the floor with a thud.
I turn my face away, bile rising hot in my throat. The coppery smell of blood and gunpowder fills the air.
Aaron holsters the gun, turning back to me with a twisted grin. “Money was only the cherry on top, babe.” He steps close again, his hand trailing down my side, squeezing my hip possessively. I flinch, helpless rage boiling. “Getting back at you—for what you did to me, how you disrespected me—that’s what always mattered.”
My body turns cold, a deep, bone-chilling dread settling in. His breath fans my face, eye alight with madness.
Pain throbs everywhere. My shoulders, head, and cheek—but I meet his gaze, defiant. “You’ll lose,” I whisper. “Again.”
He laughs, low and dark, the knife glinting as he raises it once more. The train rumbles louder now.
