I can’t even say Tatiana’s name in front of him. It will feel like a sacrilege.
His expression is full of bravado and pride. “I shot her because I saw a risk. I did what I’d sworn to do when I joined your outfit—to protect you.”
I tilt my head. “That’s very loyal.” And a bit too convenient.
“I told you the truth.” His arms hang away from his body, his hands balled into fists. “Mrs. Morici ran when she saw her chance. I had nothing to do with her escape. You’re pushing the wrong man away, Dante. Yes, I know you’ve been keeping me on the sidelines because you no longer trust me. But you’re right about one thing. I am loyal. I’m loyal to you, and I’m loyal to Lee’s memory.”
At the sound of my brother’s name on his lips, I grind my teeth. I don’t stop him, though. Now that he’s on a roll, I give him rope.
“What happened today proves my loyalty,” he continues. “What would’ve happened if I weren’t there?”
Another sardonic smile stretches my lips. “I guess we’ll never know.”
“I can tell you.” He takes a step closer. “She would’ve used that weapon and shot you, and you would’ve been dead.”
“That’s harsh.” I cluck. “Or wishful thinking. I could’ve been wounded.”
“She set a trap,” he says more forcefully. “Why else did she take that pistol out of her bag?”
“Maybe as a weapon of self-defense in case I were to attack her?” I muse with mocking.
He narrows his eyes. “What are you saying? That I’m lying about Tatiana’s escape?”
I take the knife from the holster under my jacket and step right up to him. “I’m saying those coincidences are just a bit too convenient.” Gripping his nape in one hand, I push the knife into his belly while bringing my lips to his ear. “And I don’t believe in coincidences.”
His eyes go wide as I slowly pull out the knife. When I let him go, he stumbles. Cupping the cut where the blood pours out, he sinks back onto his knees.
I go forward, standing over him. “And that was the last time you disrespected her by addressing her with familiarity. It’s Mrs. Morici to you.”
He stares at the blood gushing over his fingers. “Fuck.”
Lifting his head, he looks between Reino and Ulysses.
Neither of them moves. They both watch him with emotionless expressions.
“In fifteen minutes, you’ll be dead. I’m going to watch you bleed out. That gives us enough time to have a last man to man. If you ever gave a shit about Lee, this is your chance to honor him by coming clean.”
Laughing, he spits at my feet.
Reino moves forward, but I block him with my arm.
Ulysses appears next to me, saying in a lowered voice, “You should’ve tortured him. He could’ve told us something useful.”
“He wouldn’t have broken.” I know him too well.
“Fuck you,” Kent shouts, spittle flying from his mouth. “Fuck all three of you, you cunts.”
“Do you want me to take his tongue?” Reino asks. “It’s of no use to us anyway.”
I smile. “Let him scream. I’m going to savor it.”
“You made a mistake.” Kent goes red in the face. “A huge fucking mistake.”
Beneath all that anger, his skin is already turning pasty white. Sweat beads on his forehead.
“What happened, Kent?” I walk around him, tapping the bloody knife against my thigh. “Did you get greedy? Did splitting the spoils lose its sparkle for you? Did you decide it was better to pocket more of it for yourself? Money can do strange things to people. It can make them forget their promises and their friends. Did you orchestrate the kidnapping, or where you just the instrument, the sorry idiot someone else used?”
He regards me with defiance, not saying a word.
