I sit taller, my eyes narrowing with concentration. “What kind of message?” We’d put out some feelers on the street, hoping to get word to the guy, but had no idea if or how we’d hear back from him. He’s not the sort to make a call or send an email.
He’s a fucking phantom.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me,” I urge.
“Asshole shot an arrow into the pergola on my back patio with a note tied to it. Even sealed the damn thing in wax.”
“You fucking kidding me?”
“Told you, you wouldn’t believe me.”
“What is he, fucking Robin Hood?”
“Hell, I don’t know.” Renzo’s exasperation is audible. “Maybe. According to the cops, he’s shut down a number of child trafficking operations.”
“He’s also bootlegging and running guns, as far as we can tell. Dude’s not a saint.”
“Either way, no real reason to trust him, but if we did take him at his word, he’s not responsible for the snake.”
I grumble. “Shooting arrows isn’t exactly the way to convince me you’re not the one sending venomous snakes. Those two tactics seem equally odd.”
“Good point.” He takes a slow, deep breath. “Simeon still insists any threats expressed by Pasha aren’t shared by him. I think Pasha blames us for his father's death, not out of loyalty, but because it led to his downfall. Right now, our best guess is it’s Pasha out for revenge.”
“Makes sense,” I agree. “Also makes him that much more unpredictable. Do we have any idea where he’s hiding?”
“No. You’re better at that sort of thing than anyone, and while I hate to pull you away from protection duty, I think it might be necessary.”
My hackles rise. “What exactly are you thinking?”
“Nothing major. I just thought it would be good to have someone fill in for a few hours so you can put your ear to the ground.”
I exhale my relief that it’s not a permanent shift. For a second, I thought he might assign someone else to protect her, and I’ll be damned if Terina moves in with some other asshole.
“Yeah. I can take a few hours, and maybe then we can put this to bed.”
I’d like nothing more than to get my hands on the man who thinks it’s fun to send deadly snakes to innocent women. I have one particular acquaintance who could be helpful, but I have held off on reaching out. It’s never good to ask for favors unless necessary. In our world, help always comes at a price.
CHAPTER 34
DIANGELO
Past
Miracles do happen.After resetting the breakers to the abandoned factory, I was able to get power flowing. And on top of that, I was able to power up the industrial meat grinder to dispose of the dead kidnapper.
God hasn’t completely abandoned me.
Though he might after all of this.
I start five small fires strategically placed throughout the building, using whatever flammable objects I can find, and douse them with oil meant to lubricate the machinery. I watch the fires build from inside, at first. When the smoke is too intense, I head outside, but I don’t leave.
I think it’s the guilt that keeps me there.
Not my guilt about the fires or the murder. It’s guilt over the loss of my brother that roots me to the spot. I sit cross-legged in the middle of the parking lot with his necklace in my fist while angry flames lick the outside of the building. That’s where the authorities find me when the wailing fire trucks arrive.
Watching.
