“You knew this was on the table. You’re the one who told the bitch to do her job.”
“I didn’t think you’d actually go through with it! This is too fucking far, Seán.”
I stare at him, disappointment curling in my chest. “Nothing is too far in war, Lachlan. You knew that from the very beginning, when you helped me betray my son. So don’t get on your moral fucking high horse. The Martellis and Amatos have run things for too long; it’s time to tear their rules down and build anew. If I have to take drastic measures…well, that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.”
He points to the kid. “He’s an innocent.”
I scoff. “No one is innocent in this life. You should know that, considering where you came from.”
Lachlan glares at me for a long moment before finally relenting. “What are your plans for him?”
“I think a nice little message sent to hisfathers,”—I spit the word—“is in order. Just a reminder that this can all end…if they submit. That’s what they like, isn’t it? And if not…well, it’s been a while since I personally got my hands dirty, how fitting it’d be with someone so small.”
Lachlan pales. “You’re not planning on torturing him, are you?”
I shake my head. “It’s pointless. Look at him…so pathetic. My children were never this weak.”
“He’s a baby! He’s under five, isn’t he?”
“Fuck if I know. Like it matters.”
Reaching into my desk, I take out the camera. “Since you want to be a nosy fucking bastard, you can film it; saves me the trouble of setting it up.”
Lachlan blanches, but takes the camera. Standing, I walk over to the brat. “Come here.”
He looks up at me with big, red-rimmed eyes. “I…I’ll be good,” he whispers.
Reaching out, I grab his arm, grimacing when he lets out a cry. “We’re going to make a movie for your daddies.”
“I wanna go home…” he cries.
“And I want your daddies to die,” I tell him casually. “We don’t always get what we want, kid.”
With a firm grip, I turn him to face Lachlan, who points the camera at him. “Say hi to your precious daddies…I’m sure they’re happy to be rid of you.”
“No… Daddies…Papa… Please. I’ll be quiet and good. Promise…”
“Awww,” I say, looking directly into the camera. “Isn’t that sweet? Look at your little boy, begging for you to rescue him. Too bad we all know you’re useless, worthless, and not at all as dangerous as you pretend to be.
“Cowards, the lot of you. Hiding in your house, taking out the men who made you… You’re not a Council. Just in over your heads. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the brat doesn’t end up as worthless as you are. And without a mother figure, that’s exactly where he’s heading. You should be thanking me for doing you a favor.”
I signal to Lachlan to cut the camera and release the brat. “Sit back down and don’t make another sound,” I order.
He whimpers, grabbing his arm. Tears roll down his face and I turn away.
“Perhaps I can take him off your hands, sir?” Lachlan says hesitantly.
“Are you a bleeding heart, Lachlan?”
“I simply know how busy you are, and figured this would be better for you.”
I think about it, but shake my head. “No, as much as I want to be rid of the brat, I don’t need any fuck ups.”
“Can I at least bring him some food and water? A toy maybe? So he doesn’t bother you?”
I scoff and wave him off. “Whatever. Do what you want.”
Lachlan gives the kid one last lingering look, then leaves the office. Sitting back in my chair, I stare at the kid, who’s back to crying softly to himself. He’s sitting on the floor, face buried in his raised knees.
