“Good call.”
“Finally, an atta boy,” Dakota said with a wry smile.
“Did you see who shot me?” Sin asked Jacoby.
“I glimpsed a tall man in a hoodie right before you went down,” Jacoby replied. “It was dark, but after seeing the photos Evangeline took, I’m thinking it could’ve been this Monty dude.”
“Motherfucking asshole,” Sin growled. “Shooting me once wasn’t enough. He had to come after me again.”
Jacoby’s eyes widened. “What do you meanagain?”
“He’s not getting away this time,” Dakota bit out. “Jacoby and I have a few ideas we want to run by you.”
Pushing past the discomfort, Sin listened as they explained options, but his mind kept jumping to Evangeline. Is she safe? I need to see her.
In the windowless room, Sin lost track of time. The surgeon checked him once more before leaving. Sleep came in short bursts. He dozed while Dakota and Jacoby strategized, then awakened to the nurse checking his vitals. At some point, the nurse left, as well. That’s when Dakota and Jacoby filled Sin in on their plan.
“Nice,” Sin said. “You two prepared to pull this off?”
“Hell, yeah,” Jacoby replied.
Dakota nodded. “How about you?”
“I’m ready for retribution,” Sin replied. “Where’s my phone?”
Dakota handed it to him and Sin made the call. “I’m at the black site.”
“What’s going on?” Maverick asked.
“I was shot.”
“On my way.”
Twenty minutes later, Maverick entered the recovery room. “What do you need? What can I do?”
“We think it was Monty,” Sin said.
Maverick huffed. “No fucking way.”
By the time Sin finished recounting the long version, Maverick was pacing back and forth at the foot of Sin’s bed. “So, what’s the plan?”
“We let Monty think he’s won,” Dakota interjected.
“Jacoby is going to release a statement on behalf of Develin & Associates,” Sin explained. “I want you to speak for the family. Put out a personal statement about my sudden passing. Do not say I was shot. Jacoby and Anton got me out before the police were involved and I want to keep it that way. I need Monty to believe I’m dead and that he’s won.”
“Roger that,” Maverick said.
“Let the guys know to be on standby. Tell the family the truth, but make sure they keep a low profile.” Sin eyed each of the men. “Ready to do this?”
“Absolutely,” Jacoby said.
“I’ve been waiting fourteen years for this,” Dakota replied.
“Monty’s luck has finally run out,” Maverick said.
Sin’s lips curved. “It’s time for his date with the devil.”
23
