“I didn’t have a choice.” I stare at him until he sighs and continues. “My ride-or-die joined them, and he was killed. I wanted to find out what happened to him.”
“Did you?”
“Yeah. He was standing guard when the boss got mad about something and he threw Geo down the stairs. Not because he’d done anything wrong, but because he was the closest thing to him.” Mateo scoffs. “So stupid.”
“Did you get to meet the boss?”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I didn’t even get taken to the main house yet.”
“Do you know the boss’s name?” He nods but doesn’t answer. “I like you, Mateo.”
He looks up at me with surprise. “Thank you, sir.”
“Do you know who I am?”
“Alexander Hart? The true boss of this city.”
I nod. Damn straight.
“You have three choices. One, you can return to your previous life, you can join me, or I can kill you.”
“Join you.” He doesn’t even hesitate.
“Good choice.” I release his hands, but I stay wary. I did just beat the hell out of him and threatened to cut his finger off. “Mal!” I call out.
“Yeah, boss.” He takes a look at the man kneeling on the floor and chuckles. “Another one?” Then he walks over and helps Mateo off the floor. “Too bad the new doc isn’t here yet.”
“I’ll be fine.” Mateo hisses and limps along with Mal.
“Kid.” Mal scoffs. “You are going to be in a world of hurt tomorrow. So let’s get you some painkillers and into bed.”
“That sounds great. Thank you.” He turns his head to me. “And thank you, sir. I won’t disappoint you.”
I nod.
Finding recruits this way doesn’t happen often. Most people crack and sing like a fucking canary, which ends with a lot of blood and a bullet in their skull. But every once in a while, someone impresses me and I offer them a job.
Those are the ones who have been the most loyal to me.
Yeah, I rough them up, but I can also show mercy, and they know that firsthand.
“His name—” Mateo starts, but I cut him off.
“Tell me when you’re feeling better.”
He sighs in relief and leaves the room.
I doubt he has anything more than a first name, and that won’t be enough to go off of anyway.
2
RORY
We’re standing outside the largest building in the city.
It’s so tall I have to strain my neck, and I almost fall over before I can see the top.
“Careful.” Brendan steadies me with a smile.
