That’s still not information. I lean even closer, voice ice-cold. “One…”
“The Vanderburn boys!” Vladski blurts out, sweat pouring down his temples now.
I grunt, not pulling back. “Thosesleazylowlife brothers?”
He nods frantically, eyes wide with terror.
“That wasn’tthathard, was it?”
I keep my face inches from his, holding his gaze until he’s practically vibrating. Then I tap two fingers against my own ear, the signal clear. Armen knows exactly what it means. He tucks the gun away smoothly and draws a sharp blade instead. While Vladski is still pinned under my stare, too frozen to notice anything else… Armen grabs a fistful of his hair, yanks his head to the side, and slices his ear clean off in one brutal motion.
Vladski’s scream rips through the empty club, high and raw, but Armen’s faster… he shoves a handful of napkins deep into the man’s mouth, muffling the sound into wet, choking grunts.
A warm spray of blood hits the side of my face. I don’t flinch; blood is something I wear like a trophy. I smile slowly, letting it drip down my cheek as I hold Vladski’s terrified eyes.
“Maybe next time, you won’t lose your other ear, if you just…listen.”
Vladski clutches the bloody side of his head, whimpering and groaning behind the napkins. I straighten up, towering over him once more, and watch as hestumbles backward through the curtain into the back rooms, leaving a trail of red droplets on the floor.
Ray’s already tapping away at his tablet, voice steady. “The brothers are out of state for a week, but their members are keeping an eye on things.”
I crack my knuckles, the sound loud in the sudden quiet. “Well then… won’t it be anicewelcome home to find them all dead.”
With that, I turn and walk out the front door without a backward glance, the blood still wet and warm on my face. No shame, no rush to wipe it away… let the whole fucking street see who really runs this city.
I climb straight into the back of the SUV, the leather cool against my inked arms. As the door slams shut and the engine purrs to life, a small, satisfied grin tugs at the corner of my mouth. The raw anger that had been simmering since breakfast is finally starting to settle, cooling into something sharper and more focused.
Kit can wait a little longer. Right now, I have a message to send.
???
The SUV hums smoothly through the afternoon traffic, tinted windows hiding the blood still drying on the side of my face. I sit in the back, legs spread, one arm draped along the seat as the city blurs past.
I glance at Ray in the front passenger seat. “Send some men to the Vanderburns’ home.”
Ray turns slightly, brow raised. “You know where it is?”
I reach forward and take the tablet from his hands without asking. My fingers move quickly across the screen as I type in the exact address, then hand it back. “You think Idon’thave Sam and Luke locate every scum’s address in this city?”
Armen, lounging in the seat beside me, lets out a pleased laugh, his grin sharp and eager. He always enjoys this part far too much.
“Tell the men it’ll likely be guarded,” I continue, “but I’m betting there are some illegal women in there.”
Ray nods once. “This could be a learning opportunity for Aria, boss.”
I grunt in approval and give a short nod. The girl has potential. She’s still green, but she learns fast.
Armen leans forward, still grinning. “And she’ll be a comfort for the women. She’s a good egg.”
“Good eggs don’t last long in my house,” I mutter, staring out the window at the passing buildings.
Armen’s grin only widens. “You’re the one who recruited her.”
I grunt again, unimpressed. “She watchesrealityTV.”
Armen stares at me for a beat, then bursts out laughing, the sound loud and genuine in the confined space. Even Ray cracks a grin, shaking his head.
“Oh my god, boss,” Armen wheezes, still laughing. “Ray stole your cereal the other day, but you’re bothered about what Ariawatchesin one of yourmanysitting rooms?”
