Page 31 of The Quiet Witness

His eyes narrowed, taking in the Ford F-150 that sat idling next to the water. That wasn’t the car he’d been expecting. No, the owner of said car was someone he didn’t look forward to seeing. Not now, not ever.

Hoping he wasn’t about to meet his end in the freezing cold river, he stepped into the bridge’s shadows. Pulling the hoodie down over his face, he didn’t let his attention slip for a second. If this was a trap, if they already knew.

He would be ready.

With a click the car door opened. Heavy duty boots hit the concrete flooring with a dull thud. A tall figure strutted toward the hood of his car. Taking to leaning leisurely against his red ride. He raised a hand, waving it wildly at Lucien.

The latter rolled his eyes.

If only I could remove this blemish off the face of the Earth. What satisfaction that would bring.

A smile crept up his cheeks at the mere thought. Using the cruel twist of his lips he greeted the man. “Good evening to you, Max. Where is he?”

Max scoffed. His cold voice split the evening quiet. “Right to the point, ey, brother?”

Lucien stiffened at the last word. Placing his feet shoulder-width apart, he took a good look at the man in front of him.

Coiled arms crossed over each other with ease. Sparkling icy blue eyes surrounded by sun tanned brown skin and a sensual mouth. A fan among the ladies. Having been send out on duo missions with the man, he knew all too well the tendencies he had.

A monster. Free to roam where he pleased. If it was up to Lucien, he would have long since gotten rid of the problem. But no matter how much he despised Max. Their employer had been clear. They were to find a way forward together.

Cordiality was expected.

And so, he would play along. Ignoring the way his hairs stood up while in the presence of this particular specimen.

Lucien’s nose flared. Weed. Someone was smoking weed. He took a step back to observe the dark shadows under the bridge. “Relax man. It’s just my own.”

Lucien fixed his colleague with a stare. “You’re smoking pot on working hours?”

“Don’t patronize me, Lucien. The boss called me late.”

Don’t respond.

Max lowered his voice to a whisper. “Our employer send me in his stead. Your latest assignment was of higher… importance than we had anticipated.”

The river rushed by, echoing the din in Lucien’s ears. Of all contracts, I’ve chosen this one to go off the books. Fuck.

He made sure neither thought was evident on his face. Masking it in a veil of surprise. “And why pray tell, didn’t our employer feel the need to fill us in on that… peculiarity?”

Max kicked at a stone, sending it ricocheting against the bridge wall. Lucien inwardly winced at the noise. Annoying little… brat.

His blue eyes lit up in triumph as he leaned closer to Lucien, crooked smile pulling on his lips “Let’s say this is somewhat personal to our boss. I am not at liberty to discuss its contents with… others.”

Aha. That’s why the glee was practically written across his face. Anderson had thrown him a boon. Surprising seeing as Max stood a step lower on the ladder of hierarchy, but no problem. Sometimes good dogs needed a pat on the head for motivation.

That’s where their paths diverted.

Lucien shrugged his shoulders. Letting the movement roll away his exasperation. “Sounds like a you problem then. I handled the job according to the manner of execution.” Another shrug. “What seems to be the issue?”

Max looked away, eyes trailing over their surroundings before muttering. “That’s the thing. I’m not entirely sure. The boss wanted me to double check if everything had gone to plan. So, consider me double checking….” Max hesitated slightly. “Did it go as it should have?”

Lucien refused the overwhelming urge to roll his eyes. No need to start a fight today but…

Here we go for the pissing contest.

He lowered his tone as one would to a child. “You’re wasting both of our times with a question of this… value brother. I won’t answer it a second time.”

Max raised his hands in mock defeat, but his eyes flashed in irritation. “Just saying, not the contract to fuck up with. Covering all my bases here.”