Page 42 of Carter

“That sounds dangerous,” he laughs.

“When it’s Sasha… yes.”

“What’s this idea of hers, then?” he asks.

“She wants to know why Bachman women can’t participate in criminal activity.”

“And you’ve explained that as the head of the household, we protect our women, including excluding them from illegal activities?” John snaps.

“Of course I did,” I say.

His brows raise. “But she wouldn’t take no for an answer?”

“She wants to come on a mission. And I have half a mind to let her. She’s faster than any of us. She’s sharp as a whip. She’d be great,” I say. And she would. But John and I both know this won’t be happening.

John’s eyes lock on mine. He holds my gaze. “You need to get rid of that notion as fast as possible.” His brow narrows at me. “By any means necessary.”

It’s a threat. And the end of the discussion.

I give him a nod, showing my acceptance.

I believe in the hierarchy. Though I find our ways a bit archaic and sexist at times—probably why it took so long for me to finally punish Sasha—they work.

And I’ve committed to them.

I told Sasha I would take the idea to the men. I have.

When I get home, I will tell her how it’s going to be. And enforce the rules.

As harshly as I need to.

And I’m perfectly comfortable with that.

We see the boat.

The approaching vessel flashes lights, twice, as per our directions. It pulls up next to us. The exchange is made. They vanish into the dark night. Silently, shoulder to shoulder, John and I work as brothers to dispose of the goods. The deed is done. We give our driver the signal.

We head for home. John gets a message on his cell.

A text.

Brett Bachman is dead. Massive heart attack.

A heavy silence sits between us. The boat speeding over the waters. The air is frigid. My arm is around my brother’s shoulders. I pull him into me. Out of the corner of my eye, I watch as a single tear rolls down his cheek.

We both know what this means. It’s all been laid out to us from the beginning.

Not only have we lost Brett, but John will move up. Take his place as Bronson’s right-hand man.

Joshua will move up, joining John.

I’ll replace Joshua.

Putting us in more danger than ever before.

The boat takes us to our car. John makes a call on his burner phone. Informing his contact the deed is done. And receiving the information he’s hungered for.

To soothe the ghosts of our past—the name and address of the man who was responsible for our father’s death.