Page 19

I move the knife a little closer.

Closer.

Until fear overtakes his expression.

I make eye contact. Share a look few people see. One that says I will hurt you if I have to, but I’d rather not.

He tries to find some other option, but he can’t.

“I need the name of your boss and the combination to the safe,” I say. “Offer only goes once.”

Diamond watches, rapt.

“Twice…” I hold the blade right against his dick.

He locks eyes with me, still trying to summon some bravado.

Still pretending he’s in control.

“Third time’s the last time.” This time, I press the tip into his hip bone just enough to draw blood. Just enough he knows I’m not bluffing.

“Enough,” he says quickly. “He goes by Doctor No. Like the Bond villain. He’s tall. Plain face. Brown eyes. British accent.”

“Handsome?” I ask.

“I guess. I don’t like guys that way,” he says.

“The safe?” I press the knife into his hip again.

“I have money. I can give you some. Disappear,” he pleads.

“If I don’t kill you, someone else will. Someone who starts with torture.” I look him in the eyes. Sure, he’s scum, but I’m not going to force him to die alone. “The safe. Tell me. And I’ll bring you a last drink.”

He mutters the combination.

I glance toward Diamond. “Do you know where it is?”

She nods and goes to it. Opens it. “Just cash and a flash drive.”

“Cash is yours. Flash drive is mine,” I say. I know I offered to split it, but what can I say? I’m in a generous mood.

Diamond nods and slips the bills into her purse.

“What’s your drink?” I ask him.

“Fuck it. Get the limoncello,” he says.

“Can you help me with that?” I ask her.

She nods and fetches the bottle from the fridge. She even brings it to him. Feeds it to him like he’s a baby.

“Stay if you want, but I don’t recommend it,” I say.

A quiet understanding passes between us. This is far, far messier than it is in your imagination.

Not because blood goes everywhere.

My usual methods are clean.