Page 68

“You know what it is.” Colby nudges gently. “He manufactured the drugs.”

My heart inflates and then shrinks. In this line of business, there is no space for warmth or nostalgia. I cannot allow my past to threaten our future.

Getting up from my desk, I turn my back to Orzo and Colby and look out the expansive windows.

My memory flashes bright and chaotic.

To Maple.

She and I never even touched, we didn’t even kiss on our wedding day.

Separate rooms.

Two living spaces.

Never even sitting down to dinner together.

Different lives entirely.

Maybe if I was closer, I would have seen the signs that she was…

Turning on my heel, I appraise Orzo and Colby. “We need to strike fast for the next name. He is already going to be on guard. This will have to be done with the utmost caution. I have his schedule and will order the hit.”

“You need to send her—”

I glare at Colby, and he snaps his mouth shut.

“Her?” Orzo cocks his head, his lips lifting in amusement. “You hired a woman to do our dirty work?”

“She has been better than expected.” Cinnamon’s face flashes through my mind, it takes all of my focus. Steals my autonomy.

He laughs. “Better her than us.”

She is quickly taking control of my mind. And I’m not sure what to do about it. How to escape it.

“I honestly don’t fucking care. Finish up the list so we can be done with this bullshit.” And then he’s marching away.

But he doesn’t slam the door as he goes.

He doesn’t leave a trail of mud, or blood, or sand.

He’s clean.

What is going on?

Colby follows my gaze. “I got news that there’s a woman in his apartment.”

My mouth opens and closes a few times. “I—what? Should I be concerned?”

Colby’s lips twitch. “I think the boy might finally have his first crush. It’s about time.” He checks his watch and curses. “I need to go. Piece of advice: never let your wife come home to a messy house.” And then he practically sprints from the room.

And I am left alone with the chaos of my thoughts. Part of me wants to go downstairs and see exactly who has survived their way into Orzo’s orbit, but I refrain. Once this list is taken care of and all is said and done, I will concern myself with his life.

Instead I go into my computer, rereading Cinnamon’s email.

With $50,000 a head, I owe her $150,000… I send off three Bitcoins to her which is a bit more than that, the extra just a show of my appreciation.

Payment sent. This next one will need to be done as a drive by. He can’t know you are coming. It must be a surprise. He will be returning home at 5pm, ensure you are ready to go then. If this is outside your purview, please advise ASAP.