I pulled my gun from its holster, the same Walther I’d used since I was a child. I pointed it at his head.
“Please, no.”
“Tell me why. Have I not treated you and your family with more respect than you deserved? The Russos had no place in this world until I started working with you.”
“I promise. I’ll do whatever you want. I’m sorry if I have wronged you, Arthur. Let him go and…”
I moved the gun, aiming it at Lorenzo Russos leg, and I fired. The bullet pierced his thigh, and he fell to the ground, howling in agony, clutching the wound.
“I hate this part.” I said with sarcasm.
Edward screamed. He’d squinted his eyes when the shot fired, so for all he knew his son had been shot in the heart.
“Oh, come on, it’s not that bad.” I shook my head, turning back to Edward.
Russo looked helplessly at his son. “Arthur, please…”
“So, are you going to play by the rules?” I asked.
He nodded, staring at his son. Something passed between them, love maybe, a silent promise that Edward would get them out.
“I am going to let you go but keep this handsome young man here just in case. I’m going to let him bleed out until you convince your brother to come to me. I cannot guarantee that he’ll survive since the longer it takes Charles to get here, the more blood your son will lose. I might even start sending pieces of him to you if too much time passes.” I smirked. “Untie him.” Seth stepped forward and untied Edward who rushed to his son’s side.
Seth dragged him up after a few moments, pushing him toward the door. He’d be set free, for now, only because Charles was the one I wanted.
I left the room without another word.
