Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 104729 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104729 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
When we pull the car up to the next location, something is not right about it.
This whole thing feels wrong. Like we are walking into a trap.
But what other choice do I have?
Go back.
Take her someplace far away from all this.
No. I need to know. I need to look the bastard who killed my brother in the eye and understand why. Was it for a part I never played in his daughter’s death? Was it just greed?
We park the car, and it’s only a few minutes later when Michael’s car pulls up.
I take out my phone and call Jaxson back.
“Is there anyone in the building?” I ask.
“From the heat signature … no. It’s empty. But that could be wrong. The building next door has movement.”
I look at the building in front of me.
“As long as it’s not coming from the building we’re searching, we should be okay.”
“Be careful, man. This feels almost too easy.”
“Like a trap?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“I agree, but I have no other choice. This is the only lead we have.”
“Understand. Good luck.”
I hang up the phone and turn to Phoenix. “No matter what happens, you don’t leave this car.” Her lips form a thin line. “Dove … say you understand me.”
“I understand you.”
“But you didn’t agree?”
“No. I didn’t. If you are in trouble—” She’s about to go on, probably to lecture me, when Michael knocks on the window.
“Stay here,” I say again before swinging the door open.
As soon as I leave the car, I turn to him. “This could be a trap.”
“It’s most definitely a trap. Sure you want to do this?”
“I don’t really have a choice. I need to know who set us up. Phoenix and my baby will never be safe until I do.”
“On that, I agree.” After he speaks, he starts to walk, and I follow. Like the last few, this one is also empty. We search each floor, yet again we find nothing.
“This whole day is a waste.”
“No, not necessarily,” Michael responds. “Now where to?”
“I have to head over to a new property I bought. It’s not too far from here. Got to make sure the construction is coming along. Come with us, and we can talk there. I have some things I need to discuss with you.” He nods and we both head out of the building. “I’ll text you the address.”
“That was fast.” Phoenix smiles when I step into the car a minute later. “Find anything?”
“No. But I felt my phone vibrate, so maybe Jaxson has more intel.”
Pulling out my phone, I find a few more addresses to look at, but those will have to wait until tomorrow. I’m done with this day and still need to talk to Michael about my plans to retire. Closing out Jaxson’s message, I send a text to Phoenix’s dad with where to meet.
It doesn’t take us long to get there, and when we arrive, I turn to face Phoenix.
“I’m not waiting in the car.” She narrows her eyes at me like she means business.
“You are. No objections. It’s a shithole in there. Half the floors are missing. The top floor doesn’t even have walls. You’re staying, and that’s final.”
“Were you always this bossy?”
“Yes,” I deadpan.
“And I still fell in love with you.”
Leaning across the back seat, I seal my lips over hers. “Damn straight, you did. Now be a good little dove and stay put.” With one final kiss, I fling the door open and step out of the car.
Michael is already standing there, waiting for me. We both start to walk, and when we are almost by the door to the building, he stops, turning around to look at me.
“Before I go in there with you, what did you want to talk to me about, Alaric?”
“I’m out,” I say, and his head shakes in confusion. “I’m done. After this, I’m retiring …”
A myriad of emotions plays across his face, and it almost appears as though he might cry. “After Nix’s parents died—” He stops talking and takes a breath. “Her father was my best friend and business partner. It cost him their lives. I should have put her first.” He nods again. “I-I wish I could have seen that then. Thank you for putting—” His words are cut off by a deafening sound, a gunshot. Someone is firing at us. I turn to look at where the shots are coming from. A building next to mine. “What the fuck?”
Michael is quick to move too, taking out his gun and aiming high. “This is crazy.”
“Get to the car,” I shout. Cristian is running in the direction of where the gunshot rang out, and I’m about to follow when I hear Michael shout something back. I don’t register what’s happening until Michael is pushing me out of the way.
Another series of gunfire.
I turn back to where the car is parked on the side of the building to make sure it’s not under fire too. It’s bulletproof, but still. Luckily, it’s hidden from the war that’s currently happening. My ears are ringing, and I try to make out where it was, and then I see him.