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I could carry out my duties and Diego would show his gratitude with gifts, money, or even promoting me further up the ranks. Or I could do something else entirely. I glared at the half empty glass before shoving back the chair with enough force that it toppled over. I didn’t give a shit.
I wasn’t a trusting man, had never been even before working with Diego. While I was like every other American with a bank account and credit cards, I preferred cash arrangements for the majority of my transactions. I had two safe locations, hiding places that no one would be able to find, including any members of law enforcement. One held my collection of weapons as well as ammunition. The other held cash, passports, and other sources of identification. I grabbed several stacks of bills, flipping through them and mentally counting numbers in my head. This should be enough.
I’d been a careful man during the years, planning my own retaliation of sorts, but never finding a way. Finding a new life was going to have to do and I knew exactly where I wanted to be.
As long as she would have me.
After snagging a small satchel from the closet and folding the money inside, I grabbed my keys. This decision would alter a course I’d already been questioning for years. Maybe the kick in the proverbial pants I’d been needing. I’d been brought up in an entirely different manner, not that I even knew that kid any longer. I was hollow inside, damaged goods. Perhaps I’d never be able to live a normal life, but I refused to try to convict innocence.
This was necessary for what was left of my soul.
The drive in the rain took me longer than expected and I had to count off every minute. Time was of the essence for several reasons. The street was dark, few cars traveling in either direction, and I was able to find a parking place two blocks away. The cash safely secured in my jacket, I headed down the street, moving into the back alley. I had one shot at this. There were too many soldiers keeping watch, my bet at least for tonight including on me.
There were several lights on in the house and I peered inside, checking to see if there was any activity. The television was on and the kitchen table strewn with unopened mail, boxes of cereal, and children’s toys. I snarled before moving to the back door, finding it unlocked. Everything about this assignment was disgusting, reinforcing my decision. I kept my hand on my gun as I moved through the house, hearing a noise coming from the bathroom. The door was open a crack and I counted to five before opening very slowly.
Seeing Sandy crouched down, the little boy in a tub full of water, giggling as he slapped at the water was too much for my black heart to deal with. I slunk back, catching my breath before allowing my presence to be known.
“Don’t scream. If you scream, you will die.” I tried to keep the edge out of my voice, but she yelped, immediately flinging her body in front of her child.
Terror racked her lovely face, her lower lip already quivering. I knew within seconds the pleading would begin, but to her credit, she kept her composure. “What do you want from me? I don’t have any money. Just please don’t hurt my baby.” Her gaze settled on the jagged scar on my face, a moment of recollection settling in.
“Relax, Sandy. I’m not here to hurt you or your boy, but I do need for you to dry him off and follow me. We need to have a frank discussion. I’ll wait in the hallway so don’t try anything stupid.”
“How do you know my name?”
“I know everything about you.”
Sandy swallowed several times and nodded, struggling to get to her feet. Veins stood prominent in the side of her neck, her eyes as large as saucers.
God damn it, I fucking hated this.
I gave her privacy, standing just outside the door. Talking wasn’t my strong suit and given the way I looked, I knew I’d have a difficult time getting her to believe me. Somehow, I had to find a way. This single choice I made would change the rest of my life as well as hers.
She walked stiffly out of the bathroom, trying to hold her head high. “What do you want?” Her voice was little more than a scattered whisper.
“To keep you alive. Come with me.” I made certain the blinds were closed before ushering her into the living room, pointing to the couch. “Sit down.”
Hesitating, her grip on her little boy tightened.
“I said. Sit. Down.”
She did so reluctantly, rocking back and forth. The little boy was fussy, trying to get out of her arms.
I sat on the chair opposite hers, remaining on the edge. Every move made with deliberate motions, I pulled the cash from my pocket, sliding the package across the table. “This is for you.” I couldn’t look at the kid. I was far too sick to my stomach.
Darting a single glance, she didn’t bother to find out the contents. “Please tell me. What do you want from me?”
Sighing, I tried to offer her a smile. “Do you recognize me?”
“No,” she huffed.
“Mommy. Hungry!” the little boy whined.
She kept her grip tight. “Not now, Davey. Mommy has a guest.”
“There is no need to lie. You were at the casino last night. You were the dealer inside the suite.”
She sucked in her breath, nodding only once. “I didn’t do anything. I swear to God. Just a job that pays the bills.” Davey began to cry, flustering the hell out of her.
