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Mayor Hughes raises an eyebrow. “I would if you were my guest.”
I chuckle. “Fair enough. I did barge in here unannounced. In my defense, it’s extremely hard to book an appointment. Your secretary wasn’t happy at all when we just showed up.”
A wad of cash is all it took to get her out from behind the desk and scrambling out the door after pausing to punch in the security code for us. After that, getting the rest of the women to leave was a lot simpler than I imagined, leaving only the mayor’s lackeys and his security guards.
Up close, he’s a lot less intimidating than on TV. And a lot less powerful.
As I sit across from him, studying the tight lines on his face and the small balding spot, I can’t help the incredulous laugh that falls from my lips.
Mayor Hughes frowns. “What’s so funny?”
I exhale. “I was just expecting more. It feels like you and I have known each other a lot longer, don’t you think?”
Mayor Hughes takes another sip of his drink, his bright hazel eyes never leaving my face. “I can’t say it’s one of my more pleasant acquaintances.”
I stand up and do up my free button. “That’s a shame because I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.”
Mayor Hughes doesn’t say anything.
Quickly, I lunge over the desk and grab him by the scruff of his neck. Hughes pales as more and more of the color drains from his face. His Adam’s apple bobs, and I can smell the sweat already pouring down the back of his neck and the sides of his face. When he swallows, it’s an audible sound that makes my lips lift into a half-smile.
The city’s dear mayor doesn’t have as much courage as I thought he did. Like everyone else in power, he’s too weak to do the dirty work himself.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed this,” I say in a low voice. “You and I both know this has to stop.”
Hughes sputters and tries to squirm out of my grasp. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I roll my eyes. “You should take credit, Hughes. You did fund my enemies, after all, but do you want to know why it didn’t work?”
Hughes’ eyes move steadily over my face, his breathing growing quicker and more erratic.
I bring my face closer to his. “Because you backed the wrong horse. Now, unless you want to end up like your friends, I’d suggest you back the fuck off.”
Hughes trembles and nods.
I give him a firm shake, and he drops the glass, which falls to the floor with a shatter. “What was that?”
“Fine,” Hughes replies through gritted teeth. “You and I have an understanding.”
I jump over the rest of the desk and release Hughes. He takes an uncertain step back as I reach into the waistband of my pants for my gun. When I point it at him, he throws his arms up on either side of him, and his eyes go wide.
“I already told you we have an agreement, damn it.”
I remove the safety and roll my shoulders. “I heard you, but see, that’s not good enough anymore. I want her fucking location. And don’t try to pretend you don’t know who I’m talking about.”
Hughes’ lips part, and he makes a low choked sound.
“I’m going to count back from ten, and when I’m done, I’m going to shoot a body part. After that, I’ll shoot another part and so on until you tell me where Lilian McCoy is.”
Hughes’ hands drop to his sides. “I don’t know where she is.”
I shake my head. “I don’t believe you. Ten… nine… eight…”
Hughes lurches forward, his eyes wild and unfocused. “Okay, alright. She’s hiding in a property that I own on the outskirts of the city. I’ll write down the address for you.”
After writing something on a piece of paper and handing it to me, I press the gun to his temple. “If I find out you’re trying to fuck with me, I’ll cut you up into pieces and hide them all over the city, so no one will be able to find you again.”
Chapter Nine
