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A woman in a suit walks by us and politely whispers an apology. Arnold and I stare at one another for a long second in between. We see each other for the first time, truly, since I was stuck in Joey’s custody.
He probably liked me there. Could visit when he wanted. Flirt. Feel like a handsome useful man while a young woman gave him the attention he desired. Now the reality of it, his obsession, is shining through.
“Four weeks, Lesi. Otherwise, I’m taking matters into my own hands.”
My lips tighten to a line. “What about your kids, Bill and Jess? Your pension goes beyond you, Arnold. Don’t mess it up. Wait ’til the women are in the open to call it in. No blood, no mess.” I step in to give him a hug, knowing it should diffuse him. “Thank you.”
He nods in my grasp as he doesn’t dare break the embrace. “I know what he’s up to. That duffel bag… I won’t have it,” he whispers as I pull away. “You watch yourself, Lesi. Be safe.”
A wave of fear washes over me.
He holds so much power all of a sudden. If Leandro kills someone while I’m there, even if I’m in captivity, does that make me an accessory? I have no idea, but I head back up the stairs more nervous than when I left.
Everything is backwards.
I just wanted a damn cup of coffee.
Goddammit. Can’t he just wait until I’m ready to be rescued?
I sound ridiculous, I know.
A washed-out golden tile reads ‘428’ on the door. I stare at it, gathering myself, before realizing Leandro definitely knows I’m stalling outside the door. A quick swipe of the card lets me back in, and I slip in carefully to show him I’m aware he’s got a rifle in plain sight if I open it too much.
He rolls his hand for me to come closer after I put on the latch. He’s got his shirt back on – all business. “It’s time,” his voice rattles. “The seminar is letting out. I have it on good authority he’ll be staying behind for a call. If the opportunity presents itself – and I catch him alone while crossing the woodsy path to get here…” He smiles while his eye is glued to the scope.
“I don’t like this, Leandro.” I fold my arms.
He breaks his focus to eye me. “Remember, he has the blood of two little girls on his hands.”
“That only helps a little,” I admit. “Is there any way I can convince you to let him go?”
“Home generators are expensive, Sia. Food for six costs money. This is how I provide,” he snarls.
“You don’t have a stash of cash like every other mobster?”
“I’m picky. I don’t go blindly taking hits, Sia. My work takes time. I’m a craftsman.” He eyes the crowd making way toward the hotel. Looks like there aren’t many left to come out. It’s dark now, too.
“But—”
“Shh,” he says while spinning on the silencer. Quietly, slowly, he opens the window. “It’s time.”
“No,” I whisper back. My heart is in my throat. Every muscle in my body tenses.
“Turn away if you have to.” His smirk is feral. The way he crouches and holds his breath for precision is frightening.
I plug my ears and squeeze my eyes tightly shut as he readies.
Please. Please. Please.
My fists clench so hard my palms have nail imprints.
Brrrm!
Lights flash in the room.
An alarm blares.
And Leandro curses. He whips the rifle off its station, takes it apart so it’s half the size, and shoves it in his duffle.
