“I have dick.”
A level of hatred Gabriel had never known came flying out in a violent rage so intense, Sin had to pull him off.
Babin’s face looked like it had been through a meat grinder. He was screaming so loudly, Sin taped his mouth shut.
Gabriel shot him in the gut. Sin stabbed him in the chest. Babin dropped to the warehouse floor.
“Smile,” Gabriel said before he snapped a picture of Babin on the cement floor. “For Pavel Donskoy.”
“He will slaughter you,” Babin wheezed as he lay there fighting for air.
Gabriel shone the long gun light on Babin’s battered and bloodied face. “You believe in God?”
“No.”
“Then, you don’t believe in the devil,” Gabriel said.
“No.” Babin’s breathing had become labored.
“The devil is waiting for you.” Gabriel glared at the dying man. “May you suffer for all eternity.”
BANG-BANG-BANG!
Two bullets to his head, one to his heart.
“Per i bambini.”For the children.
Gabriel stared into the lifeless eyes of the pedophile. He felt no joy, felt no remorse. A life for a life was his grandfather’s way. It had become his way too.
He did not walk the moral high ground. He knew that. He also knew the consequences of his actions. In that moment, he made peace with what he’d done. Babin couldn’t hurt the children, couldn’t come after him either.
“It’s done,” Sin said, breaking the silence.
“Another trip to the crematorium?” Gabriel asked.
“All arranged.” Sin pulled his phone from his pocket, made a call. “It’s finished.” He listened. “We’re at the place and CJ’s expecting you.”
After they left the building, Sin confirmed the door was shut.
“You got a crew?” Gabriel asked as Sin opened the back hatch.
They removed their helmets and vests. Gabriel returned his long gun to the carry bag, secured it in the vehicle.
“ALPHA Ops will dispose of the body,” Sin said.
The two men rode in silence as the miles ticked by toward Teddy and Sydney’s house in Alexandria.
“Do you ever question why we take out evil?” Sin asked.
“It’s the only life I know,” Gabriel replied. “Why do you think we do it?”
“Life is complicated, nothing is fair,” Sin said. “What I don’t know—and I’m not sure I ever will—is everything chaotic randomness or predestined by our Maker?”
“Here’s what I know,” Gabriel said. “You and me, we’re not happy with status quo. If we fall behind, others win.”
“You’re different from your brothers,” Sin said.
“I am,” Gabriel replied. “They call me the Agitator… and they’re not wrong.”
