Page 52 of Waggs

“Maybe. And what of you, Aiden? Moving in on his little slut.” The chuckle was humourless and twisted.

Waggs felt the rage inside him burn like fire in his veins. How dare this man denigrate Willow and what he had with her. He could feel the bite of Willow’s fingers at his waist. Keeping her safe his priority above all else—even Bebe, his friend. He was looking for a shot, if he had one opportunity, he wouldn’t think twice about killing Nick Green. Moving slightly to the left, Nick followed, the men mirroring each other with their weapons poised.

“Leave Willow out of this.”

“How can I when she’s the one who brought you here.”

“I thought Ralph trapped you.”

“He did but I’m a man of opportunity and I can a see a good one here. Make no mistake, I’m not going to prison for this. I’m a National fucking hero and how do I get treated? Like fucking hired muscle. I made some errors in judgement but now it’s all clear.”

“Was killing Aaron an error in judgement? Or you being a greedy piece of scum? Which choice was it that made you have that child blow himself up and kill my brother?”

“Aaron was a good soldier, a good man, but he had a weakness. He’d do anything to protect you.”

“What the fuck do you mean?”

“Don’t listen to him, Waggs, he’s trying to get in your head.” Bebe locked eyes with him and motioned with her three fingers.

Nick tightened his hold on Bebe’s throat. “Shut the fuck up, bitch.”

Waggs wanted answers but ultimately, he knew it didn’t matter in the end what this man said, he was nothing to him but one more bad guy.

Bebe indicated two fingers and Waggs readied for whatever she’d do, his muscles tensed to move at the slightest indication.

On one she dropped forward fast and Waggs didn’t hesitate to take the shot, his finger squeezing the trigger as blood splattered from Nick Green’s head and he fell to the ground dead from a kill shot to the forehead.

It was over. It was finally over.

Chapter 22

Waggs once again checked her over, making sure her cheek bone wasn’t broken, and she was healthy before he pulled her into his arms and held her tight. She wrapped her arms around him as the commotion surrounding her faded away. His scent, the familiar smell of him even mixed with smoke and gunpowder, calmed her nerves.

Waggs hadn’t left her side for a second, and she clung to him, needing him beside her, frightened that he’d disappear if she closed her eyes.

Decker stepped up to them and smiled at her. “Glad to see you’re okay.”

“It could have been so much worse.” Waggs’ arms tightened around her at his words, and she welcomed the feel of it.

“But it wasn’t and it’s all over now.” Her voice sounded stronger than she felt, and she was glad of it. She still had no clue where they stood or if he’d forgive her for what she’d done.

Decker glanced at the police who were talking to Condor and his men. “Ralph and Jerry are going away for a long time.”

The two men had been found tied up in the main office. It seemed Nick Green had made his play to seize control of the operation.

Lopez had apparently called it in and said he had friends who happened to be passing when they’d seen the commotion and gone in to see if they could help. Apparently, working for the Queen gave you diplomatic immunity and they were free to go after they’d been questioned and provided addresses.

“I can clear up here. Get her home.”

“You have both of the thumb drives with all the information on them?”

“Yes. I have all that and will give it to Condor to deal with. Now go, take Willow home.”

Waggs looked down at her with so much love in his eyes and she felt hope unfurl in her belly that perhaps she hadn’t ruined things for them. With his arm around her shoulders, he guided her to the car and settled her in the passenger seat before buckling her in and dropping a tender kiss on her head.

Tears pricked at her eyes at the casual gesture and she watched him move around the car before getting in and driving them home. A place that no longer felt like home to her and she realised it was because home was never a place but a person. Aiden was her home and without him she wouldn’t feel that again.

Willow was out of the car before he could help her, her legs shaking, painful cramps of nerves and anxiety filled her belly as she marched to the door. Behind her, Aiden was a formidable presence and the anger she felt earlier returned as her world shifted.