Page 101 of The Square

“Oh, shit,” I say.

So does Alec.

Apparently, he had no clue either.

And suddenly a few pieces of this puzzle make more sense. Charlie and Christine, at least, make sense.

He was there when the two of us weren’t.

Everyone takes a moment to let this solidify.

We weren’t there.

Finally, Russell takes over. “So… we’re in agreement, then, mates? Because I don’t want to step on any toes but seems to me that Lars is a loose end who requires tying off.”

More silence as Alec considers what his answer will be.

On the surface it’s easy. Hell, just an hour ago he was going to sneak out and take care of business with Lars himself.

But now there’s a bigger plan of action in play. Now the Watsons are involved. If they go in with us—to make sure, to see that it’s done—there’s no room for second-guessing. There’s no last-minute, Let’s make up and be brothers again.

There is only one way this ends and that’s with Lars dead.

Everyone knows that this is Alec’s call. Even Russell. Because he gives him whole seconds to decide, and object, before he says, “Good. Then it’s settled. I’m sending Brenden and Charlie to pick you all up. Danny will get a text when they arrive. Change your mind before you get in the car… we’re still cool as long as you understand that we’ll take care of business on our end and there will be no further contact with anyone in our crew.”

He pauses. Just so we’re all clear that Andra’s last name is Watson and this decision includes her.

“But get in that car and we’re working together. You cross us, in any way, van den Berg, and we’ll hunt you all down after we’re done with Lars. Not even Charlie could save you then.”

Alec opens his mouth to say something. I know him well enough to predict it’s gonna start an argument about who’s in charge and who’ll be hunting down whom, so I interject and say, “We got it,” then walk over to the phone and end the call.

“Alec,” Christine says.

He looks at her, squinting his eyes.

“You don’t have to—”

“Yes,” he says, cutting her off. “I do. I choose you, Christine. I choose Danny. I choose…” He lets out a long breath of air. I don’t hold it against him. This is his brother we’re talking about. And with this final declaration, his brother is dead to him. “I choose us.”