Page 189 of Barinov

“Understood,” Brett confirms.

“See if you can get him to pay for the M4s,” Ty snickers.

“Ty!” I snap.

‘What?” he laughs. “Might as well squeeze him for what he’s got before Lex puts a bullet between his eyes.”

Chapter 47

LEX

Ditmas Park

About to get our fucking girl back.

75 days since Bella’s kidnapping.

BRIGGS: Made it back to the girls.

ME: How are they?

BRIGGS: Ready for tonight to be over.

ME: Same.

BRIGGS: Khoza and Mac said they could come help. Just let them know.

ME: Will do. Tell your brothers thanks again from me will ya?

BRIGGS: Sure thing.

ME: And thank you, Briggs. For stepping in and going in there tonight.

BRIGGS: It’s Bella, man. Plus we’re technically family now… if you ask El.

ME: Think you mean family-adjacent until she’s gets a diamond. Isn’t that what Little Whitmore says?

BRIGGS: Yeah, yeah. Just do me a favor and don’t get shot tonight.

ME: I’ll do my best.

“Briggs made it back to Ellie and Hales,” I say, sliding my phone into my back pocket.

Cade nods. “Good.”

He hasn’t said much since we arrived at Ditmas Park. Just keeps leaning against the hood of the van with his arms crossed, seething at me.

I glance at him. “What?”

“Nothing,” he bites out, refusing to look at me. He keeps his eyes on the toe of his boot as it drags in the dirt.

“Bullshit.”

He exhales hard, raking a hand through his hair before dropping it to his side. “I just don’t understand why you had me get my ass kicked by Khoza all those times if you’re just going to shove me in the van the second we get here.”

My shoulders tense. The fabric on my vest bites into my shoulders as I adjust the straps.

“We talked about this. I said—”