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By the time he reached Korr’s neighborhood, the streets were pretty much empty. Large, isolated homes lined wide streets, each designed to give the illusion of safety. And Cassius was sure that, for the most part, it was.
Just not tonight.
He parked a block away, leaving the car in the shadows and moving on foot the rest of the way. He checked the doors and windows as he approached. Mars had already ensured that any security cameras were on a loop and a delay.
Picking the lock, he eased inside and closed the door behind him with a soft snap. His steps were silent as he approached the living room where Daniel sat in front of the blaring TV.
He didn’t notice Cassius’ arrival until his shadow stretched across the floor.
“What the fuck?” Daniel shouted, nearly leaping out of his seat.
Cassius fired a silenced shot that robbed Daniel of his bravery.
“Aht, aht, aht,” Cassius gestured for Daniel to return to the seat he’d been in when Cassius arrived. “Sit and stay.”
“Cassius, listen,” Daniel began pleading. “I don’t know why you’re here, but—”
Cassius chuckled. “You spent nights pillow talking with your side bitch about my family, but you don’t know why I’m here? I find that hard to believe. You had to know that would circle back. Especially since your girl likes to handle things by the book. Something that signed her death warrant as well, by the way.”
Daniel’s eyes bugged as he realized what was happening.
“Cassius, I swear, I never dreamed in a million years that she would—”
“As good as I’m sure your excuse is, I’m on a time crunch. Which is a blessing for you, because I normally like to take my time.”
As Cassius prepared to pull the trigger, Daniel surprised him and lunged, attempting to shove him back. Cassius sidestepped smoothly, catching Daniel’s arm and twisting it sharply. A cry tore from Daniel’s throat as he wrenched free and lunged again.
Cassius met him with a precise, brutal strike. Daniel stumbled backward, hitting the edge of the coffee table.
Cassius knelt briefly, securing him. Daniel kicked and tried to bite, but Cassius’ strength was absolute and unforgiving. A quick but brutal neck twist later, and Daniel Korr slumped still, his panic silenced.
Retrieving his weapon, Cassius left the house as quickly as he’d come. Twenty minutes later, he met Mars at the prearranged location.
Mars glanced at the car, then the scene. “Damn, nigga, what took you so long?”
“Would you believe that muthafucker had the nerve to try to fight me?”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mars laughed heartily. “I know you whooped his ass. I would’ve paid money to see that.”
“Did. But we’re running out of time. Let’s wrap this shit up and get back to the restaurant.”
He and Mars spent their next precious minutes destroying their tracks, changing clothes, and ensuring everything was inside the vehicle before setting it on fire. Satisfied that their job was done, the two walked the half mile back to the car Mars had ready and waiting, destroying their tracks along the way.
Warmth hit Cassius the minute he stepped back into the restaurant. He immediately scanned the room for Aella. He quietly slipped beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
“Missed me?” he murmured, kissing her temple.
“You were gone longer than you said you’d be,” she fussed playfully, melting into his body.
“Hit a quick snag, but I’m here now and all yours.”
“I like the sound of that, Mr. Farina.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Mrs. Farina.”
It’d been a long night, and Cassius fought a headache, knowing it was far from over. After ensuring Aella made it back to their home safely and knew to call him if anything felt off, he left their temporary home and headed to Sinsation for a late-night meeting with the rest of the Family heads.
By now, what’d happened to Korr was all over the news, and he wanted it known that it wasn’t a B&E as the news reported, but him getting his hands dirty and eliminating one of the threats looming over the people he loved.
