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His realization stabs me in the chest. Callie. Was he sent to kill her? I swing the blade around, slicing through the flesh in his arm. “Why would Don Marco want Callie dead?”
He yelps, clutching at his arm, “I don’t know.”
“Wrong answer” I slice through the material of his pants gashing his thigh wide open.
“The truth or I kill her while you watch. What’s it going to be?” I wave the blade back and forth. “Eenie, meenie, minie, mo.”
“Stop.” I turn the blade back to him. “I don’t know why. I swear but please don’t take it out on her.”
“It’s too late for that.” I turn my blade on her, “I’ll make it quick.”
“No. I’ll do anything just don’t hurt her.” Victor pleads.
“Anything?” I ask, an idea forming in my head.
Karma is a bitch.
I tap the tip of the blade against my chin. “I’ll make you a deal but it’s a limited time offer. Find out why Callie was the target and report back to me and I won’t kill your sister.”
“I can’t do that. Don Marco will kill me.” Victor contests.
“If you don’t, I’ll kill you all.” I turn toward Dixon, “Have Manny give our Stoolie a ride back to civilization and tell him to stay close once he delivers him.”
Victors cocks his brow, “I didn’t agree to your terms.”
“You have twenty-four hours to find out what I want to know and bring me proof Don Marco is dead.” I drag the blade of my knife up Stephanie's stomach, “or I slice her tit to pussy.”
Chapter 18
Callie
As much as I appreciate the validation, Lanah’s compliments are a smothering cloud of white noise as I study my sampling menu for the fifth time. I move around the kitchen in a choreographed dance of organized chaos. I’m at home in the kitchen. It’s the one place anxiety and fears can’t touch me. Even though the set up here is different than I’m used to, once I found my footing things started coming together. That familiar draw fills me with satisfaction. The hum of mixers filling the air along with the aroma of uncooked batter.
Two weeks ago, I thought my hopes and dreams were a thing of the past and then Dominic bought me this place. That single act of kindness is what set all this in motion. For the first time since my mother died, I felt seen. Not just on the surface but deep down to the heart of what makes me who I am. My mother used to quote an old proverb, idle hands are the devil's tools. Even after her death those words stuck with me. I suppose that’s the reason behind my drive. My ambition is what’s kept me from falling into trouble. Watching my father struggle with his addictions taught me another way. It made me resilient and determined to work hard. This opportunity is a chance to earn my own success. Every detail matters. I refuse to let myself down.
I whisk and measure as a hint of impatience threatens to invade my head space. I sent Collin out hours ago to find the ingredients I need for my showcase piece. I pick up my phone to check the time when a loud bang catches Lanah and I both off guard.
“I thought he’d never make it back.” I set my phone down and reach behind my back to untie my apron. “I’m going to see if he needs help carrying in the bags.”
I notice Lanah’s relaxed posture suddenly tenses and her hand darts to her side, her sticky fingers curling around the cold steel of her gun. “Stay here. I’ll check it out.”
A slight tremble works its way through my body at her response.
“It’s Collin.” I whisper under my breath. Wanting so desperately to ignore her instincts because if it’s not, that means my mind wasn’t playing tricks on me. Xander’s found me.
Another loud thud echoes from the dining area sending a shiver coursing down my spine. I inhale a sharp breath and clench my hand around the pastry knife on the counter. When the oven timer goes off, I practically jump out of my skin, stumbling backwards a few steps. If Xander’s here, if something has happened to Collin and Lanah, I’m an easy target standing here in the open. I won’t make it easy on him, not if there’s anything I can do to stop it. My eyes dart around the room, looking for a place to hide. The only options available are a storage pantry and a walk-in fridge. Either choice leaves me as trapped as I am out here. I’m smart enough to know I can’t fight him, so I rush towards the rear emergency exit. I push on the bar, but the door won’t budge. I push again, the metal rattling against whatever is causing its resistance, but an inch is all I get. Panic sets in and I push with all my strength over and over. I slam into the door until the scent of his cologne overpowering the sweet aroma in the air has me pausing. I can feel his eyes on me, burning my flesh with his anger. Just like I did last night.
I can’t escape.
Heavy footsteps grow quiet behind me, “Going somewhere Chochete?”My little pussy.
I whip around, wildly swinging the pastry knife still tucked in my right hand. The dull edge grazes Xander’s forearm when his arm darts up. His black gaze slinking my dark fate around me.
“You wanna play rough Chochete?” His fingers wrap around my wrist and squeezes until the knife falls from my grasp, “I hope you put up a better fight than your friends.”
“You Bastard.” I bite out, struggling against his hold. “You better not have hurt them.”
He moves behind me, wrenching my arm behind my back. The angle puts me in a position to see out the pass-through door as another man drags Lanah’s motionless body across the floor. He drops her in a heap next to Collin laying still on the ground. I inhale sharply fighting the ache crushing my heart.
