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I took a deep breath, holding it in for a few seconds. “Okay. But no later than that. I want this shit finished.”
“We all do, Mr. Wolfe.” Agent Walker locked eyes with mine. At least I could tell he was speaking the truth.
“In the meantime, you can’t say a damn thing. Do you understand?” Bryce asked me.
“Yeah, I get it.”
Bryce lifted a single eyebrow. “I hope you do, Montgomery. If we’re successful, this will give you the peace you’ve needed.”
Peace. The only way I could have that was when I put a bullet in Prescott’s brain. “We shall see, gentlemen.”
“I’ll lead them out.” Bryce inched closer. “This is almost over, my friend.”
When I didn’t say anything, he lowered his head. Too many bridges had been burned. I turned away, hearing the door close only a few seconds later. As I walked toward the window, I realized I was shaking. I glanced at the night sky, taking several deep breaths. At least this could mean some level of closure.
I pressed my hand against the window, taking shallow breaths. As images of both Carmine and Aspen floated into my mind, I had to admit that I felt an entirely different level of emotions burning through my system.
One was saying goodbye.
The other was allowing a new beginning. I lifted my glass to both women, toasting them in my mind. They would always hold a special place in my heart.
A few seconds later, I heard my phone ringing, the sound penetrating the quiet space. Huffing, I knew I couldn’t avoid talking to people forever. Besides, maybe the naughty vixen was on the other end, trying to explain why she was late. The thought of the kind of punishment I was going to inflict gave me a hard-on.
Tonight, I would introduce her to the playroom.
I grabbed my phone, not surprised at seeing Jackson’s number. “Brother.”
“Is Aspen with you?”
There was utter panic in his voice.
“No, why?”
“Because the villa she’s staying in is burning down.”
* * *
The gear was barely in park by the time I jumped out of the truck, racing toward the front door and inside. While the lights were still on, I knew it was only a matter of time before the electricity was fried. I shoved the flashlight into my pocket, trying desperately to control my anger.
This wasn’t going to happen.
I would not lose her. No. No!
Jackson grabbed my arm, yanking me backward. “It’s too fucking hot.”
Smoke billowed from several rooms, the lights already flickering.
I glared at him, unable to think clearly. “Her Jeep is here, for God’s sake. I’m not doing this again, Jackson. There is no way. I love her too much. Do you understand me?” The fire was raging, the putrid odor of gasoline easy to smell. The fucking bastard was going to die. I’d gut him like the pig he was.
Groaning, he shook his head. “She’s not here. I’ve checked every fucking room. Although there’s one damn locked door.”
“She’s here. I can feel it. Aspen!” The only sound was the crackling of something coming from the upstairs. I jerked away from him, bolting into the living room, coughing almost instantly. The smoke was already acrid.
“I’m telling you. She’s not here,” Jackson insisted.
“Then where the hell did she go?” I moved into other rooms, prepared to take the stairs when I stopped short. “The wine cellar. The bastard locked her in the wine cellar.”
Jackson would have no way of knowing about the location beneath the first floor, the special design a creation of mine. I’d also added it to my house. It included the ability to lock the door from the outside. Fuck. Fuck! The fire would crawl down the wooden staircase. She’d suffocate before she was burned.
