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I’d played all three over the last few days, something I’d also done in the Army, honing my skills as a killer. I’d never thought about the ideology of it or the effect that playing God would have on me until the incident the night before.
While it would likely remain on my mind, the weight I’d placed on my shoulders had been lifted by the power of love. The idea was ridiculous, corny as hell, but there was definite truth to it. I was a man no longer consumed by anger and hatred, self-loathing to the point I couldn’t care less whether I lived or died. Now I was a man ready to live again, to share a life with two girls that were my everything, and a furry baby that I couldn’t imagine living without.
I’d held Harlow and Lily in my arms the rest of the night, Princess never leaving the bed. Harlow had tended to my wound, begging me to go to the hospital. I’d been through much worse, the flesh wound nothing in comparison. While I’d slept little, still concerned that Michael’s father would attempt to initiate another war, Cage had assured me that the Azzurri Empire was close to crumbling, the Don pulling his operation out of Vegas. If that held would remain to be seen, but I had a feeling that dozens of businesses would be celebrating the news later in the day, after the massacre hit the airwaves.
He and his men had guarded the house the rest of the night, giving us additional security. It was good to have him as a friend.
For now, I still had the element of surprise available, and I planned on using it.
As I headed toward the office building, I took a few minutes to reflect on the last several days, half laughing at the fact I’d returned to the training I’d received in the Army. It had served me well, something I would never forget. Now it was time to finish the chapter. I had every right to use a weapon, but something Harlow had said to me after getting Lily and Princess from their safe zone in the attack.
They were words I’d never forget.
“Being a hero is all about compassion. Never forget that what you do will reflect on you for years to come. Don’t regret a single action you take.”
Her words had a profound effect on me, more so at this moment. She was right, as the vivacious, disobedient woman usually was. As my mother would say, it was time to turn tragedy into triumph.
I headed into the building, taking several deep breaths during the elevator ride. As I stepped out, I took another deep breath then moved in through the glass doors. The young receptionist didn’t bother trying to stop me as I took long strides down the hall. Maybe she had a premonition or maybe the fact fewer of my tats were covered on this blazing hot day were the reason for her silence.
I threw open the door, but I was the one surprised by the look on Matt’s face. He’d been expecting me.
As I stood in front of him, waiting for his response, I witnessed a man’s empire crumbling before my eyes. There was no fear, just a cold resignation of what he knew he would face.
“Hunt,” he said quietly.
“You were expecting me.”
“At some point, yes. You’re every bit as intelligent as Galen told me you were. How did you find out?”
“I guessed when I heard a man in a suit picked up Galen’s car. Plus, there was something odd about the way you looked at the photographs on your desk, not like a man grieving but one harboring guilt.”
His eyes opened wide, and a nervous tic appeared in the corner of his mouth. “I had to do it. There was no other choice. I swear to God.”
I took another deep breath, contemplating my actions for a second time.
“You mean sell my brother out to Azzurri.” I did what I could to control my anger.
“I’m sorry. Faking their deaths was the only way I could keep them alive, but Michael found out somehow. If you’re going to kill me, can I make one last phone call?” His plea was heartfelt, although I had no sympathy to offer. Still, I would stick to my plan.
“I’m not going to kill you, Matt. It serves no purpose. What I am going to provide you with is a new lease on life.”
He was noticeably confused, narrowing his eyes. “I don’t understand.”
“First of all, I’m releasing the information Galen found to the FBI later today. That means you need to get your shit together prior to that. I have a feeling that eventually the agents will determine that you were working for Michael Azzurri. Given the volume of evidence, I have no doubt whoever remains that are loyal to the organization will be facing a prison term. I’m certain you don’t want that.”
As he stared at me, the understanding of what he was facing finally started to settle in.
I pulled an envelope from my pocket, fingering the flap before tossing it onto his desk. “There’s fifty thousand in cash inside along with instructions on a location that you need to find in three days. When you do, at that time you’ll be provided with new identification for you, your wife and child. You will need to find a secure location until then, but after you retrieve the items, you’re going to move across the country, finding a nice, small town to live in. I selected North Carolina. It’s a good place to raise a family. The people who are providing you with a new life will forge paperwork so you can continue being an attorney to make a living for your family. This is a one-time offer. If you don’t take it, there will be no protection offered against whatever method of revenge the Don of the Azzurri family might undertake. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
His confusion remained. “Why are you doing this?”
I thought about his question and knew the answer easily enough. “Because this is what my brother would want to see happen. I plan on honoring his life for the rest of mine.”
Swallowing hard, he slumped over the desk. “How can I thank you?”
“You can’t. Just use your skills to provide services to those who could otherwise never afford it.” I turned and headed toward his door, looking back only once. “And never try and contact me again.”
As I left, I could almost feel my brother’s presence. If I had to guess, I’d say he was happy with my decision.
