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“It’s not your job to see the point. It’s mine. Besides, it’s already done. After the incident with Ava, I don’t want to take any chances.” I nod in agreement.
I’ve never been more grateful for my brother. I begin to maneuver as more bullets fly. Then another SUV pulls to the other side of me. They are trying to pin me. But I won’t go down without a fight. I increase the speed. Both SUVs try to match my new speed. Suddenly I swerve to one of them and hit the brakes making the SUV to my right lose control. I try to see who it is. But the windows are too tinted. With momentum, I hit the gas. I gain distance. I look in the mirror, and the second SUV does not follow me. As much as I want to turn back and empty my clip, I am outnumbered. On the next street, I double back to Gotham. I dial Oliver.
“What’s up?” He greets.
“Are you still at Gotham?”
“Yes. Why? What’s going on?”
“Someone just tried to kill me. I’m doubling back. Lockdown Gotham.” I end the call.
In all my years, I’ve never experienced multiple attacks back to back. I have accumulated many enemies. More than most. I’ve been ruthless and have a body count that would get me a lethal injection in some states. But this shit is something else entirely. I’m being attacked from all angles. My business and my personal life. I thought this was about the Manarch name. But it isn’t. This is about me. There is no doubt in my mind. Someone wants me dead. My money is on Cillian. But I won’t eliminate my father. He might be wanting me dead too.
Outside Gotham, there are a dozen men scattered on the sidewalk, at the entrance, and in the parking lot. I pull up and turn off the engine. My car has seen better days. I throw the keys to the nearest person as Oliver approaches me.
“What the fuck? Are you good?” I keep walking inside and only stop when I get to the bar. I grab a bottle and pour.“Talk,” Oliver tells me.
“What do you want me to say?” I take a shot and pour another.
“Who attacked you? What happened?”
“The million-dollar question. Someone is trying to fucking see me dead.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Look, thank you for getting the SUVs retrofitted with bulletproof glass. But what matters now is knowing who is after me. I want to know where Cillian is. I want surveillance on my father and Cillian. I’m sick of this fucking game they are forcing me to take part in. I’m done.” I take the shot and walk towards my office.
“Viktor,” Oliver starts.
“Oliver find out who wants me dead.” I slam my door on his face.
As I sit at my desk, I think of Ava. She won’t be safe until Cillian is dead. I need to end this and bring her home. The game has just changed. I’m coming for the king because I must protect my Queen.
Chapter Twenty Two
Ava
I’m excited that it’s finally Wednesday. Maddie put me in charge of arranging our newsletter. For most people, it isn’t a big deal but for me it is an opportunity. The more time I spend working at House of Beauty, the more I fall in love with fashion. I am supposed to be meeting the photographer who will be taking the pictures for the newsletter. I’m leaving the apartment much earlier than normal since I can’t help myself. This is so exciting. I probably should wait another hour before leaving, but I am too giddy. I am quiet while leaving the apartment, trying not to wake Lisa. It’s barely six in the morning.
The air feels cool on my skin. The streets are quiet. For a second, I panic, remembering the two men who almost took me. I shiver at the thought. But I won’t live my life in fear. I will take the necessary precautions and go about my life. I spot an SUV across the street. The door opens, and Marco is getting out. He crosses the street.
“Good morning Ms. O’Brien.” He greets.
“Good morning. Shouldn’t you be at home sleeping?”
“We just changed shifts.” I give him a questioning look.“We take turns looking after you,” He adds. I shake my head.“Can I take you somewhere? It’s unusual for you to leave your apartment this early.”
“Work.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“I’m fine taking the bus.”
“That might be the case, Ms. O’Brian, but I am not.” I want to argue, but it will be pointless. I am sure Oliver gave him specific instructions and I the end of the day I do want to be safe.
“Fine, but you are stopping at the bakery. I am starving.”
“Of course.” He smiles. I can’t believe this is my new reality.
