Chapter 11
“What?” Neal snarled, answering his burner phone on the first ring. He’d received a text from his contact a couple hours ago telling him that Taylor was on her way to the office. His contact had found that out from one of the security team members. So Neal had headed there, ready to follow her after she left. He knew where she lived but doubted she’d be returning to her home. Following her should have been easy enough.
But the incompetent moron he’d hired had fucked everything up by opening fire on Taylor and her security team. He said he’d just wanted to scare them. The company vehicles were all bullet resistant, something his contact knew but Neal hadn’t ordered him to scare Taylor. He’d told the man he’d be taking care of that portion of his plan personally. Neal didn’t want anyone going after her but him at this point and he thought he’d made himself perfectly clear.
Apparently not.
He needed to personally take her so he could get his damn money back, not scare her into fucking hiding.
Now thanks to massive stupidity, Neal was terrified he wouldn’t be able to hunt her down and get his money. He’d have to go on the run if that happened. He didn’t want to flee from the Russians but it would be his only option. Because he wasn’t letting Alexei get his hands on him.
Though he wanted to shout at his contact for his stupidity, Neal took a deep breath and forced himself to hide his anger as he continued. “Were you able to track her or find out anything about where she’s gone?”
There was a long pause. “No. The team has closed ranks. Anyone on this security detail has strict instructions not to talk to anyone about it, per Escobar’s orders.”
Damn it. “Does anyone suspect you’re helping me?”
“No. I only know by chance. I called to talk to one of the guys, supposedly about something else, and asked what the deal was with her and Hugh and the whole situation. He clammed up and said if I had questions to talk to Escobar. He was all apologetic about it, but I’m getting nothing from anyone. I can’t be too eager asking either or they might suspect. And where’s my fucking thank you for the risk I took tonight? I barely got away before the cops showed up.”
Neal’s jaw clenched once. The guy wanted a thank you? He wanted to lash out, but he couldn’t. Not yet. He didn’t respond fast enough because the man continued.
“And where’s my money? I haven’t been paid since before Vegas.” His voice was heated, not that Neal cared.
So that’s what the stupid shooting was about. Neal bet the man wanted more money for his ‘help’. Moron. “I can meet at our regular place soon but it has to be before sunrise. I can’t take the risk of being seen by anyone.” They met at a park on the beach for all their cash drop-offs. It was public enough during the daytime, but at night it was perfect because it was empty of people. And there weren’t any CCTVs anywhere in the direct vicinity. Ideal for what he planned to do next.
“I can be there in an hour. After this I’m done. I can’t keep taking risks for you.” His contact’s voice had lost some of its heat.
“I understand. I’ll be leaving town soon anyway.” Which was true. Neal would be leaving town as soon as he killed this moron and got what he needed from Taylor. If anyone else got in the way he’d kill them too. He hoped it didn’t come to that though because more dead bodies was a hassle.
As soon as they disconnected Neal grabbed a suppressor from his bag. He could attempt to kill the man with a knife, but a gun would be easier. The guy might be security personnel but he wasn’t fucking bulletproof. He didn’t think Neal had a reason to kill him so he wouldn’t be ready for an attack. Even if the guy was wearing a Kevlar vest, Neal wasn’t taking any chances. He’d shoot him right in the head.
He would just hide in the trees and kill him when he got close enough. The body would be found once the park opened, probably when an early morning jogger stumbled on him. Not that he cared now. He was going to be out of the country soon, leaving everything behind. After this, he’d get his money from Taylor then kill her. If he couldn’t get the money, he was gone, dropping off the radar for good.
Alexei might be a scary bastard, but Neal was only one man. Surely they wouldn’t spend years of resources on him. If he could just stay on the move for a while, never settling anywhere, maybe he could really outrun everyone.
Chapter 12
Wearing a towel, Roman exited the bathroom to find the bed he’d shared with Taylor empty. He started to frown when the scent of coffee hit him. Waking up next to an incredibly sexy woman—who wore Wonder Woman panties, something he was still laughing about—and now coffee was already made, felt almost perfect. Especially since he didn’t have to worry about his brother stealing his coffee.