My heart was thundering, my blood racing through my body, and I couldn’t bother with something as mundane as driving. Instead, my insides boiled with the bloodlust that would be fulfilled, and my mind raced with the consequences that would come of it.
“Where am I going?” Vincent said.
I gave him directions and then went quiet, the drive passing without my notice.
I was preoccupied with thinking about Daniela, how she looked with blood staining her clothes, her skin ashen from blood loss. I had failed her, but not nearly as badly as those who had known her for her entire life.
I knew what kind of person Daniela was, knew how devoted she had been to Santo, and perhaps even to Michael.
I also knew that even after they’d shot her, she might not be willing to give up that connection. I prayed she would though, because Santo and Michael would not live to see another day.
Twenty-Seven
Sergei
“So it’s true?” Maxim said.
Vincent and I had parked in front of the house, but Maxim met us outside.
“Yes,” I said.
He looked at me, didn’t give Vincent any attention but said, “Your guest?”
“Meet Vincent, my new second-in-command,” I said.
Vincent look slightly surprised but recovered quickly.
“You trust him?” Maxim said, finally letting his gaze stray over to Vincent who stood unusually silent.
“Not yet, but maybe after tonight. Do I have your approval?” I asked.
“To kill Santo and whoever else you need to?” he said.
I nodded, then looked at Vincent to see if he would react. He hadn’t, though I thought I might have seen a little glimmer of happiness in his eyes.
“Yes. I know you wanted to do the honors, but I need to handle this personally, Maxim,” I said.
“I did want to do the honors. Promised myself I would. I also promised Senna, and I’ll keep my word to her. You have my approval,” he said.
“Any requests?” I asked.
“I want to be there,” he said.
I nodded.
“Do you know where he is?” Maxim asked.
I shook my head. “He didn’t go back to where he’s been staying. Adrian has people out looking, so it won’t be long.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Vincent said, finally speaking.
“You know where Santo is?” I said.
He shook his head. “But Michael does.”
“Take me to him,” I said.
Vincent nodded and we went back to the SUV.
“You know where I’ll be,” Maxim said as we drove off.
* * *
Sergei
“He went back to his house!” I said, incredulous, my anger coursing through me harder now.
“Yes. Shooting her was nothing to him,” Vincent replied. His own voice was tight, and I wondered why, so I decided to ask.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked.
“Doing what?” Vincent said.
“Helping me,” I said.
“You gave me a promotion, which is more than that fucker ever did,” Vincent said.
I smiled grimly, as much of the expression as I could muster now. “Good story, but I don’t buy it,” I said.
Vincent turned to look at me. “I came up with Santo, Michael. They taught me a lot, like how not to run an organization. How not to treat people. Getting rid of them is my version of community service,” he said.
I nodded, satisfied. “When we go in, don’t tell him that we know,” I said.
The warning was for myself as much as it was for Vincent, because I wasn’t sure if I could keep my emotions under wraps.
“You don’t think he knows you know?” Vincent said.
“None of my men would tell him a thing, and if you haven’t, there’s no way he’ll know. He probably thinks she’s dead or that we haven’t found her yet.”
I couldn’t believe I was here, discussing this so calmly, so rationally, but it was the only option. Staying calm now would get me to the place I needed to be, and once there, I would let loose.
We got out, and walked up the driveway of the small house.
I looked around swiftly, expecting anything, and Vincent did the same, eyes sharp, focused. I banged on the door. “Open up!” I said.
I banged once more and listened as footsteps approached. A moment later the door unlocked and opened and Michael stood, his 9mm next to his face. He looked at me, then Vincent, then relaxed ever so slightly.
“Come in,” he said.
He stepped aside and Vincent entered, and I followed and then closed the door behind me.
“You don’t look surprised to see me,” I said.
He shrugged. “I figured it was just a matter of time.”
He was up to something. I could see it, but I bit back the urge to respond and instead played along.