Second Chance SEAL(133)

“I can’t believe that stupid bastard turned on us. We’re going to slaughter him, and then we’re going to slaughter you.”

“You know, Merton, I doubt that. See, you’re a pretty important guy. And once you’re gone, I’m going to give my brothers a call, and they’re going to kill a lot more of your people tonight. When we’re through, there won’t be anyone to stop us from taking over this town.”

“You fucking bitch.”

Janey smiled wickedly and lifted her gun, pressing it against his head. “That’s right. And you lose.”

She pulled the trigger. Merton’s head snapped back, a red mess, and he crumpled to the ground.

Her men began to cheer and she grinned at them. She took out a phone and typed out a text before putting it back into her pocket.

Hoyt stood there, looking terrified, but Janey was true to her word. Two of her guys grabbed him and held him, but they didn’t kill him right away.

Janey spotted me a second later and came walking over.

“So,” she said, “you kept your word.”

“I did,” I said. “Will you?”

She smiled. “Haven’t killed that asshole yet, have I?”

“No, but I think you owe us some money.”

She nodded. “About that. You see, my guys are out killing a lot more mafia men tonight. I suspect I’m going to have a few deaths of my own by the end of it all.”

“Hard line of work,” I said.

“It is. Very hard line of work.” She crossed her arms. “Which is why I’m not paying you. And I think I might just kill you both, too.”

I shook my head. “Janey.”

“You’re a liability, both of you. I’m going to the next level, Travis. I can’t have liabilities hanging around.”

I sighed. “You don’t want to do this.”

“Why not?” She looked over at her men. “Boys?”

I lifted my hand to my ear. “Now.”

A shot cracked out. The bullet hit the ground at Janey’s feet.

I smiled at her. “I’d stop them if I were you.”

She held up a fist, her eyes narrowed. “What’s this?”

“I have backup,” I said. “Two of the best snipers I know. They can take you out and probably all of your men before you even have a chance to raise a weapon against me.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Didn’t trust me after all, did you?”

“Not for a second. Now, Janey, pay me or I’ll kill you all and sell your bodies to the mafia.”

She laughed again, smiling broadly. “I’m impressed, Travis. I really thought you were playing this one straight.”

“I was,” I said, “but I had a backup plan.”

She stared at me for a minute, still smiling. Her men looked uncomfortable, but none of them made a move. Finally, she nodded at one of her guys. He went back into the container and returned with a thick duffel bag. He tossed it at my feet.

“Check it,” I said to Hartley.

She opened it up. “Money,” she said.

“It’s all there,” Janey said. “I brought it, just in case.”

“If I take this, are you going to hunt me down?”

“Good question.”

“I want this to be done, Janey. You got what you wanted. If I take this money and leave, we’re finished. You don’t hunt me, and I don’t have to hunt you.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Janey, it’s a promise. You know what I’m capable of, and now you know I have very loyal and capable friends. Let’s part ways here and call it a win for everybody.”

She stared me down for a moment before nodding. “Okay then. It’s a win for everyone.”

“Good.” I nodded at Hartley. “Grab that bag. Let’s go.”

“Good luck to you, Travis,” she called out as we walked away. “If you ever need a job, just call me.”

“No, thanks,” I called back. “I’m a Navy SEAL after all.”

The last thing I saw of Janey Caldwell was her cold, smiling face just before we turned the corner and were out of that abandoned warehouse.

“We’re done,” I said to Gage.

“Roger,” he answered. “See you at the car.”

I looked at Hartley and grinned. “You did it,” I said.

“No. You did it.”

“Yeah. True. I really pulled this off.”

She laughed and I pulled her against me, kissing her lips.

“I thought you were done for back there,” she admitted.

“It’s hard to kill me.”

“I’m beginning to see that.”

We walked together, side by side, heading back toward the road. Gage and Flynn had parked the car over there, and they’d meet us once they finished making sure the Caldwells weren’t following.