Three and a Half Weeks(160)
“You might have asked about their background. You’re the expert, after all. Moreover, I had no idea as to their professional pursuits. Isn’t ferreting out that information all part of the job description of hired killer?”
“Whatever. The result you got may have been better anyway. They’re both out of the U.S. and aren’t likely to be returning anytime soon and it didn’t cost your friend a penny yet. Plus, the hit is still live.”
“If they’re so connected why did they have to run?”
“The ones I assigned to the task were not their friends. In fact, they would have gladly done it free of charge except there’s an unspoken ethic among killers for hire: only hit those you’ve been paid to hit. Period.”
“There’s still the matter of the woman…”
“You said your friend canceled it, right?”
“For now. He wants an additional twenty-four hours. If you don’t hear back from him, it goes live again. Has that information been disseminated to the correct parties? We don’t want another mistake.”
“The monies were returned to the account, weren’t they? Trust me: without an advance, nothing gets done. You’re fine.”
“Okay. I want you to know I’m not ungrateful for your assist. It’s just that the woman went after my friend’s fiancée and he had a few tense moments.”
“Is everyone alright now?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
An uncomfortable pause ensues as both men abruptly stop speaking and then they both begin to say something simultaneously:
“Well, I’ll—”
“How’s Oli—”
Daniel expels a long breath. “You first.”
“How’s Olivia?”
“She’s fine, doing well in school and our wedding celebration is upcoming. Olivia is happy.”
“And?”
“I was just going to say goodbye. Thanks again. Take care.”
The line goes dead and Daniel looks up at Ian. “I hate the bastard.”
Ian snorts. “Really? I never would have suspected from the affectionate way you two speak to one another.”
“Yes, well… our relationship is fraught… I’m relieved he’s across the planet right now.”
“Daniel, considering how much you don’t care for the man, I appreciate it all the more that you contacted him for me. I don’t know what the hell I would have done here without your help. I hope you know you can always count on me to have your back should you need it.”
Daniel smiles, stretching his long legs out in front of him. “I’ve been treated kindly by the universe of late so I consider it a pay-it-forward type of thing. However, you’re very welcome. I truly hope you and your Ella will be able to attend our wedding at the end of the month and we can have some fun together for a change.”
“Count on it.”
“So now what? You told Natasha you’d hunt down and painfully kill every member of her family if she didn’t keep her distance. Will she?”
Ian’s laugh is bitter. “I highly doubt it but if I can avoid putting a permanent end to her, I’d prefer doing so. However, at least now she knows I’m serious.”
Running both hands through his too-long hair, Daniel is lost in thought. When he snaps back to attention, he glances sharply at Ian. “You might want to reconsider, Ian. While it’s true the brothers are outside our borders for now, Natasha is not going to play nice. I can guarantee it.”
“I’m going to meet with her tomorrow when I return to Portland. I’ll make the final call then.”
“Be very cautious at that meeting. Make it a public place and scope it out before you let her see you. She just might come at you in a way you’re not expecting.”
“Can you elaborate?”
“It’s never a good idea to have the target of a hit you ordered know about it in advance. Now that she knows you’re a serious player in this game, she might try to flip the table on you. I can’t say for sure and I don’t think she’ll go for your throat, but what I can guarantee is that you haven’t seen the last of her. Frankly, Ian, I think you should just leave the order in place. I promise, you’ll get over it.”
Ian just stares back at the man, his eyes inscrutable. If the eyes are the window into the soul, his window is currently firmly closed.
Daniel knows Ian doesn’t want Natasha’s death on his conscience but he feels obliged to give his friend the unvarnished truth, no matter how unpalatable. “If you prefer, you can go home, forget all about it, and I’ll see to it on this end.” Daniel’s voice is petal-soft but his meaning is lethal.