Chapter 33
Attempt Failed
Wyatt
A month later …
“How long do we have to wait?” Ryan grumbles from the passenger seat in my SUV.
I purse my lips and refrain from rolling my eyes. That’s about the fiftieth time he has asked that very same thing as if he wasn’t briefed on every detail like the rest of us. He’s starting to give me a fucking headache.
“Bro, nothing has changed in the last hour. Chill out,” I bite out.
“Easy for you to say,” he mutters.
Today is the day they come for Carmen’s brother’s life. Sammy has mapped out just how this day would go and what we are all to do. We have been planning and waiting for this day to come about.
Every time there has been a change, or Sammy has seen something more, he has let us know. No stone has been left unturned. Felix has been able to verify everything Sammy has said.
When we asked if we could just eliminate the problem and be done with it, we were told that would only open the door to a new problem and it would be better if we let this option play out.
So far, the kid has been spot on about everything he has told us—down to the slightest detail. He nailed how this day would start and how Ne would need to move. Even who would bring this event about.
Ivan Volkov was thought to be a friend of Ne’s. apparently, that friendship has been one-sided. I believe Ne’s connection to the Alliance table has brought on this jealousy and hatred. I, for one, plan to follow what Sammy has told us to the letter.
Since we arrived at our location, we’ve been keeping our distance as we have been watching and waiting. Ryan wanted to change things, but that would have been too much. I get it. He doesn’t want Carmen to be here.
I can’t blame him. She’s super pregnant. However, the rest of us, including Dad, agreed that if Sammy didn’t see fit to change something, it shouldn’t be touched. Sammy was well aware of how pregnant Carmen would be on this day.
However, Sammy’s prevention plan for the death of Ne Nash never said anything about changing her presence or sitting her down. Besides, Carmen isn’t willing to risk her brother’s life by removing herself from the plan.
“I still don’t like this shit,” Ry huffs.
“We heard you the first ninety-nine times you said it,” Noah grumbles from the back seat where he and John are seated.
“Then why isn’t anyone listening to me? None of you would allow this if it were your wives. Why does Carmen have to play the sacrifice?”
“Sammy told you she would be fine. This isn’t about her. She will hold her own; this is about her brother,” Felix says through the comm from the other vehicle.
“I know who it’s about. That’s why I don’t get why she has to be here.”
“Ry, shut the fuck up,” I growl. “Clearly this scumbag wants to catch Ne slipping when he’s most comfortable. Lunch with his little sister is as comfortable as he can get.
“Stop thinking as a husband. Your instincts know why it has to be here, today, while he’s with Carmen. His pregnant sister.”
“Fuck, this is some bullshit,” Ry grumbles under his breath.
“You act as if we’ll let anything happen to her,” Brax says into the comm from the vehicle with Felix.
“My pregnant wife is on a rooftop right now with a sniper rifle so your wife and baby make it home safe. We’re all doing our part,” Noah says tightly.
“I’m not trying to be ungrateful. She would be devastated if something happened to her brother. I just—”
My phone rings before he can finish his words. When Sammy’s name pops up on the dashboard screen, my heart begins to race. Ryan taps to answer it before I can.
“Sammy, what’s going on?”
“I didn’t call for you, Uncle Ryan. Please give Uncle Wyatt the phone.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Ryan grumbles.
I snort. “Hey, kid. I’m here. What’s up?”
“This is your time to decide. Your window to get back at Kennlee is now—within the next five hours.
“This will be your cleanest opportunity for a long time. Any other time will cost you. So what will it be? Stay and have Ry’s back, or pay that woman a visit and make her pay.”
“Fuck, you have to be kidding me,” I bite out as I look at the clock.
It will take at least two hours just to get to Kennlee.
The kid wasn’t lying when he said he would call, and I would have to decide if it’s worth it to me or not.
As much as I want to grind that bitch’s bones into dust for that shit she pulled, I can see from the look on my little brother’s face he needs me here just as much.
“Go, we have this covered,” Noah says.
“That’s not a part of the plan,” Ryan growls.
I sigh. Ryan is right; it isn’t. I’ve been harping on him about sticking to the plan. I can’t pull out now.
If something happened because I did, I would never forgive myself. I’m sure he wouldn’t either. I grind my teeth in frustration.
“When you say a long time, what does that mean?”
“I don’t see another opportunity coming for this within the next year. Make a decision, Uncle Wyatt. When you do, I will see more.”
“Fuck,” I hiss. “Not today, kid. I need to drop it.”
“Smart, Uncle Wyatt. Great decision. Your choice has opened a new path. She will meet with a nasty accident in a few weeks.
“That will make her a nonfactor to everyone. Karma will handle her for you. I promise. Now go help your family.
“Tell Uncle Ryan to stop worrying. Auntie Carmen will be fine. She is a master.”
“Are you sure she will still be perfectly safe? And the baby?” Ry says.
“Yes, I am positive. They will be fine. You guys aren’t going to need to get out of the vehicles.
“Carmen and Yui will handle it. Yui has a score to settle and Volkov has brought along a surprise that will allow this. It’s the last change but nothing that will affect our desired outcome.
“Go on, you don’t want to miss the show. It’s going to be epic. Call you later,” he says and hangs up.
Just then, Ivan pulls up. He has more men than necessary for lunch with his sister. The excuse Sammy said he would give for being here.
“You have to be fucking kidding me,” Ryan mutters as the doors of the last vehicle open.
I narrow my eyes as Ren Takahashi and that bitch who’s always by his side come into view. Now Sammy’s words make sense. Yui isn’t going to be happy to see them.
They have been hiding from Ne and Yui for over two years. They owe Yui in blood. The smug look on Ivan’s face makes me wish I were the one getting to end his life and knock that smile right off.
I grin in amusement. This is about to get ugly. I wouldn’t cross Yui on her worst day—after what those two did—damn.
“You heard the kid. It’s showtime. Everyone look alive. We’re only observing, and if needed, extraction team B. Bean, you take your shot and let them handle the rest.”
“Ugh, I got it. I hope they hurry this shit up,” she grumbles.
“I can take your place,” Ryan says.
“Sammy says it’s my shot. You stay where you are and cover your wife. I’m having a baby, not missing an eye or hand. Relax,” Bean replies.
Carmen
I am calm and nervous at the same time. Yui reaches for my knee under the table and gives it a gentle squeeze. I look to my brother’s assistant and give her a smile.
“You aren’t in this alone. I would never allow anything to happen to him again.”
Hearing the hurt and disapproval in her voice from the events of the past, my heart aches. I don’t think she will ever forgive herself. Especially since those jerks are still out there.
I nod. “I know. I just can’t stop thinking about the fact that there was a version of today where we both failed him.”
“But that version has been erased. We know our mistakes, and we won’t make them.”
I cover her hand and give it a squeeze. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
Her eyes harden as she looks past me. “He is here. Remember the plan. We will triumph.”
I nod my head and lick my lips. Picking up my menu, I begin to look it over once again. The weight of my bag at my feet brings me comfort.
“Nelson, my friend, that you?” Ivan croons as if he’s surprised to see my brother here.
I school my features, so he doesn’t see I know he’s full of crap. Ne plasters a smile on his face as he allows Ivan to pull him into a hug. He deserves an Oscar if you ask me.
“Ivan, what are you doing here?” Ne stands to greet Ivan as he comes to our table.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you face-to-face. When we spoke and you said you were having lunch with your sister, I figured I’d have lunch with mine. I’ve always liked this place.
“The food here is great. I had time today, so here I am, and I’ve run right into you. Two birds, one stone, da? You know Tatian, don’t you, my friend?” Ivan replies.
“Yes, I remember her. Hello, Tatian.”
“Hello, Nelson, good to see you.”
“Come, sit, join us. I insist,” Ne says. “You both know Yui. Do you remember my sister, Carmen?”
“Ah, da, Carmen. You are all grown up. It has been so long.
“And having baby. You look beautiful. How have you been?” Ivan says as his gaze falls on me and he gives a wide smile.
“I’m well, Ivan. It’s good to see you. How have you been?”
I want to hiss at him that it doesn’t matter how he is because I’m going to take his head off for coming here to try to take my brother’s life. I already know I’m the one who takes his life.
I even know exactly how. In fact, I’m itching to do it. Yui gives my knee another squeeze and I relax my expression.
Ne pulls Tatian’s chair so she can sit between him and Yui. Ivan takes the seat beside me as Sammy told us to make sure he does. In the version of this day where my brother loses his life, it’s because the seating is wrong.
I wasn’t able to save him because of where I sat. In Sammy’s evolving visions, as we made plans and changes, this is the right order. My brother doesn’t survive when we do this wrong.
Not this time.
We fall into a little amiable banter after everyone is seated. Placing our orders, we all play our part and make Ivan comfortable as Ne looks relaxed and as if he has his guard down.
“Tell me, how are things going with the Alliance? Business still good for you and your family?” Ivan suddenly asks out of nowhere.
A frown comes to my face and I reach for my bag by my foot. I was looking forward to that salad. It looks like I’m not going to get a chance to eat it.
“Business is business.” Ne shrugs.
“Interesting, because those of us who didn’t confirm or resisted ended up with shit end of stick,” Ivan bites out.
“You sound as if I made that happen. I told you my thoughts before any of it was a reality. Your family chose their path. My family chose ours.”
“You could have put in word for me. You were supposed to be my friend. You have place at table,” Ivan snarls.
“Actually, my father and brother-in-law have seats. I am a silent member for now.”
Ivan roars like he has lost his mind and pulls a gun to aim at my brother. Before he can get out of his seat, I have him by his hair as I pull a blade across his throat.
I drop his body to the floor as I stand over him and look down at him bleeding out. Tatian drops to her knees beside him, screaming. There’s no point; I can already see the light leaving his eyes.
Ne sits back in his seat and folds his arms across his chest with a grin on his lips. I have one blade dripping with Ivan’s blood at my side as my chest heaves. The few people dining here for lunch have broken into hysterics and fled screaming.
We picked this restaurant on this side of town at this time just for this. Everything about this meeting has been controlled. As the patrons run out, Ivan’s men run in.
“Don’t stand there. Kill them all,” Tatian screams at her brother’s men.
Right at that moment, Ren Takahashi and his dog Nanami enter behind Ivan’s men. My blood begins to boil. However, I gather that Yui is more enraged than I am as a growl rips from her chest.
From there, everything begins to move so fast I can only react. A window behind me blows out as a bullet enters the head of Ivan’s guy pointing at my brother.
In the next breath, my brother flips the table, and Yui kicks it so hard it flies into Ivan’s remaining shooters before they can react. The action also gives me time to pull my other blade from my bag.
When I have it and straighten, Tatian gets to her feet holding her brother’s gun aimed at me. Not thinking, I drop one blade still in its sheath to rest on top of my foot as I step forward with the other foot. Then I grab the gun, twisting it out of her hold.
In the next breath, I kick my other blade up in the air, catch it by the hilt and unsheathe it. I grin at the surprised look on her face as I run her through. Not sparing her a single thought, I knock her from my blade with the swipe of my other arm as if she’s a nuisance, which she is.
The sound of things crashing and the grunts and groans of fighting pull my attention to my right. When I find Ne sitting back in a chair with his arms folded across his chest while Yui is fighting, I go to fuss at him. Then I see who she’s fighting, and I understand.
I walk over and take the seat next to Ne. Our work is done here. Ryan and the others can have this cleaned up after Yui is done.
“Finally,” I murmur as I watch on.
“Yes, it is beyond time. I will not take away her honor. She has been owed this for a long time.
“We can put this to rest and move forward now. I can have the life I’ve wanted. All wounds will begin to heal,” Ne says as I settle in my seat.
“Well, lunch was a bust. You coming to my house for something to eat?”
He nods his head, not taking his eyes off the fight before him. “Um.”
“Good, I’m hungry,” I grumble.
He chuckles. I lean into him and bump him with my shoulder. He cups the side of my head and kisses the top.
“Thank you.”
“I love you, Kyōdai.”
“I love you too, sister.”