Chapter 13 #2
Resigned, he eased out of bed, taking silent steps out of the bedroom, grabbing the two glasses of wine before leaving.
His fingerprints were everywhere, but certain evidence would be difficult for her to explain.
The sleeping pills had certainly done the trick, allowing her a quiet respite.
When she awoke, he’d be halfway to Milan.
He’d disable her car in an effort to prove her innocence.
He was nothing but a monster and she shouldn’t be required to pay for his sins.
He’d prepared for this moment while determining his initial plan, never knowing how difficult this particular decision would be.
Right now and without hesitation, he loathed the birthright he’d been given.
Only minutes later he grabbed his briefcase and keys, sliding the Sig Sauer into his shoulder holster, the other weapons inside his case, walking toward the office to retrieve the last of anything considered important.
He slapped his hands on the desk, taking several deep breaths.
He’d prided himself for the ice running through his veins. Now? The ice had melted.
Wrath remained in the same position for a few minutes, walking his mind through the choices one last time. He was nothing more than a rat in a cage.
He grabbed his real phone, turning it on for the first time since arriving at the house. The single blip meant a text. He stared at the screen, a sickening feeling pooling into the pit of his stomach.
Angelo.
His younger brother never broke protocol. Angelo was the weakest of his two brothers, loathing his involvement yet succumbing to his father’s wishes.
And the man’s wrath.
How many times had Wrath protected his baby brother from the violence his father enjoyed?
Call me. This is vital.
What. The. Fuck. He debated for a full ten seconds before making the call. “What?”
“I thought you were dead, that’s what,” Angelo half whispered. The tone of his voice was a dichotomy of fear and anger.
“Why?” Wrath yanked his gun from the holster, moving quickly toward the window and peering outside.
“Alessandro has been murdered.”
The news hit him right between the eyes, but not enough to shed a tear. He also wasn’t as surprised as he should be, although the timing was interesting. Even within their ranks, there were others who would give all they had to see members of the consortium executed. “Who’s responsible?”
“Not known.”
“But you have a suspicion or you wouldn’t be calling.” He checked the security monitors, moving from camera to camera. While there was nothing he could detect, hair stood on the back of his neck.
Angelo exhaled and Wrath could hear rustling sounds even before his brother answered. “I have my ideas.”
“That didn’t answer the first question.” Wrath moved out into the living room, carefully peering out the windows. He slowly closed the blinds then headed into the kitchen, repeating the action.
“Your concubine is being hunted.”
He snorted, taking the news as he did any other, with a full understanding that there would never be a day he wasn’t on someone’s hit list. This time, the order just happened to be issued by the Dark Haven.
As far as the way Sophia was being considered, there was no understanding of her training or her importance to him and they would never know.
“Alessandro issued the mandate before he was murdered.” The comment was stated with no emotion.
“You knew. Of course you would.” Angelo half laughed.
“That’s why I’m in charge and yes, I suspected. When can I expect company?”
“Any time,” Angelo managed. “And there’s more. You’re on the list as well.”
Wrath paused, rubbing his fingers across his brow.
He remained emotionless even as his brother was attempting to warn him.
There were no surprises any longer. Only realities.
This was certainly time for a stiff drink.
“And the assassin sent?” He yanked a glass, finding the scotch with ease and pouring close to the rim.
The hesitation pissed him off.
“Just say it, Angelo. I’m in no mood for the bullshit.” He heard the slight creak of a floorboard before sensing her presence. He heard his brother’s answer the same second his lovely submissive entered the room.
Still, this time, the news was the final nail in the coffin.
“Did you forget about our deal?” Sophia asked.
Wrath chuckled under his breath, taking a gulp of his drink.
“I have to go. Your warning is duly noted.” Sighing, he slipped the phone into his pocket, his respect for her gaining another notch.
He didn’t have to hear the snap of the ammunition magazine as it was positioned into the gun, he could almost smell the steel.
Her weapon. From the very secure cabinet.
“What a clever girl. You managed to figure out my locking system.” After sliding the glass onto the counter, he held out his hands and slowly began to turn around.
“Very slowly drop the gun onto the floor and kick it in my direction.” Sophia had an edge in her voice.
Wrath couldn’t help but smile as he faced her, enjoying the way her training had taken over, shoving aside everything they’d shared. Bending over, he dropped his weapon on the floor, kicking it away. “And what now, sweet Sophia? Did you call the cavalry already?”
“I think we can cut the crap, Wrath. Don’t you?
You never meant to honor your end of the deal, but then again, if you thought I was foolish enough to believe you would, then you underestimate me.
The sleeping pills were a nice touch, but also anticipated.
You are not the mastermind you believe yourself to be. ”
“And what if I refuse to cooperate? Are you going to shoot me?” He darted his eyes back and forth before taking a step toward her.
Moving the slide on her weapon, she was locked and loaded. “Go ahead and find out.”
Another line drawn in the sand.
“Who were you talking to?” she asked, cocking her head and her eyes never blinking.
“My brother. Just a warning of sorts.”
“A warning. Meaning?”
He had no intention of answering her. “I care about you, Sophia.”
“That means nothing to me.”
He could tell she was serious, anger boiling just underneath the surface. He’d gambled and lost. “Fair enough.” Holding up his hands, he gave her a single nod. “Are you calling for backup?”
“Already done. They’ll be here any minute.”
He hadn’t seen her phone but took her at her word. She was indeed formidable.
At least two full minutes passed by.
Exhaling, Wrath scanned the room. “For what it’s worth, this was the most enjoyable moment of my life.”
“Not worth much.”
He took another calculated step toward her. “Can’t we work this out?”
Aiming for his kneecap, she made a tsking sound. “My bullet will shatter your knee and there won’t be a surgeon in the entire world able to put it back together. That won’t bode well in prison.”
“Fine, Agent Waters. Have it your way.” He placed his hands behind his head and stood at full attention. “I won’t cause you any additional trouble.”
She had the gun in both hands, a look of absolute business on her face.
But her eyes told another story.
The second she changed position, he reached into his shirt, yanking the second gun taped to his shoulders. Another creak coming from the hallway drew both their attentions and within seconds, everything happened in slow motion.
“Fuck!” she exclaimed, taking two giant steps forward.
Wrath positioned his weapon at the doorway, chuckling under his breath. “I should have known you’d be ready for any sign of weakness, prepared to take the recently evicted seat on the throne.”
The man’s calculated risks had almost paid off. As Gabriel eased out from the shadows, he offered a single nod of his head. “Brother. You are well aware weakness cannot be ignored.”
Sophia recoiled, darting her glance from one man to the other. “What the hell is going on here?”
“Agent Waters. Allow me to introduce you to my brother, Gabriel. He was tasked to exact punishment for a series of what the consortium would call atrocities.” Wrath could see the confusion on her face.
“Once they learned about your existence, they had no intention of allowing you to live and they certainly didn’t trust I would carry out the act of performing your execution. ”
She kept her arms straight in front of her as she crept closer. “Then I have the joy of taking you both in.”
“Cold-blooded bitch,” Gabriel said, laughing.
“Intelligent,” Wrath countered.
“Both of you, drop your weapons. There is no place for you to run any longer. You are under arrest. I suggest you do as you’re told. I also refuse to accept any bullshit.” Sophia’s words were clipped.
Only Wrath knew she was struggling with her decision.
Wrath had once revered his older brother, worshipping everything about him.
Then the darkness had taken away bits of Gabriel’s soul, much like what had happened to Wrath.
Jealousy had prevailed, retaliation much more important.
Gabriel locked eyes with Wrath, leaving a wash of memories and images rushing into the back of his mind.
Scenes from their childhood.
Ocean vacations.
Playing in the backyard.
Competing in sports.
Learning to shoot.
Learning to kill…
Benedetto refused to acknowledge Gabriel as the rightful lead assassin because of a single mistake. One. Single. Fault.
Gabriel had fallen in love with a woman.
With the precision of a true assassin, Wrath knew instinctively the steps that Gabriel would take. And in those last precious seconds, he captured Sophia’s haunting eyes, hoping she could muddle her way into his very soul.
Bang!
Bang!
“No!” The cry was filled with horror.