Chapter 27
Killian
The rest of the day is gray and miserable outside, so we mostly spend it in the guest house with Jules and Asher. Celani insists on cooking for us to keep herself busy, and her mind off of what could be coming next.
We go through the day as if it’s any other, but in reality my mind is on my meeting with Lucian. By the time Pierce gets home with Malakai, Celani and I are back up at the main house. I can tell that she’s feeling less calm about everything, but she is trying to be strong.
“Be safe,” she whispers to me before I leave out of the back doors.
“Always,” I promise, before heading down to the guest house.
Asher drives us into downtown Redland to an area that is full of factories and warehouses. I look around amongst the buildings and spot the large brick building of converted lofts where Lucian has temporarily settled.
We circle around the building one more time, then Asher parks our SUV up the street. I send a text to Malakai letting him know that we have arrived. Then double check my gun holster, and the knife I always carry under my pants on my ankle.
Despite the fact that Lucian has been nothing but a loyal ally, finding clients for us for years now, that doesn’t stop me from being prepared. The only people on this planet that I have ever trusted with my life are the people on my team.
And now, Celani.
“You good, boss?” Asher asks, and I nod before opening my door.
A few minutes later, Lucian opens the door to a loft on the top floor of the building. His wide grin greets us, and I take in the nice blue suit he’s wearing. I don’t think in all of the years I’ve known him that he has ever been dressed casually.
“Good evening gentlemen! Great to see you again,” he says cheerfully, stepping aside and motioning us in.
My eyes scan the luxurious interior of the loft as we follow him further inside.
“Where did you find this place?” I ask, continuing to check over the space.
Lucian chuckles as he goes into the open kitchen area. “You know me, mate. I always land on my feet somewhere,” he muses. “A friend of mine owns the building.”
He pulls out a bottle of cognac that is worth more than most people make in a month from a cabinet and holds it up to us.
“Fancy a drink?”
Asher and I both shake our heads and he shrugs, going to retrieve a glass and pouring some for himself.
“Lucian we need to make this quick,” I say, as he comes back over to us.
I know that Celani is still in good hands being with the rest of the team, but I hate being away from her for too long. As much as I like Lucian I know how he likes to talk for an eternity before getting to the reason we are meeting.
“Right then,” Lucian agrees, walking over to the living area. He sits down on one of the sofas and Asher takes a seat in a chair. I stand next to him, too wired up to sit and relax.
Lucian sets down his glass and his easy-going expression turns serious.
“I know that you’re a busy man, Kill. I owe you a favor, well, more than one. That’s why I did some digging, then flew here to speak with you and offer any other support you need,” he says.
I fold my hands in front of me. “Let’s get to it then. Were we really hired for the reason Pierce Crowell gave your contact? Because he felt threatened after the Shawn McCoy hit?”
He frowns. “No. No, that wasn’t the reason, Kill.
And I’m enormously sorry for getting you wrapped up in this under false pretenses,” he says, his face full of remorse.
“And trust me, the contact that recommended Pierce to me for protection is no longer someone I will be working with. I’ve. . dealt with him.”
I see Asher’s face turn to stone and anger boils through my veins. Even though I knew something wasn’t right, Lucian’s confirmation makes me livid, nonetheless.
“So what is it then?” I ask gruffly, growing impatient. “Gambling issue? Has he gotten into debt with a bookie?”
This has been my strongest theory for a while now, along with the thought that he may be giving out insider information about his company to competitors.
Lucian lets out a humorless chuckle. “If only,” he murmurs, finishing off his cognac. “You’d think a chap like him might only have issues that simple, right? But sadly he’s unintentionally gone down the wrong path straight into a lion's den.”
He looks at the empty chair across from him and motions to it.
“Trust me, Kill. You’re going to want to sit down for this one.”
I exchange a look with Asher who nods to me. I walk around the chair and take a seat, placing my elbows on my knees.
“What is it Luc? Tell me everything you know,” I say.
Asher and I sit and listen to Lucian unfold the truth to us. All of the inconsistencies with Pierce since I started working for him start coming together rapidly in my mind.
At first I thought Pierce was just spooked. Some rich prick living in fear after seeing another rich prick in his field get taken out. But as time went on, I believed he may have gotten wrapped up in gambling, or some white-collar bullshit.
But all of my theories were wrong.
Very, fucking wrong.