Part 43 (2/2)

”What the f.u.c.k,” Gage mumbled while reading his screen.

I brought him a cup of coffee and sat next to him on the couch. ”Whats wrong?”

”Anatolis men arent there yet.” He stood up and pressed on his screen. ”Im going to find out what the h.e.l.l is going on.” He moved like a predator, stalking down the hall with the phone to his ear.

”Wheres your guy?” His voice traveled to me. ”And youre only just now telling me?”

I followed him into his office, wanting to know what was going on.

”Well it didnt work out. Thats why the f.u.c.k you stick to a plan.” He slid his wallet into his pants and opened a drawer, pausing as he listened. ”Im ready to just say f.u.c.k it and leave the truck where its at. Let them pick it up, and you can figure out how to get paid. I did my part.”

”I thought you didnt have anyone there?” He stood up and slammed the drawer. ”What are they supposed to do?” He met my eyes, breathing in. ”Ill be there.”

When he dropped the phone on the desk I asked, ”Where will you be? Whats going on?”

He looked at the phone as it vibrated, screen lit up. ”Dexter and Sam are going to have to do the transfer, and I have to coordinate with Anatoli for that to work.” He swiped his hand over his face. ”f.u.c.k. If there was any other way...but we have to meet him. Or at least I do.”

”Im going with you.”

”Thats what I thought youd say.”

43: Prove Yourself.

WE SAT IN THE OPEN WAREHOUSE, A draft blowing in from somewhere, chilling me. It gave me an excuse for shaking, uncontrollable tremors that vibrated my muscles in random spurts. I only hoped that my arms around my waist, holding me in place, were enough to cover them.

It all seemed to be going okay, but dread was building, consuming my thoughts with each moment that pa.s.sed. Only minutes before, Rusnak had stepped out of the room on his phone and left Gage and I alone. Although, not really alone. A few men spotted the open, empty, s.p.a.ce. Metal pipes and ducts showed on the ceiling and walls. There were construction piles and a half designed bar spread out over the room. Rusnak had explained that this was going to be his new club, one of many. The men at the bar didnt even pretend to do anything besides watching Gage and I.

”This is Dex.” Gage gripped my thigh under the table as he pulled out his vibrating phone. ”You two still there? With them?” He paused, listening to Dexter, and then his eyes swept to the door.

Rusnak entered but stopped to say something to another man there.

There were other rooms in this sprawling warehouse, but I hadnt seen them. Others had been in and out though, including Alessandra and Cherry.

”Good. Then have Sam drop off the truck and you can still make your flight,” Gage continued his phone conversation.

The man left at Rusnaks signal and then he was walked towards us.

”All right,” Gage spoke soft into the phone. ”You too.” He rose to his feet as he hung up and I followed.

”Everything was exchanged.” Rusnak stopped on the opposite side of the table. ”Its all been confirmed. See, it went smooth. There was nothing to worry about. I told you, your brother would be a good addition.”

Gages small grunt could have been mistaken for a laugh. ”Its done. Ill pick up my share of the money when your man gets back tomorrow.”

I let out the breath Id been holding. My relief for Dexter flooded my insides with heat, but all my senses were still revved, especially when Rusnak put out his hand to stop us.

”Wait.” His bright smile didnt lesson my anxiety at all. ”Sit. Stay. We still have more to discuss. Things to work out.”

Gage didnt sit, but he didnt continue walking away either.

Rusnaks smile dropped, but he pressed forward. ”We made more money in these past two days than Viktor made all year. Its to both our benefit to work together. But its important to trust each other, and Ive had my doubts.”

Gage stared at him for a moment, nothing crossing his face, no ripple, no lines, completely still and calm. ”I do too. Changing the plans on me every chance you had doesnt help improve that trust.”

”I had my reasons. Sit.” He gestured to the chair Gage had been sitting on as he relaxed in his chair, smiling up at him. ”Weve always had someone between us, a buffer. First, your father. Then, Nick and Silas. And more recently, Viktor. But theyre gone now.” His voice hardened, ”A conversation is long overdue.”

I could only half focus on Rusnak. My attention pulled as the man from earlier returned, saying something in a thick accent to the other men in the room. The three others laughed, a gritty sandpaper like sound, as they walked towards our table.

Rusnak didnt acknowledge them, his eyes stayed locked on Gage.

”Another time,” I answered for Gage, not wanting to give him the chance to say okay. A warning rung in my head, blaring out everything as I watched the mens slow approach.

”Regan, this isnt something that can wait.” Rusnak only glanced at me before turning back to Gage. ”Im already thinking of our next project. We need to clear this up. Now.”

”No. We have to go.” I focused on Gage, not sure I could control the panic rising in me. My flight response was taking over. I wanted to push him towards the door.

”Regan,” His voice was low as his hand gripped my arm, and the second I heard his tone, I knew. It was an apology. My lungs collapsed, all air vacuumed out. We werent leaving. He tried to meet my eyes, but I focused back on the group that now surrounded us.

Two on either side of Rusnak. All on the other side of the folding table but spread out enough that whichever way we tried to go, they would be there. And a wall blocked us at our back.

So I sat down with a deep breath. If I couldnt run, Id face this head on. And maybe I was overreacting. I had been scared about every step this week, and theyd all turned out okay. Maybe this would be the same. It was a desperate hope I clung to. We just had to agree to whatever he wanted and then leave.

Gage sat next to me, pulling his folding chair right up to my side so we were touching.

Rusnaks satisfied smile reached his hazel eyes, and he turned to the man at his side. ”Get us a bottle and gla.s.ses.” He gestured to the man at his other side, the one whod only just entered the room. ”What did they find out?”

That man stepped forward, slipping a folded paper into Rusnaks hands. Rusnak unfolded the small sc.r.a.p and glanced to him. He spoke low into his ear, too low for us to hear, but Rusnak nodded with hooded eyes.

”Trace it and let me know.” Rusnak handed back the paper. He turned to face us, dismissing the man without another word. ”Some FBI turned up dead at the club,” he stated, matter of fact.

”I heard,” Gage used the same straight tone with an edge that Rusnak had used.

I tensed but controlled the urge to grip the gun holstered inside my jacket.

Rusnaks head c.o.c.ked slightly and eyes narrowed, considering Gage. ”You heard. From whom?”

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