by K. Michelle
“What we don’t know is if this is Sanctum’s file or not,” Evan speaks up again, pacing back and forth while eating a burrito.
“Why do you say that?” I ask him.
“Because why would Sanctum keep this one file out of reach from the others? Let alone in a Lake Meadows Storage Unit, which by the way was a tiny locker box, not a big unit. I was ready for dead bodies.”
I roll my eyes. “Get on with it, Evan.”
He chews through his mouth full of food as he paces. “My point is, they have everything else together, what would be the point of a file on this random girl, no offense, alone?”
I rub my jaw, trying to think of an explanation, but come up short-handed. “So, there could be someone else involved?”
“I don’t know. Either someone else is involved, or this could belong to the other person who took her, or maybe it’s someone who’s watching them? I know fuck-all at this point.”
“It can’t be Sanctum, Henry had Cohen torture a guy for this information, right? So, he knew about these papers and wanted them back?” Dessa says as if she’s about to crack the code.
I shake my head. “If that were the case, he would’ve gotten this folder within hours of me getting the code to him. There’s no way he sat on it this long.”
“But why does he need information on a twelve-year-old girl back? Why is this one so important?” She questions both Evan and me.
“You’re asking the wrong person. But we are talking about the guy who had his own wife killed because she was too much of a hassle,” I say, the anger building as I think of my mom and young Rory.
“Ugh. My brain hurts.” Dessa puts her head in her hands.
“Thinking is hard, isn’t it?” Evan sasses to her, and she flips him off while her face is buried into her other hand.
“Who’s next on our list?” she asks with her head down.
“Our list?” I question.
“Did I stutter?”
“No, but I’m afraid my hearing might be going out because I think I heard you say our list as if you’re involved permanently.”
“I am involved. And good luck trying to keep me out of this one,” Dessa stands and walks over to me, “I will storm every castle and fight every battle I have to, to get to my sister. And if that includes you, so be it.”
“Sounds like a threat, Little One.”
“Because it is, Russo. Now we can work together, or I’ll do this on my own. What’s it going to be?”
“Fuck, this is kind of hot,” Evan remarks with a sandwich in his hand.
“Shut up, Evan,” we both say in unison. I take a moment and look at her face. I look at every stubborn, determined feature that makes up the woman I love. A slow smirk builds, and in turn, hers.
“We have some blood to shed.”
“Okay, I’m buying my own murder clothes. These are freaking ridiculous.”
This is the fourteenth complaint that has left her lips, and I’ll put her over my knee if I hear another one. “I swear, Dessa. One more complaint.”
She mocks me and flips me off. Always the fucking attitude. I return my attention to what we’re doing. Harvey was a hard man to find. He was paid well and has several houses. Most likely, one for his family and the rest for fucking his side chicks.
I look at the two in the back seat, playing rock paper scissors. “We ready?”
“Scissors cuts paper, biatch,” Dessa rubs in his face. “Yep, let’s go!”
Evan turns to me. “How is she so normal about this? Rock, Paper, Scissors one minute, murder the next. How about we bake some bread when we get back while we’re at it.”
“She’s been through a lot more than you or I could imagine. Her mom is a piece of shit.”
“Welcome to the club.”
We get out of the car and walk up to Harvey’s door, just as I’m about to turn the knob and walk in, Dessa stops me. “Barging in isn’t polite.” She rings the doorbell and plasters on a big smile as the man himself opens the door a few minutes later.
“Cohen? Evan? What are you guys doing here?” his eyes dart to Dessa, who’s standing between us, “Who are you?” His tone sounds disgusted rather than confused.
Dessa leans into me. “He’s not very polite either,” she sticks out her hand, “I’m Dessa. Dessa Collins. You may have heard of me since Sanctum has been tracking my every step and abducted my sister?”
I look at Evan, trying to get him to shut her up. “Harvey, can we come in? We have questions, and I was wondering if you have the answers,” I ask, but he isn’t stupid.
“Not right now. I’m busy. Maybe a different day.” He tries to shut the door, but I stop it with my hand and push through the threshold. With my large frame staggering over his, he backs up as I walk past him, Dessa and Evan following behind.
They set up in the kitchen, and I sit his ass in the chair they set out. “Let’s have a little chit-chat, shall we?”
Harvey glares, exhaling through his nose and crossing his arms to let me know how inconvenienced he is right now. If he only knew.
“You’re the cleaner, Harvey. I’m sure you’ve heard some things. Seen some things. Am I wrong?” I raise a brow, and Harvey makes no move to reply, keeping his glare firmly intact. “Of course, I’m sure Sanctum has trained you not to speak on such things. You see, here’s my problem, a lot of things have come to light recently,” we continue staring at each other as I pause, “Aren’t you going to ask me what I’m talking about, Harv?”
He takes another deep breath as if I’m annoying him. I look over to Dessa, and she’s trying her hardest to bite back a sarcastic remark.
“Don’t worry, I’ll tell ya. I know your tiny little nut-sized brain is vibrating with curiosity. Where do I start? Oh! I know. How about when Henry ordered Vex to kill my mother, and you came sweeping in to clean it up?”
His eyes grow big. “Wha-what?”
“Or how about the sex-ring? That’s a new department I didn’t know about.”
“Who told you this?”
“No denying. Interesting. Here’s the deal, Harv. You’re going to talk. And if you don’t? My associates, one of whom you already know, and the other, one of which you covered the abduction of her sister, will enjoy the fruits of our labor.” Dessa and Evan come up behind him and grab each arm and leg, tying them down. He’s pissed but doesn’t fight back, knowing he doesn’t stand a chance against Evan and me.
“First off, why?” I question, desperate for answers.
He shakes his head, pursing his lips. “Stop, Priest. Just stop.”
I chuckle at my nickname. “Do you feel like repenting? Do you feel any sort of guilt? Do you hold any remorse for what you’re a part of?”
“I did the job I was given; you should know how this works.”
“That wasn’t my question. I asked if you feel guilty for covering up my mother’s murder. For making sure no one tracks down the missing girls sold into Sanctum, for starters.” My eyes move to Evan as they silently give him permission. His lips curve up into a smile, and he takes a baseball bat and swings it with beautiful precision right into Harvey’s gut. “Ooh! That would’ve been a home run. Impeccable form, Ev.”
“Thank you for noticing, Cohen. I’ve been practicing.”
Harvey coughs and groans in pain when I turn my eyes back to him. I stand over him, getting right in his face. “How could you hug me at my mom’s funeral? How?!”
“I was doing ... my job,” he grits through his teeth, his chest rising and falling, trying to catch a breath. No apology. Nothing.
“It’s not just that, Harvey. It’s the fact you’ve covered up so many murders and kidnappings, and even if some may have deserved it, I know many of them didn’t.” My anger rises, revenge coursing through my blood. As much as I don’t want Dessa to see me like this, I want her to. I want her to see the monster I turn into—the face of my demons. The person I truly am, the one I was molded into.
I stand straight, roll my neck, stret
ch my arms in front of me, and crack my knuckles. “Here’s the deal. You’re a cleaner, and I’m going to wipe your sins clean.” After turning around and going to my knives laid out perfectly straight in their case. I pick up my favorite—a Scout knife made with Damascus steel. The blade holds a beautiful, intricate design, and when used, it looks like rivers of blood swirling through it. Running my finger gently along the edge, a small cut lines my finger, and I smile, turning to walk back over to the piece of shit in front of me. I press the tip of my blade into the crease of his elbow, easily dragging it down to his wrist, beautiful crimson tears flowing from his skin. His screams aren’t registering with me, and I could care less anyways. I repeat another slice in his opposite arm, then turn to look at Dessa, and my girl steps up to bat. She smiles at me and rummages through his cupboards until she finds what she’s looking for.
Walking over to Harvey, she bends down in front of him. “Don’t worry. We’re going to clean you right up.” She unscrews the lid and pours bleach into his fresh gash. Now his screams are registering, and it’s a melodious sound.
Evan squeezes Harvey’s cheeks together. “Sex-ring. Talk.”
Poor Harv heaves, squeezing his eyes shut, blood coming from his mouth from biting his tongue in pain. “There’s … nothing … to say ... money … is good.”
“I’m sure it is, but why was it hidden from Cohen and me? How was this kept hidden so well for so long?”
He shakes his head, unwilling to open his mouth. Stupid, stupid man. I nod to Evan, and he repeats the cut I made, but on his other arm and much deeper. He motions for Dessa, and she hands him the bottle of bleach as he pours it over the slice.
“This is why!” Harvey yells out amidst the pain. “They knew … you’d react … like this,” he says in between breaths. His arms shake, and the pain is causing the synapses in his body to go haywire.
“Because it’s fucking wrong!” Evan yells in his face.
Dessa steps forward, picking up his chin so he can look her in the eyes. “Do you know anything about Rory Collins?”
Then a slow smile creeps over his face. “You might as well kill me, Blondie.”
Dessa raises her blade and slams it down into the middle of his hand, piercing right through the flesh and into the chair. “Tell me what you know!” Her fury shows. She’s all rage, blonde hair, and black nails with splatters of blood. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.
Harvey’s maniacal laugh rings through his home before it fades, and in a whisper, he replies, “You’re better off dead if you keep looking for her, Sweetheart.”
Dessa’s breathing escalates, and she goes to her purse to grab her lipstick. “In honor of Cohen’s love for nursery rhymes, let's keep the tradition alive,” she walks over to the sliding glass door, “It’s too bad you’re such a coward. Choosing money to cover horrendous and vile acts. Such a shame.”
I move to the side of her to see what rhyme she’s leaving as a note to Sanctum. I smile at the fact she’s choosing these specifically because the irony isn’t lost on me. Her neat handwriting stains the perfectly clear glass. I look at Evan, and he’s smiling at her.
A penny for a spool of thread
A penny for a needle
That’s the way the money goes ...
POP! Goes the weasel.
I step in. “Well, Harvey, consider this your official leave of absence.” I walk up to him and pry his jaw open. Evan takes over my firm grip, and I grab his tongue and cut off the tip. My grip was shit, and Harvey retracted his tongue before I got a good chunk. Based on Harvey’s reaction and the amount of blood, it was still effective. I lean down at eye level. “Too bad, you’ll never be forgiven. Enjoy hell, asshole.”
I step behind him, holding the blade against the soft skin of his neck—one clean slice across his throat, and one more box I can check.
“Sal, there’s so much I want to talk to you about, but I can’t,” I groan and whine as dramatically as possible for effect.
“You’ve always been dramatic and low-key at the same time.”
“Did you just say low-key?” I laugh into my mug of coffee. With each passing day, I’m more grateful for Sally.
“What? I keep up with the hip kids.”
I shake my head. “How are you? Dennis? Things? I’m sorry I haven’t been over in a bit.”
She swats her hand in the air at me. “Oh, you stop. I’m sure you’ve been busy.”
“Heh, understatement of the century.”
She gives me a sly smirk. “We’re good, honey. You know I keep busy with all my groups and bingo.”
“Ah, yes. Bingo. What day is that again? I want to go with you,” I shrug, “for old times’ sake.”
“Tuesdays at seven. Meet me at the house at six-thirty, and we can ride together.” Sally winks at me, and I smile in return. “It’s a date,” she covers my hand with hers, “It’s so good to have you back.”
“It’s good to be here.” An exhausted breath leaves my body, and I chew my lip. “Can I tell you something? But you cannot tell anyone, Sal. And I mean it. It could be dangerous if someone found out you knew.”
“Are you in trouble, Sweetie?” Her eyes turn worried in an instant, and I immediately feel bad for worrying her.
“No, no. But I found out about something. Someone.”
“Who? What do you mean?”
“So, I received a letter while in college. Thinking it was from my mom, I visited her the other day, which was a mistake, and found out she didn’t send it.”
“What did it say?”
“That I have a sister, and she needs my help.” My fingers trace the edge of my coffee mug, waiting for Sally’s reaction.
She’s silent for a little bit, processing my words. “Wow, Dessa. That’s ... just wow.”
“I know,” I sigh, running my hand through my hair, “Then, not long ago, someone broke into my studio and trashed it. They left a note saying I was running out of time.”
“What?! Are you safe? Do you need to stay here? Where is she?”
I smile at her protectiveness. “No, I’m safe. I’ve been with Cohen around the clock. He’s helping me try to figure out where she is. I won’t say too much more, because that’s the tricky part. I don’t know if she’s safe, or if she even knows about me. But I do know that when I find her, it’s going to be a long road to recovery. What she’s probably been through … no one should have to endure.”
“You know, Dennis used to be a private investigator. He stopped a long time ago. Some cases stick with you and leave a mark. He had one of those.”
My brows furrow in curiosity. “I didn’t know that.”
“It was a long time ago. He doesn’t talk about those days much. But he might be willing to help. Maybe. If you wanted, that is.”
“I’ll think about it. There’s a lot he’d uncover, and I don’t want to put you guys in harm’s way. I don’t know what I’d do if something bad fell back on you.”
Her warm hand raises to my cheek. “You’ve grown so much, Dessa. I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming. But I need you to be safe. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.”
I smile, placing my hand over hers, and she smiles back at me. I finish my coffee with her before heading back to my art studio. I’ve had three sales in the last day or two, and I have to get them shipped out. Luckily, they weren’t ruined from the break-in.
I arrive at my studio, and it takes me a few minutes to get inside since I had a brand-new security system installed. It takes me about an hour to get the paintings packaged properly to make sure they’re safe during transit, and I head to the post office. I’m starving by the time I’m done, so I take out my phone. When I dial, it only rings once.
“Little One.”
“I’m hungry.”
“Can’t have that. What are you thinking?”
“Viva Comida?” It’s the best food around. Healthy and insanely delicious with so much flavor.
“Perfect. I�
��ll meet you there in ten.”
“See you then,” I say with a smile and make my way to the restaurant. We pull in at the same time, and once I’m out of my car, his arms wrap around me the moment we’re in arms reach.
“This is weird but nice,” I muffle into his chest, and it shakes with laughter.
“I agree,” he says while moving the hair out of my face when I look up at him.
I smile at him. “Truce today. I don’t want any hate.”
“Good. Me, either.” His hand pushes my hair back, and he smiles at me. It’s so odd seeing affectionate Cohen in public, but I’m kind of loving it. His hand graces the small of my back as we walk into the restaurant. “I’m not sure you should be on the next job, Dessa.”
“What do you mean? These people are not only responsible for your mom, but my sister. I want to see justice served. I want to see the life drain from their eyes for taking away hers. I want revenge.” My fist balls on the table as my anger rises.
Cohen covers my hand with his, attempting to keep me from making a scene. “I get that, baby. I really do. But Vex, he’s strong, he’s going to fight back, and there’s no saying what could happen.”
I yank my hand from his. “I’m not a weak little girl, Cohen. I can handle my own.”
“I didn’t question that. If you would listen, you’ll understand that what I’m saying is I can’t have you getting hurt. It’s not an option in my book.” His eyes are firm in his decision. Too bad, I’ll do what I want.
I smirk back with sarcasm lacing my words. “We’ll see.”
“There is no ‘we’ll see.’ I’m not putting your safety at risk. Vex could be looking for you for all I know. There’s no doubt that Henry knows something is up because he hasn’t contacted Evan or me, and we’re laying low from them. Henry has guys watching me, so there’s no doubt he knows I have you. Your safety is my top concern right now, Dessa. Don’t fucking push it.”
“Okay, okay, bossy. We will continue this conversation later.”