by Sam Crescent
“Bring her inside,” said the driver after pulling into the deserted marina, surrounded by skids and containers. They were so isolated, but she had to be brave. This was no different than taking the interview with Semenov on her own. She did what she had to do, putting her own insecurities to the side.
The kidnapper opened her door and pointed away from the car so she’d exit. Scarlett did as she was told. The worst part of this was probably being in her cat pajamas.
They took the metal staircase in one of the buildings to the upper level. It was some type of control room with wall to wall windows looking over the docks and loading areas. Everything was deserted. The lights in the room were off, only the glow from the outside flood lights filtering inside. When she heard a door click closed, she turned around and saw that the kidnapper had left.
“Nice to see you again.”
She looked around, not finding the source of that deep voice. Then a light flicked on and she saw Boss sitting in a chair in the far corner. He stood up and casually walked toward her. He wore all black, his shirt partly unbuttoned revealing the edges of his tattoos. Today his long black hair was pulled back in a low ponytail.
“You got what you wanted,” she said, making sure her voice didn’t tremble.
He shook his head. “I’m not a monster, Scarlett. Despite what you might hear, I’m just a businessman doing a job.”
The researcher in her wanted to know his story, how he managed to run such a massive illegal empire. People fascinated her, good and bad. His life must have been just as tragic as Bain’s, maybe worse, or was he a complete psychopath?
“Businessmen don’t break the law,” she said.
He chuckled. “I thought you were smarter than that. Have you ever met an honest businessman? They screw the system, sell their souls for the almighty dollar.”
“What about you?” she asked. “How are you different?”
“Never said I was.” He winked, walking to the massive control panel.
Scarlett’s mind was working on overdrive, trying to think of ways to make him let her go. “Breaking and entering has very stiff penalties,” she said, realizing how lame her threat was considering he was the hitman of all hitmen.
He scoffed. “I own the marina, Scarlett. I own more than you can imagine. I have more money, property, and pussy than any man could want.”
“Does that make you happy?”
He smiled, leaning against the counter to stare at her. “You’re smart. And the reporter in you is strong. It’s the reason I told Bain to put a bullet in you. I knew you’d be a problem.”
“I love him. I wouldn’t do anything to get him into trouble, even if he is a killer.”
“Interesting.”
He cracked his knuckles, and a shiver ran down her spine.
“You don’t have to hurt me,” she said. “Bain was just protecting me, and he regrets what he did to you. People make mistakes, you know.”
“Ah, the gunshot.” He unbuttoned the rest of his shirt and pulled the material over one shoulder. The man was all corded muscle, and there was no hiding the huge, healing scar where Bain had shot him. She cringed. “Another for my collection.”
She swallowed hard. “Fine. Shoot me back as payment for Bain’s mistake. Will that make you feel like more of a man? I’d think someone in your position would be past pissing contests.”
Scarlett waited for him to strike, bracing herself, and not giving a shit anymore.
Boss pulled his shirt back on, laughing out loud. Genuine laughter. What the hell is happening?
“I like you, Scarlett. You’ve got more balls than some of my men. And I know Bain. He’s a hard head, and if I hurt you, he won’t stop until he kills me. But I have a reputation to uphold, and weakness is like blood to the sharks.”
She was going to offer him something else so he could save face, but she had nothing. Scarlett had no money, no status, and she wouldn’t give him her body. “I have nothing to trade or bargain with. I’ve been through a lot, so whatever you need to dish out, just do it.”
“You have been through a lot of shit, haven’t you? What was worse, the beatings or the miscarriage?”
“Fuck you.”
“Feisty.” He smirked. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as a good match for Bain. Then again, after what he’s been through, I didn’t really think he’d hook up with any woman for more than a night.”
“You know about him then?”
“Killer of Kings knows absolutely everything, and, darling, I am Killer of Kings.”
“Then why would you want him to suffer more than he has? The things he’s been through are unreal. I get you have this image to maintain, but shit, don’t you have a heart?”
Boss stared at her, no emotion in his eyes this time. She expected more laughter, but his personality could apparently do a complete one-eighty in the blink of an eye. “You’re brave,” he said.
“I’m a researcher … or I was. There are certain things I believe in, and that includes standing up for what’s right. And since I met Bain, I also believe in protecting the one I love. You kidnapped me, but I would have come on my own free will.”
He clapped his hands, slowly, methodically. She was hypnotized, the whole scene eerily disturbing. “I could use a woman like you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Not whatever the fuck you’re thinking,” he said. “I’m talking about work. You’re good at research, intel, judging character. I’m surprised you hadn’t moved up higher at your job. I hear you were slated to be cut.”
“I knew it,” she said, cursing her old boss. “I was the brains behind half the stories on the news, but I never got credit because of my age, my weight, my looks. It’s frustrating.”
“I imagine it would be. Fortunately, we don’t go by the same standards at Killer of Kings. Shit, you’ve seen some of my men, most of them are fucked up. If they do their job well, that’s all I care about.”
Scarlett was oddly intrigued. She’d never been appreciated on the job and knew getting another opportunity as a reporter would be the same drama, the same bullshit image that she didn’t fit. Did she dare to take Boss up on an offer? Was he even offering her anything?
She heard a scuffle outside the door, and it got Boss’s attention. He pulled a gun from the back of his pants. “Move away from the door,” he said.
Scarlett did as told, not wanting to get in the middle of a potential crossfire. The door burst open, and her kidnapper, another big guy, and one of the men from Michael’s house piled into the room, all with guns drawn.
“Why are you three idiots in here? Didn’t I say I wanted to be alone with our special guest?”
“Boss, your beef is with Bain, not the girl.”
“Killian, you’re really proving to be a fucking headache,” said Boss. “And your loyalty is getting questionable. Why don’t you wait in the SUV like I asked you?”
“You know I’ll do anything for you, but sometimes I can’t keep quiet. Like now.”
Boss held out his arms, one hand holding a gun. “I’m being a fucking gentleman. Does she look injured? Is she in distress? No. We’re talking like civilized people. Now get the fuck out before you do piss me off.”
Two of the men left on command, but Killian stayed. “Bain will be looking for her before long.”
“Your point?”
“He’ll fucking kill you this time, a bullet right to the heart. Maybe a head shot,” said Killian before he left the room.
Scarlett felt like an outsider looking in. She didn’t want Bain to do something stupid that could get him killed. Surely Boss could be reasoned with. Then again, he’d killed Lisa in cold blood.
****
“She’s fucking gone!” Bain shouted.
“Bain?”
It was just after five in the morning, so he guessed Viper had been asleep. His alarm had gone off and instead of finding Scarlett in bed beside him, he’d found a note. Boss had her, and only God kn
ew what the bastard planned to do.
“Boss has Scarlett. I don’t have a clue where he’s taken her.”
“You knew this would happen,” said Viper. “He wants to level the playing field. You never should have shot him.”
“I already got that much. I don’t need to be fucking reminded.”
Bain felt like a caged tiger, pacing his bedroom with a volatile energy building stronger by the second. Boss had been in his house, gotten through his security system, and taken his woman from right under his nose. He felt like a failure, powerless, and also ready to bring a firestorm of pain to Boss.
“What do you want from me? I’m out of the life, and besides, Boss won’t listen to anything I have to say.”
“I just need to know where he’s taken her,” said Bain.
“I’ve been to his house, but it’s hours from you, and I doubt he’d bring her there. Think this through before you do something stupid.”
“Who would know where he’s taken her?” asked Bain.
“Killian’s the one watching his back these days. He’d probably know.”
“Okay, talk to you later. I’ve got shit to handle—”
“I’m not letting you go in this alone. You’re too damn impulsive for your own good. Meet me at old church off Tobermory in an hour. I’ve got your back.”
Bain turned off his spare cell and tossed it on the bed. His mind was focused on one task. He’d obsessed over this moment for over a week, and the second he let down his guard, the unimaginable happened. After a lifetime of horrors, he finally had something worth living for—only to lose it just as quickly.
Bain showered, dressed, and began to pack up his arsenal. By the time he left his house he was so strapped with heat, that he was a one-man killing machine. He met Viper at the old church. The sun was now coming up, the sky morphing from navy to light blue. The city in the distance was huge, housing millions of people. Where was Scarlett?
They both exited their vehicles. “Hey, how you doing?” asked Viper.
“Remember when you came to the Henshaw Corporation to kill Bernard Sutherland? You’d changed. You were ready to do anything for Pepper, for one woman,” said Bain. “I thought you’d gone weak, forgotten your training, lost your fucking mind.” He chuckled. “Now I understand.”
“We’ll get her back, Bain. Boss is crazy, but he’s not dumb enough to kill your woman. He wants you working for him. You’re rough around the edges, but you’re damn good at what you do. He knows that.”
“If one hair on her head—”
“We’ll get her back,” Viper repeated. He pulled out his cell and dialed a number. “Killian?” Viper handed Bain the phone.
“Where’s Scarlett?” he shouted.
“Right now? Alive. For how long, I don’t know.”
“Where is she dammit?”
Killian exhaled into the phone. “You know I can’t tell you that, but I’ll do what I can to try and keep Boss from hurting her. That’s all I can do.”
“Why do you give a shit?”
“I don’t, but she’s innocent. If anyone should be flogged, it’s you, not her.” There was silence on the other line. “Less than ten minutes away? Not smart. You should stay the fuck away if you want your girl to live. If you show up, Boss’ll go apeshit, and you know what that means.”
“Tracking us, you little fuck? Watch your back.” Bain hung up the phone.
“You should go back to your wife, Viper. You wanted out of this life, and I don’t want to drag you back in.”
“You’re the only other person I care about besides Pepper. Like I’ve said before, I’ll always be there for you.”
“Shit’s about to get ugly. You’re probably rusty, and this is too important for me to babysit.”
Viper frowned, shaking his head. “It’s like riding a fucking bike. You never forget.” Car brakes screeched on the road next to them and the doors opened, disturbing the early morning hush. “Duck,” said Viper.
The shot rang out, and the first body of the day hit the ground with a thud. Bain looked up a Viper, but his friend was already aiming at the next guy.
A second car stopped, the hitmen hiding on the opposite side of their vehicle. Bain and Viper took shelter in the archway of the church. “Just like the good ol’ days,” said Bain.
“I’ve missed this. Don’t tell Pepper.”
They had a laugh together, and Bain wasn’t sure if he was closer to crying. If Boss had sent these assholes to kill them, maybe Scarlett was already dead.
Chapter Twelve
“You want me to work for you?” Scarlett asked.
Boss nodded. “I’ve done a lot of digging on you. You were going to be cut from your job, and that little prick really thought he could do things without you.” He was talking about her boss. “Did you know in recent weeks that paper has had a massive decline in sales?”
“It has?”
“Yes. You haven’t been around to guide the stories, and now people are going to start realizing the truth, that they lost their best asset.”
“But I’m not even a reporter. Why would you want me to work for you?” None of this made any sense.
“Reporters are like parasites. The moment they scent a story, they just can’t help themselves. They smell something bad even before a damn dog does, and reporters are rarely swayed. You’re not a reporter, you never were. You’re a researcher, the real brains behind the stories. What kept you interested in Bain in the beginning was understanding his story, am I right?”
She licked her lips and averted her gaze.
“Don’t worry, Scarlett. None of us have secrets here. You were intrigued by Bain, and then you fell in love with him. You learned secrets that I probably don’t even know about.”
“You said you know everything.”
“I’m talking about the personal shit. I know what that boy went through, from a child up to when he was a man. I get it, and I get his pain, Scarlett.”
Boss leaned against the console, staying perfectly still. She had never seen anyone so poised before. He emanated confidence and strength.
“You see, the thing about reporters is they’re always there. No matter how much you try to fight them off. They can get past security, and often sweet talk people into getting their way, or just blend into a crowd. I don’t want you to go back to your life of reporting. I want you to work for me, but to do what you do best, get the information I need, and get out. You’re damn good at finding shit out, and that information is always valuable in my line of work.”
Scarlett hated that she savored his praise about her work. She never actually got it at work, but knowing someone saw what she had value was so damn nice.
“If I do this—”
“We’ll have our eye for an eye,” Boss said, interrupting. “I got shot, so now I want something in return. Recruiting you, having you under my control, that will deal with possible rumors that I’m weakening. I don’t need to be dealing with that shit.”
“You must have access to the top of information already.”
“Sometimes I need ground stuff, and as you can see from my men, they don’t exactly blend in well. Half of the women want to fuck them.”
Jealousy hit her hard. The thought of another woman touching Bain made her seethe. If she did this, she’d be helping Bain, helping them. She also liked that her work would actually be appreciated, because being a reporter had been her childhood dream. “I won’t kill.”
“Honey, I have professionals for that.”
“So, I do this and no one else gets hurt? No grudge against Bain?”
“Oh, I did want one more thing, but I’ve already gotten it,” Boss said, holding up his cell phone. “I just got a nice little message from Viper.”
He pressed a button and a man’s garbled voice came over the line. “Damn it, Boss, I told you to leave the fucking woman alone. This is Bain’s one chance at survival. If anything happens to her you’ll lose him forever. I’ll lose him. Look, I’ll
come back to make this right. Okay? I’ll work a few assignments…”
Boss clicked the off button on the cell phone. “All it takes is a little push in the right direction to get what you want.”
The echo of gunshots had her jerking back a little. She had been so interested in the conversation, she had forgotten everything else. She’d been pulled into a different world, and it would take a lot before she was used to this chaos.
“They’re a little early. It would seem you’re well loved, Scarlett. For what it’s worth, putting Michael into a grave was a job well done.”
“You killed Lisa.”
“Killer of Kings is my life. I’ll always do what needs to be done.” he said. Boss took a deep breath, pushing off from the console. “I’m sorry that you lost your baby. I know that must have been difficult.”
Who was this man? One moment he was a monster, the next, offering his condolences on a baby she never got the chance to hold, but she still loved.
“Bain would make a good father,” Boss said. “Please, don’t take this personally.” He grabbed his gun and pointed it at her head.
Their civilized conversation had come to an end.
The door burst open, and there stood her man. He looked damn fierce, but the moment he caught sight of the gun against her head, he stopped dead. She saw fear in his eyes.
Viper and the man with him before at Michael’s house were also with him.
“You know, if you’d waited a couple of hours, I was going to deliver her back,” said Boss.
“Cut the bullshit, Boss. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll give it to you. You want more clean hits. I’ll do them. Just don’t hurt her.” She heard the pain in Bain’s voice and saw the worry in his eyes. Bain truly did love her, and seeing her like this was hurting him. She would do anything and everything for him.
Boss sighed, and he removed the gun from her head. “Now that we’re all here, I think it’s easy to say that I got what I wanted. Viper has agreed to come back on board, and I already have several jobs already lined up. Scarlett here, has agreed to help in some information gathering.”