MARKEDBYTHEBADBOY

ABADBOYROMANCE

AVARICEROSE

CONTENTS

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,places,events,andincidentsareeithertheproductsoftheauthor'simaginationor
usedinafictitiousmanner.Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,oractualeventsispurelycoincidental.

Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorinanymeans–byelectronic,
mechanical,photocopying,recordingorotherwise–withoutpriorwrittenpermission.

JUSTANOTHERDAY

Now

ythoughtswereconsumedbythepoundingofthestormechoingaroundme.Heavyrainpoureddown

on the streets of Chicago, coating the concrete sidewalks in a slick sheen as the roof above me echoed
with the sound of the loud rain. I stared absently through the window at the sea of colorful umbrellas
walkingbytenstoriesbelowmeandtappedmyfingerssilentlyonmydesktothebeatoftheraindrops.

“Carly,howsoonareyougoingtobedonewiththatarticle?Weneedtouploadeverythingbeforeeight
tonight.”MarissaWinterspoppedherheadintomycubicle,herhairdisheveledandhertrademarklookof
sheerannoyancefirmlyinplace.

“It’sgettingthere.I’llhaveitdoneinlessthananhour.”Iforcedasmilethatquicklyturnedintoasnarlas
soonassheturnedherback.Shewavedherhandnoncommittallyatmyreplyandscurriedpastmycubicle
towardsoneoftheotherpoorwritersstuckworkingunderherharshregime.Isighedandmadeafaceat
mylaptopassoonasshewassafelydownthehall.Marissawasthetypeofbosswhoinstilledfearinher
staffasamethodofmotivation.Whilenotparticularlypleasant,Imustadmititwaseffective.

“Whatabitch,amIright?”thevoicefilteredthroughthecrackbetweenourcubicles.EliotMyerspeeped
throughthesmallslitbetweenthetwoboardsofdrywallthatseparatedourworkspaces.Hesnickered,“I
can’twait‘tiltheyletusoutofhere.Myassisachingfromallthissittingaround.”

Istretchedmyarmshighabovemyhead.MybonespoppedasIleanedback.“Imighthavetowalkaround
soon,myself.Mybackiskillingme,”Iwhispered.Turningmyattentiontomylaptopagain,Ihammered
awayonthekeyboard,determinedtofinishmydamnarticlebeforemybodyseizedupcompletely.

“Youdoinganythingtonight,Carly?”

“Eliot…”Ididn’tevenmakeanefforttohidetheannoyanceinmyvoice.

IrememberedthedayIwasassignedtomycubicleandmetEliotforthefirsttime.Hewasthesortof
personwhowouldlaughathisownjokes.Hewouldhangoutbythewatercoolerandhitoneveryfemale
co-worker who happened to walk by. Watching his attempts get shot-down time after time was always
comical.

Hefirsttriedhischarmonmeacoupleofyearsago,andIhadmadeitperfectlycleartohimthatIwasn’t
interested.Still,itwasn’tenoughtothwarthisadvances.Gottagivetheguycredit,hesurewaspersistent.

“Ireallyjustneedtogohomeandgetsomesleepafterthis.”Itriedtosoundaspoliteaspossible.Idid
havetoworkwiththeguy,afterall.

“Oh,that’salright.Maybesomeothertime,”helaughedsoftlyfrombehindthepartition.

“Yeah,sure,”Imuttered,typingasfastasmyfingerspossiblycould.

Thepaininmybackandneckwasbeginningtoreallybotherme.IconcededtothenotionthatmaybeI
neededtostepawayfrommydeskforafewminutes.TherewasnowayIwasfocusedenoughtofinish
myworkinthestateIwasin.

“Headedout?”MarissaturnedinherswivelchairasIpassedherdoor.Sheconvenientlysetupheroffice
rightneartheexit,makingitparticularlydifficulttosneakoutforabreak.Tosneakin,too,ontherare
dayswhenIranlate.

Inoddedandslidmyhandsinmypockets.“Justneedaquickbreather.”

“Youbetterbebackquick.Blogarticlesdon’twritethemselves,Weston.”

Thesoundofhershrillvoicemademewanttohangmyself.IshookmyheadassoonasIwasoutofher
sightandquickenedmypaceuntilIwassafelygoingdownintheelevator.IfinallyrelaxedasIstepped
outofthelobby,breathinginthesharpsmellofrainonconcrete.Therewassomethingrefreshingabouta
heavyrainthatseemedtocleansethecity.

Thewind,though,Icoulddowithout.

Standingonthesidewalkundertheawning,IlookedoutonthebusystreetsofChicagoandwatchedthe
carspassby,sprayingtheunsuspectingpedestriansastheywalked.IsighedandreachedforthelighterI
hadsafelytuckedawayinmybackpocket.

“Damnit,”IcursedasIfiddledwithitinmyhand.Theflickeroffirekeptgoingoutassoonasitcameto
life. “Damn wind,” I muttered through my cigarette. I cupped the flame in my hand and finally lit the
cigarette,inhalingalargedragandexhalingwithadeepsighofrelief.

“Lookslikeyou’reenjoyingyourself,”thevoicecamefrombehindme.

“Oh,”Iexclaimed,jumpingatthesightofMatthew,oneofmyco-workerswhosecubiclewasastone’s
throwfrommine.“Ididn’tseeyouthere.”

Heflashedmeasmile,hiswhiteteethbrightagainsthistannedskin.Thesightofhisscruffychiseledjaw
made me swoon as he walked towards me. He blew out a puff of smoke before taking in another drag
fromhiscigarette.“MindifIjoinyou?”

“Notatall,”Isaid,lookingawayandtakinginanotherdrag.

“Youcomingtotheofficebarbecuethisweekend?Everybody’sgoing.”Matthewwasoneofthosepeople
who could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere and make it seem like the most damned
interestingtopicontheplanet.Isuspectedhissouthernaccenthadsomethingtodowithit.

“I’mnotsure.”Irubbedmyforearmandlookedawayintothedistanceofthebusystreets,exhalingapuff
ofthicksmokeintothedrizzle.“Haven’treallybeeninthemoodforpartyinglately.Work’sgotmepre-
occupied.Besides,itwillprobablyrain.”

“Comeon,”Matthewsmiledatmeagainashetookanotherstepcloser.Iinhaleddeeplyatmycigaretteas
achillmadeitswayupmyspine.IttookeverythingIhadinmetokeepmycool.“Wecouldhangout,get
toknoweachother,”hesaid.

IblinkedathimasItriedtocomeupwithsomethingclevertosay.

“You do know who I am, right?” he raised his eyebrow at me as I continued to stare blankly at him. I
struggledtofindwords,butsimplysmiledlikeanidiot.

A look of embarrassment flashed across his face as I took a moment to answer him. “Oh, yeah, yeah I
knowyou.Matthias,right?”Ipurposelygothisnamewrongandhidthedevilishsmilethatwasforming
alongtheedgesofmylips.

“No,it’sMatthewactually,”hesaid,furrowinghiseyebrow.

“Oh,”Ishrugged.“Right.Well,Ibettergetbackinside.MarissawillbepissedifItaketoolong.”

I turned on my heels and grinned to myself as I walked away. Playing cat and mouse with one of the
hottestguysattheofficewasn’tsomethingthatalotofgirlsherecoulddo,seeingastheaverageageof
thewomenIworkedwithmadethecompanyseemlikeitshouldberetiringinFloridaanyday.Despite
thatfact,Matthewwasnotoriousforhittingonallofus.EvenmoresothanEliot.

IhopedIhadmanagedtocomeoffasconfident,andnottoobitchy.Anythingwasbetterthanlettingthat
manseemeflusterandswoon,though,liketherestofthewomenintheoffice.

Ifingeredthelighterinmybackpocketabsent-mindedlyasIrodetheelevatorbackuptomytinyoffice
prisoncell.

“F

INALLY

,”IsighedasIleanedbackinmychairandwatchedthesecondsontheclocktickbyandfinally

hittheireighto’clockmark.

Igatheredmythingsandplacedthemintomybag.Finishingthearticlewasn’tashardasithadfeltinthe
morningonceIwasmotivatedbytheendofdayloomingcloser.Iwasthrilledtofinallybegettingoutof
theofficeafterwhatfeltlikethelongestdayever.

IbrisklywalkedpasttheothercubiclesandcaughtsightofMarissa.“Article?”shecalledout.

“Alreadyonline,”Icalledbackandranstraightforthedoorandintotheopenelevator.Ismiledmythanks
attheguywhohadhelditopenformewhenhesawmerunningdownthehall.

“Don’tmentionit.I’meagertogethome,too.”Hewinkedatme.Idivertedmygazetowardsmyphone.I
had spent enough of my energy on men throughout the day and was desperate to just get away from the
advancesofpryingoverly-colognedmen.

Therainhadslowedtoameredrizzle.Thedarkcloudsabovethinnedtoexposeasmallpatchofclear
sky,revealingthefaintoutlineofthemoon.

“Thankyouweathergods,”IwhisperedtomyselfasIwalkedquicklyawayfromtheofficebuildingand
headed down the streets of Chicago towards my apartment. The glaring lights from the oncoming cars
were blinding as they reflected off the puddles in the streets, but at least the skies were clearing. I

managedtomakeitmostofthewayhomewithoutgettingsoaked.

Ipausedinfrontofmyapartmentbuilding’sdoorandlookedupatthecruddyplacetoweringaboveme
withitscrackedwalls,brokenwindows,murkyglass,andfadedpaint.Itwasdecrepit,butitwastheonly
thingIcouldaffordwithmycurrentjob.IcursedoutloudasIwalkedthroughthedoor,angryatmyself
forallowingmylifetogettothispoint.

I walked up the steps and found myself in the warmth of the building’s second floor common room. I
pulledoffmyhoodandtookinmysurroundingsasIdideverytimeIgothomefromwork.Ihadnoidea
whatIexpectedtohappen,butIguessedIsecretlyhopedthatmaybeonedaytheplacewouldfeelalittle
morelikehome.Unfortunately,thefadedwallpaperandstainedcarpetfeltjustasforeignaswhenIhad
firstmovedin.

Theinteriorwasjustasbadastheoutside.Thewallpaperthatwasoncerichandbeautifulwaspeeling
off the walls. The ceiling was covered in cobwebs and the lights were beginning to die out. It was a
wreckalright,butitwasmywreck.Fornow.

Inoddedatthetwooldmenwhosatintheirchairsinthecornerofthecommonroom.Theyignoredme,
asusual.IshookmyheadasIwalkedpastthem,realizingtheyhadbecomelessmyneighborsandmorea
partoftheinteriordecor.Theothertenantsweresomeofthepoorestpeopleonthisderelictsideoftown.

“Goodevening,Carly.”AnoldwomanIdidn’trecognize,standingjustinfrontofthestairs,greetedme
with a smile. I returned the smile and walked past her, heading towards the hidden back set of stairs
beyondthecommonroomarea.

Signingheavily,Itrudgeddownthestairstowardsthebasement.Thebasementwaspoorlylitbysmall
hanging exposed bulbs that flickered more often than not. If the upstairs was derelict, I wouldn’t even
knowwheretobegintodescribemypatheticlowerlevelapartment.

“Fuckthis,”Isaid,squintingmyeyestoseeinthedarkness.Thebulbabovemewasburntout.Ibrought
outmyphonetolightthehallway.

“Fuckyou,”avoicecamebackfromthedarkendofthehallway.

I jumped and held my phone higher. “Excuse me?” I called towards the voice that I recognized as my
sketchyneighbor.

Whenhedidn’trespond,Irealizedhewasn’ttalkingtome.

“Well,youcangobacktothatuglyfuckin’whoreofyours,causeyouain’twelcomeherenomore!”she
said.

The Brysons. I often heard them fighting through the thin walls. They lived in the unit next to mine.
Listeningtothemfightincessantlyaboutthecraziestofthingswasbothentertaininganddepressing.

“You stupid bitch! I pay for this shithole and you can’t even make a cent. You owe me, you bitch!” he
retaliated.

Ishookmyheadatthem.Ididn’thavethepatiencetolistentothemfightoveranotheroneofMr.Bryson’s
newgirlfriends.Ireallydidn’tneedthestressandhopedtheywouldsortitoutsoonerthanlater.Myhead
wasbeginningtothrob.AllIwantedwastoliedownandrelax.

IdidmybesttoignoretheirscreamingandswearingasIwalkedpasttheirapartmentdoorandslidmy

keyintothedoorthatledtomyownhumbleabode.Iquicklyshutthedoorbehindmeandlockedboththe
main lock and the second sliding lock which I'd installed. After coming home to my landlord in my
apartmentmorethanonce,Itooknecessaryprecautionstoensurethatneverhappenedagain.

“Oscar?” I called out as I walked into the room and turned on the light. “Where are you little guy?” I
called out once again and set my bags on the cracked floorboards near the front door. “Where’d that
bastard go…” I muttered to myself as I walked through the cramped and narrow hall that led into the
kitchen-slash-livingroom.

“Thereyouare,”Isaid,placingmyhandsonmyhipsinmockconcern.Oscarlookedupatmeashelayon
thecouchwithhisbellytotheceiling.

He purred and lunged at me when I approached him. His orange fur rubbed up against my shins as he
twirledaroundmylegsingreeting.“Missedme?”Ipickedthefatcatuptosnugglehiminmyarms.He
purredasIpressedmyfaceintohisfur.“Imissedyou,that’sforsure.”

Oscarleaptfrommyarmsandknockedoversomeofthepicturesonthewoodensidetablenexttome.
Thatcat’sattentionspanwasshorterthanthelivesofthepoormicehebroughthome.

“Badcat!”Iyelledoutashescamperedtowardstheotherroom.

Thepictureframeshadfallenalloverthefloor.Ibentdowntopickthemup.

“Get the hell out! I fucking hate you! I’m fucking sick of you!” the Brysons' voice echoed through the
walls.Theymightaswellhavebeenrightinmyapartment,Icouldhearthemsoclearly.

Isighedandturnedthepicturesoveronebyone.Ibarelyrecognizedthesmallblackframethathadfallen
underthetable.Idusteditoff.Mybloodfrozeastheimageofmyfatherlookedbackatmethroughthe
crackedglass.

Then

WAS

THREE

YEARS

AGO

.Iwaseighteenyearsoldandasdefenselessasalittlekid.Ihidbehindthetall

cabinetasthreemenenteredwithmyfatherintow.Hewasbruised,bloodied,andbeaten.Hecaughta
glimpseofmehidingbehindthecabinetandsignaledformetostaywhereIwas.Oneofthemendrovea
strongfistintohisgut.

“Mr.Valitoridoesn’tliketobecheated,Weston.Youknowhowitis.”

“IdidwhatIhadtodo.”Hecoughedupbloodastheydraggedhimintothelivingroom.

“And now, you’re gonna have to pay the consequences,” the man growled as he paced the floor. “We
trustedyoulikefamily.Youwereoneofthebestofus,Weston.Youshouldhavestuckwithusinsteadof
squealingtothefeds.”

“It’snotlikeIhadanyotherchoice.Theyweregoingtolockmeupandthrowawaythekey.Whatdoyou
wantfromme?”

Themanscoffedatmyfather.“Youdisgustme.Takehimupstairs,”heyelled.Thetwomendraggedmy

fatherupthestairs.

Isobbedquietlyintomysweaterfrombehindthecabinet.Itwashardnottoturnaroundandrunuptomy
father.IknewIcouldn’tletmyselfbeseen,though.“Dad…”Imentallycried.Thesoundoffistspounding
meatfromupthestairsdriftedtome.Theywerebeingmerciless,nodoubt.Themansoundedsoangry.

Whenthesoundsquieted,Ipickedmyselfup,scurriedquietlyupstairs,andcaughtaglimpseofthetwo
menholdingmyfatherupinacorneroftheroom.Theirleaderwasthrowingpunches.Oneafteranother
afteranother.

“YouandIbothknowthatallofthisshitcouldhavebeenavoidedifyouhadjustkeptyourmouthshut,
Charlie.”

Another fist hit my father in the stomach. I gasped and covered my mouth as blood poured out of my
father’s mouth. The leader’s ears perked up and he looked around. I hid behind the wall and held my
breath.Whenthesoundsofpunchingresumed,Ipeekedbackaroundthecornerandmemorizedtheman’s
face. He had jet black hair that was slicked back, a scar that ran from his eyebrow to his cheek, and a
trimmedbeard.Hetoweredovermyfather,probablynearingsevenfeettall.Hisshoulderswerebroad
andmenacing,jackedupthroughthesleevesofhisblacksuit.

Themanstoppedpunchingagainandturnedtofacemydirection.Ihidagainbehindthewallandfeltmy
pulsepoundinginmyears.

“What’swrongVincent?”oneoftheothermenasked.

“Nothing,”themannamedVincentsaidbeforeheasked,“Now,wherewasI?”Ipeekedintimetoseehim
throwyetanotherblowwhichsentthemenandmyfatherreelingback.

“Oh yeah,” he snickered and drove a knee towards his gut, pumping out blood from my father's mouth,
“LikeIsaid.AntonValitoriisn’tthetypeofmanwhoappreciatessnitchesandrats,Charlie.Becauseof
you,hehadtotakeouthiswalletandhadtopayoffalotofcopsandcaptainstogetthemoffourtrail.
Andthis,”Vincentkneltdownbesidemyfatherwhowasonhisknees,“isbadnewsforthebothofus.”

“Yeah,Icanimagine,”Myfathermanagedtobeascockyashecouldbedespiteallthepainthathewas
goingthroughandallthebloodhehadalreadylost.Iwishedbackthenthathewouldhavejustkepthis
mouthshutandnothingmorewouldhavehappened…buthedidn’t.

“Yeah, this is bad news for us because first,” he paced the floorboards and popped his knuckles, “he’s
gonnafindoutaboutyouonewayoranotherthenprobablywantyoudealtwith.”

Vincentpacedthefloorandstoodovermyfatheroncemore.Hekneltdownandgrabbedhimbythechin,
“And secondly, Mr. Anton’s gonna have to pick up the phone and make a couple of calls,” he imitated
theirbossashemimedpickingupaphoneintheair,“andoneofthosemenisme.”

Hechangedhisvoiceintoaboomingimpressionofhisboss,“Hello?VincentItalo?Yeah,I’mgonnaneed
youtobustacapinCharlieWeston’sass,”

IgrippedthewoodenbeamofthewallasmyfathertauntedthemannamedVincent,“Yeah,well,what’s
thematter?Can’tbringyourselftopullthetrigger?Thecopswillbeonyourassassoonasyouletthat
gunringoutasingleshot!”

“O

,reallynow,Charlie?Youreallythinkthatthoseboysdownatthestationcanscareme?”heasked,

pacingagain,“I’mjustsavoringthismoment.Copsaren’taproblemforme.”

Ihadbeenunabletobearthesightofhimdrivinghisfistsandkneesintomyfather’sfaceandguts,soI
lookedaway.Inthecornerofmyeye,Icaughtsightofablinkingredlighttuckedawayinthedarkcorner
oftheroom,behindacouch.

“Ataperecorder,”Iwhisperedtomyselfbeforetakinganotherlookatthemen.

Ihadtocrosstheopenarchthatledtotheothersideoftheroom.Ipacedcarefully,croucheddownlow
andhiddenfromtheirsightasIscurriedtowardsthelight.

“It’s running,” I whispered softly. As I picked it up, a small note was revealed underneath the tape
recorder.

ToCarly,

I know this must be confusing to you and you might be wondering what’s going on. Let me explain.
Theremaycomeatimewhensomemenwillrunintothehouseandcometofindme.Iwantyoutohide
in the basement and as soon as the coast is clear, I want you to run out of here as fast as you can.
Don’tcomebackforme.

Please,listen.IwantyoutoheadovertothebusstationjustacoupleofblocksfromhereattheRed
Dragonlines.There’llbealockerthere,number2214.GothereandpickupthecashI’veputinside.It
shouldlastyouforacoupleofyearsaslongasyou’renotspendingitallinoneplace.

Remember to take the recorder and run out of here. Don’t run to the cops, they’re just as bad and
they’reontheValitoripayroll.Besafe,sweetie.Iloveyou.Yourmotherwouldhavebeensoproudof
you.Staystrong.

Love,

Dad

And so I had ran. I had ran downstairs and peered through the window. A couple of men in dark suits
werestandingrightoutsideourdoorinfrontofacar.Ishutthewindow’scurtainsandturnedonmyheel.

“B

ASEMENT

,” I whispered in a hush and ran towards the end of the hall, swinging the door open and

runningdownthestairsofthedarkenedroom.

IcouldhaveheardapindropinthedeadlysilenceoftheroomwhereIhid.Icontrolledmybreathingand
closedmyeyes,pressedmyearagainstthedoor,andstrainedtohearthemeninourhouse.

Foramoment,Ifeltasthoughthemenweredoneteachingmyfatheralesson,thattheyhadfinishedwith
theirbusinessandlethimgo.Iwaitedintheblacknessinhopesofthemenleavingusalone,butthenI
heardit.

Thesoundofthunderfromupstairsshockedme.Itthrewmeoffguard.Iwhimperedandweptsilentlyin
thebasement.Iwalkedbackdownstairs,coveringmymouthasthetearsrandownmycheeks.

I waited, just as my father had instructed, before I climbed up the staircase to hear what was going on

outside.

“Calltheboss,”thefamiliarvoiceofthemannamedVincentcamefromtheothersideofthedoor,“and
tellhimthejob’sdone.Weshouldsendinanotherteamtohavethemmakeonelastsweepoftheplaceand
findthedaughter.”

IgaspedandheldmybreathuntilIheardthefrontdoorslambehindthem.Thesecondstickedby.Iwas
rootedtothespot.

Afterallhadgrownquieter,Ifinallyfoundthestrengthtoturnthedoorknobandswingthedooropen.I
rushedupstairstomyfather’sside.

“D-dad…?” I whimpered, falling to my knees beside my father’s corpse. His face was bloodied and
bruised,andhisbodywasoozingbloodfromagunshot.Hiseyeswerewideopen,staringattheceiling.

“OhGod,”IcoveredmyfacewithmyhandasIshuthiseyelids,“Why…?”

Atthetime,Ihadn’tknownwhattodo,wheretogo,orwhotocall.So,I'dlainthereandwaitedforGod
knowswhat.Thesecondsturnedintominutesandtheminutesturnedintohours,butIstillfoundmyself
whimperingandsobbingbesidemyfather’sbodyuntilIfellasleep.

Someonepoundedonthedoor.

“Who…?”Ijoltedawake,sittingupright.Theknockingcamefromdownstairsonthefrontdoor.Irushed
downthestairsandpeeredthroughthewindow.Cops!

TURNED

thehandlequicklyandswungthedooropen,“Officers!Somemencameand-and…!”

“Holdon,we’reheretohelp,”oneofthemensaidandtheothermangrippedthegunbyhiship.Igasped,
recognizingoneofthem.Itwasoneofthetwomenwhoheldmyfatherastheirleaderbeathimandshot
him.

“Whathappenedhere?AreyouCarlyWeston?”

“I…”Ihadstammered,backingupandgrippingthedoorhandletightly,“You’re…”

“Please,letuscomeinside,ma’am.Wejustwannatalk.”

Withoutamomenttohesitate,Islammedthedoorinthehenchman’sface,boltedthelocksandbattened
downthebars.

“Letusin!”thepoundingcontinued.Iwalkedbackward.Hehadthenstartedkicking.Irantothekitchen,
notstoppinguntilIburstthroughthebackdoor.

AssoonasIwasoutside,Iheardthesoundofgunshotstearthroughourfrontdoor.Themenforcedtheir
wayinside.

Ihadn'tlookedbehindme.IranandranuntilIwasatthebusstation.

“Meow!”Oscarloudlyinterruptedmytrainofthought.IwasbackatmyapartmentinChicago,holdingmy
father’spictureasatearrandownmycheek.Isighedandgotup,placedtheframebackonthemantle,and
headedtowardsmybedroom.

“Whatdoyouwant?”Iaskedhimasthelittleballoffurfollowedmeintomyroom.

Oscar purred and rubbed his orange fur on my leg. I carried him with me and sat, with a thump and a
groan,ontheedgeofmybed.

It’sbeentwoyears.IwaseighteenwhenmyfatherbitthedustatthehandsofVincentItalo,andI’vebeen
ontherunfromthemeversince.

ITH

SIGH

, I placed Oscar back on the dusty floorboards. The little devil coughed from the dirt and

scurriedoff.

“You’releavingme,too?”Ismiledweaklywhilewatchinghimruntotheotherroom.

“Oh, Dad…” I whispered, pulling out the drawer by my nightstand, “I don’t know where the hell I’m
supposedtotakethis.Ijustwishyoucouldhavegivenmemoretogoonthanjustapieceofpaperandan
oldtape.”

ANIGHTTHATWAS

Now

heldthecassettetapeinmyhand.I’vehaditwithmeforyearsonend,eversinceIranoutofthathouse

andintotheunknown.Thesightofthethingmademystomachchurn.Itremindedmeofhowmyfatherhad
kneltonthegroundatthemercyofthosegoddamnedthugs.Isnarledatthememoryandraisedthecassette
intheair,preparedtochuckitagainstthewall.Iwantedtobedonewiththeselasttwoyearsofmadness.

“Twoyears,”Iwhisperedtomyself,bringingthecassettebackdowntomylapandcaressingtheplastic
material,“I’vebeenrunningfortwodamnyearsandIstillhaven’tfoundauseforyouyet.”

The sight of the thing was just far too much for me to bear. With a sigh and shake of my head, in
desperationandacceptance,Iputthetapebackintothedrawer.ItwouldremainthereforGodknowshow
manymoreyears.

“Whycan’tIgohome?”Iploppeddownonthehardbed,buriedmyfaceinthesoftpillow,andletthe
tearsflow.

Mythoughtsracedastherainpickedupagain.Thesoundofthepitterpatteringmademyeyesdroop.

“It’sgettingabitlate,”Iwhisperedtomyself.BeforeIpickedupthecovers,abeepingsoundcamefrom
mynightstand.

“Andrew?”Isquintedatthebrightlightcomingfrommyphone,“Who…?”

Thenamecaughtmyattention.IrememberedwhereImethim.

“Hey,whereareyou?”Imutteredtotheroom.

Ireadthetextandscoffedatit.Ihaven’tspokentoAndrewinwellayear…eversincethatnight.

Then

WAS

COLD

,broke,andoutofluck.Therewasbarelyanymoneyleftoverfromthebagmyfatherhadleft

mewhenhehaddied.NewOrleans,farfromValitori’sreach,hadseemedliketheplacetobeatthetime.

Theweatherwasdamp,humid,andtheplaceseemedsogloomyallthetime.

“I’llhaveawhiskey,ontherocks,”Itoldthebartender.Themusicwaspickingupandalotofpeoplein
thebarwereeithertoowastedortoosobertobehavingagoodtimethatnight.

Isighedandburiedmyfaceinmyhands.Thebarkeepsetmydrinkinfrontofme.Withagroan,Igulped
downthedrink.Itburnedallthewaydownmythroat.

“Howmanyofthosehaveyouhad?”Ithoughtavoiceaskedfrommyleft.

“What?”Iyelledoutatthemansittingonthestoolnexttome.Thecrowd’syellsalongwiththeblaring
musicmadeithardtohear.Heleanedcloserandyelledoverthenoise,“Iasked,howmanyhaveyouhad
todrink?”

Ilaughedandshookmyhead,“Notenough!”

HechuckledasItookanotherswigfrommyfreshdrink.Heextendedhishandandflashedmeasmile.
Histeethwerebrightenoughtolightuptheroom.

“Thename’sAndrew.AndrewWood.What’syourname?”

“I’m Carly. Listen, Andrew,” I struggled to speak over the crowd’s noise, “I’m not really looking for
anybodytonightso…ifyoudon’tmind,I’dliketobealone.”

I smiled politely. He nodded back, “I understand. A lot of creeps out here. Even I’d be careful if you
knowwhatImean.”

Isimplysmiledandturnedmyattentionbacktomydrink.Themusicsoftenedandthecrowdbegantothin.
A large portion of them went home, to fuck most likely. A lot of them probably went out of the bar to
throwupatsomerandombush.

Andrewwasstillsittingbesideme,silentlytextingonhisphone.“Don’tyouthinkyou’vehadalittletoo
much?”thebartenderaskedmewhenIliftedmyhandtocallforanotherdrink.

SHOOK

myheadandproppedmyfaceonmyhand.“Anotherwhiskey,”Isaidwithhalf-closedeyes,“not

drunkyet.”

Thebarkeepsighedandbroughtmeadrink.IglimpsedAndrewlookingatmefromthecornerofmyeye.

“What?”Iaskedhim,grinninglikeanidiot.

“Nothing,”hesmiledback.

“Hey!”Aloudvoicecamefrombehindmeasanothermansatatthebar,“What’syourname,beautiful?”

Hesmelledofboozeandwascoveredinhisown—orsomebodyelse’s—vomit.“Uh…Michelle.”

“Well,Michelle,mightIjustsaythatyou…”hiseyesdriftedfrommyeyestomychest,“havealovelyset
oftits!”

Icoveredmychestand,whenhecamecloser,Ishovedhimaway.“Getthehellawayfromme,youpig!”

Hepoppedhisneckandgrowledatme,“Whatthefuckdidyoujustsay,youbitch?!”

Hegotup,soIquicklybackedaway.Ashelungedatme,Andrewshovedhimback.“Yo,thegirlsaid
backoff.NowgetyourdrunkassoutofherebeforeIgiveyouone.”Hedrewbackhisfist.

“Yeah,I’dliketoseeyoutry,bitchboy,”thedrunkliftedbothofhisfistsbut,beforehecouldthrowa
punch,onejabtohisjawbyAndrewsenthimcrumplingtotheground.

Thebarpatronsbegantoturnaround.Ifeltmyfacegettingred.Atthetime,alittleembarrassmentwould
havebeennothingtome,butthesightofafamiliarfaceintheseaofpeoplemadethehairsonmyarms
standonend.

“Oh,shit,”ImouthedasIcaughtaglimpseofVincentItalo,whowasconcealedinallblackandpushing
throughthepeoplefromthebackofthecrowd.Timeseemedtoslowdownashemadehiswaythrough
theseaofpatrons.IknewthatIhadtoactfast.

“Hey!”IcalledouttoAndrewwhowasshakinghissorefist,“Youwannagetoutofhere?”Iaskedhim.

“What?”heasked,“Sosoon?”

“Yes,let’sjustgetoutofhere.Doyouhaveacar?”

“Well,yeah,Ido.Areyousureyouwanna...?”

“Yeah,let’sgo.”

Idraggedhimalongwithme.Weheadedoutthebar’sdoor,“Comeon,let’sgetthehelloutofhere!”

“What’stherush?”heasked.BeforeIknewit,wewerestandingoutsideinfrontofhiscar.“Youtoldme
thatyouwantedtobealonetonight,”hesaidwhileopeningthedoorforme.

“What?Yeah,Idid,”Istammeredandbuckledtheseatbelt.

“Well,thenwhatchangedyourmind?”

“Justdrive.”Ibattedmyeyelashesathim.Thatseemedtodothetricksincehestartedtheengine.Through
thesidemirror,Isawadarkfigurestaringafterthecarfromthebar’sentrance.

“Whereto?”heasked.Ilookedathimassoonaswewerefarenoughaway.

“Anywhere.”ThenextthingIknew,IwasnudeandlayingontopofAndrewinhisbed.

Hewaschiseledandbuff.Hismanhoodpiercedme,penetratedme,androckedmehard

“Oh!”Igroaned,feelingeveryinchofhiscockthrustinsideme.Irodehimhard,slidingupanddownon
histhickness.

“Howdoesthatfeel?”hewhispered,grabbingmyassandgrindinghiscockonmypussy,“Feelgood?”I
continuedtoridehimuntilhegrabbedmebythewaistandthrewmedownonthebed.

“Oh,God,”Imoanedashedrewhiscockoutofmypussy,slowlyreelingback.Theheatburneddownmy
spine.Groaningandheaving,hethrusteverysingleinchofhisthickcockinsideme.

“Yeah!”Iyelled,grabbingtheedgesofhisbedandbitingmylipsasasweetclimaxwashedoverme.He
keptongoingthough,thrustinginandout,untilhiscockjerkedinsideme.Spentandexhausted,herolled
sideways.

“Thatwasgreat.”Iwhispered.

Now

“I

HAVEN

’

SEEN

thisguysincehegotmeoutofthatbar.”Isaidtomyself,rememberinghowIquicklygot

dressedassoonashehadfallenasleep.

Ihesitatedtodeletethemessage.I'dalreadytoldhimnottotextmeanymore.Instead,Ituckedthephone
backintothedrawer.

Thenightwasdrawingtoadeeperclose.Theskewedclockhangingonthewallreadhalfpasteleven.

“Ishouldbegettingtosleep,”Itoldmyselfandclosedmyeyes.Oscarcrawledbackontothebednextto
meandpurredashesleptbymyside.

ING

.Thesoundcamefrommynightstanddrawer.Iwokeupandfumbledtopickupthephone,“Whothe

hellcouldbecallingthislateatnight?”

Oscarjumpedupaswell.HispawswalkedallovermybackasIsearchedthedrawer.“Thereyouare,”I
said, picking up the old piece of plastic and answering, “Three in the fucking morning! This better be
fuckingimportant!”

“Hey,”ItwasAndrew.“I’msorry.Ijustwantedtogiveyouacall.”

“IthoughtItoldyoutonevertextmeagain,Andrew.Whatthefuck?!”

“Icouldn’thelpit.Somethingthatnightjustclicked,youknow?”

“It’sbeentwoyears,Andrew,”Igroanedandfloppeddownwithmybackflatonmybed.

“Well,almosttwoyears,actually,”hesaid.

“Areyoudrunk?”Iraisedmyvoicetobeheardovertheloudmusicinthebackground.

“Imighthavehadacoupleofbeers,”headmitted,“Ijustwantedtocheckuponyou.”

“Atthreeinthefuckingmorning,apparently,”Imuttered,“Whatdoyouwant,Andrew?”

“Nothing,”hesaidquickly.“LikeIsaid,IjustwantedtosayHiandfindoutwhatyou’reupto.”

“Well,Iwassleeping,rightbeforeyoucalled.”

“Oh…Ithoughtmaybeyouwereintown?”

“I’mnot.”

“Oh.Well,maybeIcouldcomevisityou?”

“Anddriveacrosstheentiremap?”

“What?”

“I’mnotinLouisianaanymore,Andrew.”

“Whereareyouthen?”

Ihesitated.Iwasgivinghimtoomuchinformation.Suddenly,Iwaswideawake.Whythehellwouldhe
possibly want to call at this time of night, for absolutely no reason, after two years of not seeing each
otherorevenspeakingawordtooneanother?

“Areyoualright,Andrew?”Iaskedcautiously.

“Uhm…I’malright,I’mfine.What…whataboutyou?”Icouldsensethenervesinhisvoiceandthestrain
inhistone.

“Areyousure?Whoareyouwithrightnow?”

Therewasapause.Myeyeswidenedatthesoundofamuffledvoice,“Andrew?”

“What?Oh.Oh,I’mjustherewithacoupleofmy…myfriends.”

“Andrew…cantheyhearme?”

Anotherpause.IcouldfeelthetensionsurgingfromthecallasAndrewhesitatedtoanswer,“No.”

“Callthecops.Gethelp.Runbackintothebarandfindsomepeople.”

“Idon’t…Carly,pleasetellmewhereyouare.Please.”

“Ican’t.Don’ttellthemanythingaboutme,Andrew,please!”Isatuprightonmybedandhuggedmyknees
closetomychest,“Justgethelp.Callthecops.”

“Uhh…IthinkI’vegottogo.No!”

“Andrew?!”Iheardwhatsoundedlikethephonedroppingtothepavement.

Holdingmybreath,IstrainedtolisteninonwhatwashappeningbutAndrewdidn’tpickhisphoneback
up.Witheverytickingsecond,thenervesonmybackcrawledwithanticipationasthesoundofmusicand
muffledvoicescamefromthereceiver.

“Andrew!”

“We’re coming,” said a cold voice came on the other line. I clicked the end call button, and tossed the
phoneacrosstheroom.

“Oh fuck!” I ran to the window and shut it tightly. Next, I ran to the front door and peered through the
hallway.

“Clear,”Iwhisperedtomyselfandlookedaroundforunsecureareas.Rushingtothewindow,Ifeltmore
and more frantic at the thought. I peered through the window and surveyed the empty streets. Nobody
there,Ithoughttomyselfandclosedtheblindswithasigh.Ipressedmybackagainstthewallandslowly
sliddownthewoodenboardsuntilIwashuggingmyknees.

“Whenthefuckwillthisend?”Iaskedmyselfandbangedthebackofmyheadonthewall.Thepainand
bitterness from the past crawled back up my spine at the memory of my father lying on the floor and

bleedingtodeath.

Ismileddownatmycatandpickedhimup.“Hey,Oscar."Hepurredsoftly.“Yougonnakeepwatchwith
me?”Herubbedhisfuragainstmychest.

“Youfattabby,”Ichucklednervously.Hekeptmecompanyuntilthesunrosehighinthesky.Ifellasleep
assoonastheskyturnedfromblacktoorange.

ELUSIVE

Now

he sound of car horns outside the apartment woke me up. People outside shuffled here and there,

gettingtoworkasfastastheycould.Icheckedmyphone.Therewerenomissedcalls.

“Andrew,”Iwhispered,“Ihopeyou'realright.”

I thought back two years ago and remembered all over again how Andrew had saved me from Vincent
Italo.He'ddrivenmetoanamazingclimaxthatverysamenight.Hewasn’tmyfirst,though.WhenIwas
justbeginningtogetusedtolifeontherun,Ihadmetthemostdashingyoungmen.

“AndIregreteverysinglesecondofthatmoment.”Isighed.Icouldstillfeelthatman’shandstearthrough
myeveningdressandtakeovermybodylikeIwashis.Withashakeofmyhead,Ipushedthememory
away.

“You up for breakfast, Oscar?” I asked the fat tabby purring in my arms, “Alright. Then, let’s get
somethingtoeat.”

Istoodoverthekitchencounterandreachedforthetopcabinet.

Now

“A

yousureaboutitthistime,Vincent?”theboss’sloudvoiceaskedoverthephone.

“I’m certain she's in Chicago, Mr. Valitori,” Vincent replied, letting out a fume of smoke as he spoke,
“She’shere...inthiscity.”

“Whatmakesyousosure?”Thebossspatbackathisbestman.

“AlittleboyfromNewOrleanstoldme,”Vincenttookanotherdragfromhiscigaretteandletapuffof
thicksmokefilltheair.Somepassersbycoveredtheirnosesandfannedthesmokeawayastheypassed
Vincent.

“YoutoldmethatshewasinNewOrleans.Wheredidthatleadcomefrom?”

“Itwasahunch.Shehadfamilythere,andIknewthatwaswhereshe’dgo.”

“Andthisnewbird?”

“Somekidwhofuckedheracoupleofyearsback.Nobody.”

“Didyoutakecareofhim?”

“Asalways,”Vincenttossedthecigarettedownonthegroundandsnubbedthebuttwiththeheelofhis
shoe,“Nolooseends.”

“Nolooseends,”Antonrepeatedoverthephone,“Vincent,it’sbeenyearssinceyou’vetrackedthatgirl
down.Iwantyoutoputastoptothis,attheverysoonest.You’reoneofmybesthitmen.Nobodystopped
youbefore!Sowhythehellisthisjobtakingyousolong?!”

“Relax,boss,”Vincentpoppedhisneckandlookedupatthedilapidatedapartmentacrossthestreet,“I’ll
bringherin,makesuresheneverbringsthatinfotothecops.Iwon’tmakethesamemistake.”

“Youbetterfuckingnot,orit’sonyourhead!”

Thecallended,soVincenttuckedhisphonebackintohispocket.Hepulledoutaphotoandsheetofpaper
andbroughtthemintoview,“CarlyWeston.Suchafinegirlyouare,alwaysquiteelusive.Bytonight,I’ll
haveyourightwhereI’vealwayswantedyoualltheseyears.”

Heexaminedthephotograph,asbadasitwas,“Fadedandblotchedoutfromtheflame,”hewhispered,
“neverhirestupidthugs,Anton,never.”Hestudiedthewomanwithjet-blackhairandaslimfigureinthe
pictureShehadabustychestandafinecomplexion.Vincentsmiledatthephotographandshookhishead,
“Ah,onecanneverforgetanightofthrills,really.”

Hetuckedthephotographbackintohispocketandliftedhisumbrella.Hewalkedawayfromthecovered
busstopandcrossedthebusystreet.

“What a shithole,” Vincent muttered under his breath and spat at the ground. He stood in front of the
dilapidated, derelict, and beaten down apartment, peered through the window and spotted an empty
commonhall.

“Finally,afterallthesefuckingyears,Icanputthisjobtorest.”

His phone began to ring and vibrate again. Vincent recognized one of his henchmen’s names, “Yes,
Michael?Whatdoyouwant?”

“Heyboss,”Michaelsaid,“Didyoufindtheplace?”

“Yeah,yeah,I’mhere.YousurethatNewOrleansboywastellingthetruth?”

“Yeah,I’mprettysureheknowswhereshe’dgo.Saidshe’smostlikelyinChicago.”

“Alright.Youbetternothavefuckedthisupforme,orelsethebosswillbefuckingpissedandsowillI.
YouknowwhatI’ddoifIwerepissed,Michael?”Vincentgrowledintothereceiverandsmirkedatthe
silencethatfollowed.

“Thankyoufortheinformation,Michael.I’lltakeitfromhere.Andno,ifyouthinkI’mgonnaletherslip
outofmyfingersagain,I’llmakedoublysurethistime.”

Vincentendedthecallandslidthephoneintohiscoatpocket.Again,herememberedhowhepractically
hadherinhishandsandalltohimself.

“Damnthatnight,”hebangedatthedoor.

Then

HAD

BEEN

ontherunforafewmonthsnow,andtheValitorimenhavebeenonhertailforaslongas

she’sbeenmissing.TheyfinallytrackedherdowntoNewOrleans,whereshehadfamily.

“Gotanewlead,”oneoftheboyswalkedintothedinerandsatattheirtable.Vincentsatinthemiddle
withtwoothermenathisside.

Henoddedathimashesmokedhiscigar,“Whatdidyoufindout?”

“Turns out, the Weston’s do have family here. The girl has an aunt by the name of Mary Anne Weston,
Charlie’ssister.Beenlivinghereforthepasthalf-decade.”

“And?”Vincentgrewimpatientathishenchman’ssluggishness.

“Well,”helookedattheothermenatthetable,“She’sbeendeadsincesixmonthsagoandourgirlhasn’t
turnedupthereatall.”

Vincentslammedhisfistonthetableandsnarledathismen,whojumpedupinsurprise.

“Whatnow,boss?”

“What?”Vincentspatback,draggingfromhiscigarette.

“Whatdowedonow?”

“FuckifIknow.We’reoutofgoddamnedleads,”oneofthehenchmenspokeup.

“Notexactly.”Vincentlitacigaretteandthenpoppedhisknuckles,“I’vegotwordonthestreetthatsome
girljustmovedintosomefilthydowntownapartmentnotfarfromhere.”

“Oh?”hismencockedtheirheadstotheside.

“Iwaswaitingforyouidiotstobringmethatsortofinformation,notliketheshityou’vejustbroughtme
now.”

“Buthowdidyoufindout?”

“While you morons were busy scoping out Mary Anne Weston’s house, I made contact with the local
authoritiesandgavethemadescriptionofthegirl.Coupleofdayslater,theyrangmeup.Iknowexactly
wheresheis.”

“Well,why’dyoumakeusgothroughallthatshit,then,Vincent?”

Heblewoutapuffofsmoke.“Because,Eddy,”hegrippedtheman’scollarandpattedhischeekbefore
continuing,“Whodoesn’tliketoplayalittlebitofcatandmouse?”Vincentflashedhimasetofteethas

heslickedhishairback,“Let’sgoboys.We’vegotamarktosettle.”

Thefourofthemleftcashonthetableandheadedoutthedoor.Vincentadjustedhisblacktieonhissuit
andlookedaround.“Prettybrightday,forNewOrleans,”hescoffedandputonhisshades,“Getinthe
car,boys.”

Themendidasheasked.Hesatinthebackseatwithoneoftheothermenastheyspedofftowardsthe
apartment from Vincent’s directions. Before they knew it, they were standing right outside the alleged
doorwhereCarlyWestonwassupposedlystaying.

“Openup!Wejustwannatalk,”Vincentrappedonthedoorbutheardnotasound,notabump.Nothing.

“Lookslikenobody’shome,”

“Well,nofuckingshitnobody’shome!”Vincentslappedoneofhismenonthebackoftheheadinafuming
rage,thenthrewoffhissunglasses.

“We’rejustgonnahavetocomebackanothertime,”Vincentfixedthehemsofhiscoatandsighed.

Pickinguptheshadesfromtheground,hegroanedatthehugecrackontheglass.“That’scomingoutof
yourpayroll,yousonofabitch!”

Hestormedoutofthehallwayandheadedforthestairs,“I’llstayintouch.Inthemeantime,focusonnot
gettingyourselveskilled!”

Thethreemenwereleftstandingaroundthehallwayandstaringaftertheirboss,“What’sthematterwith
him?”Eddyaskedthemanwhoseheadhadbeenslapped.

“Thebossiscrackingdownonhimhard,”hereplied,“probablyanxiousaboutgettingthecan—orworse.
Ifwefuckthisup,it’sonhishead...andonourheads.”

“N

,that’snotwhatImeant.No,sir,thegirlisinNewOrleans.”

“Yeah?Well,whythehellhaven’tyoubeenabletotakecareoftheproblem,then?”

Vincent was absolutely speechless at the question from the man who, at one time, gave him his full
confidence.

“AreyoudoubtingthatIcanfinishthisjob?”

“Vincent...it’sbeenmonths.Thisistheslowestyou’veeverbeenatyourjobanditmightbethefirsttime
thatamarkhasescapedyouforthreemonths.”

Vincentgrittedhisteethashesatinhiscar.Therainwasn’tdoinganythinggoodforhismoodeither.

“Just trust me on this, Anton. I’ve worked with you for the last eight years. Why do you think I’d
deliberatelyfuckthisup,justforthekickofit?AgirlinNewOrleansisn’texactlyaneyesore.Oldmen
hidingfromthefamily,nowthat’smyspecialty,”Vincenttippedhissmallportableglassandtookaswig
ofhiswhiskey,“butthisgirl,shecouldbestaringrightinfrontofmeandImightmissher,considering
howbadlytakenthatphotoofhersis.”

“Noexcuses,Vincent.You’restartingtosteponmytoes.Treadlightlyfromhereonout,doyouhearme?”

Vincentgrumbledandsighed,“Alright.I’llgetthisbitch.Don’tyouworry.”

“Youbetter.”

Antonendedthecall.Vincentsatinhiscarwithadrinkinhandandacigaretteburninginhisashtray,“I
needtogetthisshitdone.”

DAY

WAS

COMING

toaclose.Vincentwasstillatthesameplaceintryingtofindthegirlashewasfour

monthsago.Notasightofherandnotaclueastowhereshemightbe.Forallheknew,thatapartment
didn’tevenbelongtoher.

“Fuckitall,”hemutteredtohimselfandshookhishead.Hepulledacigarettefromhispackandlitit.

“Youfromhere?”awaitresswalkeduptowhereVincentsatinthebar,“youlooklikeyoucouldusea
drink,Mister.”

“Notinthemoodrightnow,Miss,”Vincentshooedheroff.

“Well, you’re gonna have to order something, stranger. This ain’t no library. We’re running a business
here.”

“Right.Well,givemesomethinghard—liquor.”

The waitress smiled at him and chuckled, “Well, since you’re not from here, you might as well have a
tasteofNewOrleans.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, lady?” Vincent looked up, but she’d already turned her back and was
headedtowardsthebar.

Acoupleofminuteslater,thewaitressreturned.“Hereyouare.”Shesetdownaplatterofredliquorina
glassinfrontofhim.

“What’sthissupposedtobe?Somegirlyshit?Iaskedforhardliquor.Givemewhiskeyorvodka.Getthis
shitawayfromme.”

“Oh,thisishard,alright,”thewomansmiledandpushedthedrinktowardshim,“JustgivetheoldSazerac
ashot.Youwon’tregretit.”

Thewaitresswinkedandwalkedaway.Vincentscoffedatherandlookeddownatthecocktailinfrontof
him,“Whythehellnot?”

Hepickeditupandswiggeditdowninonegulp.“Jesus!”heexclaimed,eyeswideandfaceamaskof
contentment.

“What’dItellya?”thewaitresslaughedfrombehindthecounter.Vincentsmiledback,liftingtheglassin
theair.

“Anotherone,”hecalledout.

Thewaitressnodded.“Comingrightup.”

COUPLE

moredrinkssincehe’dfirstturnedthecocktaildown,hewaspracticallyinlovewiththeNew

Orleanstaste.

“Maybe...justmaybe,Icanfinishthisjobtomorrow,getafreshstart,”hemutteredtohimselfashesatin
thebarbooth.Hephonedhismen.Eddyansweredonthesecondring.

“Hey,”hesoundeddrunkoverthecall,“whereyoufuckersat?”

“Boss?Areyoualright?Yousoundalittleoff.”

“Isaid,wherethefuckyouboysat?”

“We’reallwaitingatthehideout,waitingforyou,Vincent.Now,wherethehellhaveyoubeen?”

“Listen,listen,listen...”Vincentblinkedhiseyeswildlyandsnickered,“let’scalloffthesearchfornow,
alright?We’llgetbackonitfirstthinginthemorning.”

“Whateverhappenedto‘don’trestuntilwefindthatgirl’?”

“Ah,justwords,Eddy.Goandgetsomerestalongwiththeboys.”

“Ifyousayso,boss.”

Vincentendedthecallandtuckedthephonebackintohispocket,“Thattakescareofthatforamoment,”
hemutteredtohimselfandstoodupfromhisbooth.“Nowtofindsometail.”

Vincentwalkedaroundthebarandeyedsomeofthecitygirlsthatcaughthisattention.Heflashedthem
hissmileandtheyallpracticallymeltedunderneathhisgazeandexpression.Hewalkeduptoagirlwho
lookedlikeshewasattheripeageforcollegeandsmiledather,“How’reyoudoing?”

“Yo,backoff,”oneoftheguyswrappedanarmaroundhisgirlandpuffedhischestout.

Vincentliftedtwohandsintheair,“Whoathere,gorillaboy.Noneedtogetallfeistyfornoreason.Your
girl,yourrules.”

Vincentturnedonhisheelandwalkedovertotheothersideoftheroomwheretherewerealotofgirls.

“What’reyouhaving?”thebartenderaskedhim.

“Anotheroneofthoseredliquidthingsyoufolkdrink.”

“YoumeanaSazerac?”

“That’stheone.”

The bartender nodded and turned around to make his drink. Vincent leaned on the bar and felt his head
swirlingfromalltheexcitement.

“You alright there, bud?” A large man beside him asked, towering at an even seven feet, slightly taller
thanVincent,“Youlooklikeyou’vehadalittletoomuchtodrink.”

Vincentlookedupatthetall,heftyguywhospoketohim.Heblockedoutmostoftheviewfrombehind
him,makingVincentchuckle.

“What’ssofunny?”heasked,cockinghisheadamusedlyatVincent’sdrunkenness.

“You’re fucking huge for a dude. You play basketball or something?” he laughed it off and slapped the
man’sshoulder,amazedathisheight.

“Yououghtacallacabandgethome,pal.Nobodylikesanabsolutedrunkinhere.Awordofadvice,just
orderacoffeeandgetonoutofhere.”

“NotuntilI’vefuckedsomebitchfromthisbar,”hechuckled.

“Here’syourSazerac,boss,”thebartenderslidthedrinkovertowhereVincentwasleaning.Hecaughtit
firmlyinthepalmofhishands.

Henoddedatthebartenderinthanksandlookedbackatthecrowd.Hespottedablondeattheotherend
ofthebar,holdingadrinkinherhandandwearingaratherskimpydressasshedancedthenightaway.

“My,oh,my.”Vincentadjustedhisblacktieandtookaswigfromthecocktail,“Let’sgiveitashot,”he
grinnedandwalkeduptothelady.

CROSSINGPATHS

Then

thadbeenastrangeday,really.It’dbeenfourmonthssinceIstartedrunningawayfromthemenwho

hadkilledmyfather.Istillhadthetaperecorderheleftmemomentsbeforehisdeath.I’vebeenontherun
eversince.

Whatwasstrange,however,wasthefactthatmylandlordwalkeduptomeandbeganyellingassoonasI
gothomefromthemarket.

“Next time, you tell your friends not to be rude. When I tell them to get the hell out of my building, it
meansgetthehelloutofmybuilding!”HehadyelledatmeanhouragowhenImethimdownstairs.

Ihadnoideawhatthehellhemeantandbrushedhimoff,thinkingthathemusthavehadmemistakenfor
somebodyelse.Thinkingback,Iwasn’tasbrightofafugitivethenasIamnow.

“It’sbeenmonths,”IthoughttomyselfasIstoodinfrontofthemirror,dryingmyhairwithatowel.

“Ihaven’tseenanybodyinawhileandI’mgrowingmoreandmoreterrifiedeverywhereIlook,”Ithought
andsighedatmyownreflectioninthemirror.

IstoodinthecrampedbathroominthisshittyapartmentthatIgotforthecheapestofprices.Daddidtell
metospendlittleofthemoneyheleftmeandtherewasnotellinghowlongI’dhavetoliveoffthiscash.
It could be for a few more days, maybe just a couple more months…maybe even years before I find a
morepermanentsolution.

Iundidthetowelthathungfrommyheadandsmiledatmynewhaircolor,“Blondedoessuityou,Miss
Weston,”Igrinnedatmyselfandlaughedatmynewlook.

“Looksrather…seductive.Awholelotofgoldandnotaspeckofbrowninthere,atall.”

I twirled around in the bathroom and watched my golden locks, “I could really pull this look off,” I
mutteredanddroppedthetowelhangingovermychest.

“Oh,”Iexclaimed,abletogetafullviewofmybodyfrominfrontofthemirror.

It’s been awhile since I’ve fooled around with my ex-boyfriend, Tyler, at that one party back at the
University.Maybeit’stimeforalittlewhoringoutonthescenesofNewOrleans?Ichuckledtomyself

andposedforthemirror.

Mybreastswerejustasfirmandroundedastheyhadbeenmonthsago.Afterall,whatharmcouldalittle
bitofbeingontherundotomyimage?Istaredatmybody,allbareandslickfromtheshower.“Damn,”I
whisperedtomyselfandnoddedinadmiration,“Ican’tletthisgotowaste.”

Ishookmyheadatthethought,“Riskgettingcaughtforthechancetogetlaid?No,thankyou,”Ishutthe
bathroomlightoffandclosedthedoorbehindme.Butstill,beingouthereinadifferentstateinadifferent
citysuredidmakemefeellonesomeanddull.

Thoughtsofmyfriendsandfamilyrushedtomyhead.IrememberedhowmuchfunIhadbackincollege
with my girlfriends and my peers. The days when I’d spend boring hours sitting in the classroom and
wishingitwouldallbeoversothatwecouldallmeetupatsomefriend’shousetopartyallnightuntilthe
suncameup.

I smiled at the thought as I got ready for bed. With a sigh, I walked over to bed. I couldn’t escape the
feelingofwantingtobewithsomebody,justforthenight,justforthetimebeing.

“No,Carly.You’vegottostayhiddenuntilyoucanfigurethisshitout,”Irepeatedtomyselfandtriedto
stayincontrol,butthethoughtsofmyex-boyfriendandthedrunkennightsspentatBrenda’shousewhen
herparentswereawaycrashedintomymindlikewavesthatwerelockedawayforaverylongtime.

The dancing, the music, the drinks, and especially the boys all came back to me like a summer dream.
Now,Imightneverbeabletofeelthatsortofhappinessorjoyagain.

ThoughtsofTyler,myex,andhowlargehewasandhowsweethehadbeentomethefirsttimewehad
doneitflittedthroughmymind.MybodytingledwithexcitementasIclimbedontomybedandtriedto
shovethememoriesaway.Itwasfutileofcourse.

With my body aching, I lifted up my shirt and rubbed my index finger on my nipple. The sensations of
pleasureandguiltrushthroughmelikeasplashofwarmwater.Igrewwetterdownthereasmyhandsand
fingersplayedaroundwithmybreasts.

“Oh,”Iwhispered,aloneinthedarkness,asmyhandtraileddowntomypajamastosoftlycaressmyself.
“Yeah,”Imoaned,liftingupthefabricandtakingoffthesweatpantstotossthemaside.

I could feel myself growing hotter by the moment as I held my womanhood in my hand. Thoughts of
afterschoolfucksessionswithmyboyfriendandothercasualflingscametomindasIliftedupthesoft,
smallpieceofcloththatkeptmyfingersatbay.

“Ahh,”IwincedasIrubbedmyclit,twirlingitgentlyandrunningmyfingersupanddownthelipsofmy
pussy.Itwasexhilarating,tofinallybringmyselftoawell-deservedorgasmaftermonthsofbeingonthe
runandnotbeingabletotalktoanotherhumanforalongtime.

ImoanedasIbroughtmyselftoaclimax,wettingtheblanketsandsheets.“Oops,”Imutteredtomyself
andcoveredup,feelingthegoosebumpscrawlovermyskinassoonasIfinishedmyselfoff.

“I’vegottofindarealman,”Iwhisperedtomyselfandthrewtheblanketsoffmynakedbody.Withouta
momenttolose,IranuptothedresserandthrewonsomeofthebestdressesthatIhadpackedwithmeon
thedaymyfatherdied.Iregretspendinglittlepreparationtimeformylifeasafugitivebuttherehadbeen
littletimetopack.

“O

,Carly…orshouldIsayAnnabelle?”Iwalkedaroundtheroomandsurveyedmyselfintheskimpy

clothing—alusciousredblousethatshowedoffalittlecleavageandhadnosleeves,andablackskirtthat
wasjustalittletoofarabovetheknees.

“Ilookabsolutelystunning,”Igrinnedatmyreflectionandbitmylip.

Withalittlebitofmakeuponmycheeks,acoupleoftouchupsonmyeyelashes,andasmearofredbalm
onmylips,IwasreadytorockitoninNewOrleans.Ithadbeenadangerousidea.Thinkingaboutitall
now,Iknewbackthenhowfoolishandcrazythatnightwent.Butregret?Absolutelynoneofit.

Ipacedthewoodenfloorboardsandlookedupatthecrackedclockthathungovermybed.Itreadthatit
wasjustnineintheevening,“I’vegotplentyoftime.Bar’sjustgettingheatedup,Ithink,”Isaidaloud
andwalkedovertomydresseroncemoretoselectmyshoes.

Ionlyhadasmallselection.Acouplepairsofsneakers,apairofsandals,andsomedecentformalshoes
whoseheelswereatleastthreeinches.“It’llhavetodo,”Imutteredandputontheshoes,“Afterall,they
domatchmyoutfit.”

Istoodbackuptolookatmyselfinthemirror,“Lookinggood,girl,”Inoddedinappreciationofmyquick
makeoverskills.

Now,allIhadtodowastotestthemoutonthescene.Whatbetterplacetogotothantotheclubthatwas
barelyastone’sthrowawayfrommyapartment?

“Y

HERE

ALONE

, Miss?” the bartender asked me as I walked into the club and approached the bar. I

noticedhowhiseyesdarteddownwardtowardsmybreastsbutjumpedbackuptomyfaceassoonasI
clearedmythroat.

“Yeah,justheretohavealittlefun,youknow?”Isaidandsmiledupathim.Hereturnedthesmile.

“You’renotfromaroundhere,I’mguessing?”heasked.

Ishookmyhead,“Guessedright.Iknowalotofpeopleouthere,butI’veneverseenyoubefore.”

“Well,youmightaswellgetatasteofNewOrleans.”Heturnedonhisheelandpreparedmydrink.

AssoonasIturnedmyback,anotherpatronwalkeduptothebartenderandorderedadrink.Icouldn’t
catchaglimpseofhimbecauseanotherhugemangotintheway.Icouldonlygetaglimpseofhisblack
suitsleeveandnothingmore.

IbrushedhimoffandlookedovertoatablewhereIspottedaguyeyeingmecarefully.Ismiledathimand
lookedovertowherehewassitting.

“Another one of those red liquid things you folk drink.” I heard the black-suited patron call up on the
bartender.

Iwalkedpastthehugedudeandmademywaytowardsthemanwhowasstaringatme.AsIsmiledat
him,anotherwomangotinmyway.Shelookedmeupanddown.“CanIhelpyou,girl?”sheaskedwith

herhandsonherhips.Ishookmyheadandgingerlytookasipfrommydrink.

Withawincefromthestrengthofthedrink,Iturnedonmyheelandwalkedacoupleofpacesawayfrom
thecouple.“Yeah,youbetterwalkaway,bitch,”IheardthegirlmutterasIturnedmyback.Ishruggedit
offandheadedtothemiddleofthescenewherethecrowdwasallgatheredandthepartywasbeginning
topickup.

“Ohyeah,”ImutteredtomyselfasIlistenedtothebeatofthemusicandbobbedmyheadalongwiththe
dancingcrowds.Ibegansmilingandlaughing,amomentI’venotfeltinalongwhilenow.

Thesightandsceneoftheredandbluelightswerehittingmyfaceandjoggingmymemorybacktomy
collegedays.WhenIwasn’tinmydormreadingthroughthicktextbooks,Iwasbeinglostinthethickof
thecrowdstodanceawaythestress.Iwouldnormallyendupinthebackseatofacarfeelingsomething
longandthickbetweenmythighs.

The thought of the memory excited me to the point that I found myself dancing as I sipped at my red
cocktail.

“Excuseme,Miss,”thesoundofaslick-voicedandconfidentmancamefrombehindme.Itwirledaround
andtookasipfrommydrink.

“Oh,” I exclaimed and widened my eyes at the sight of a man who was slightly familiar, but I couldn’t
quiteplacewhereIhadseenhim.PerhapsIhadrunintohimonthewaytothebar?Ihadnoclue.

“MindifIfreshenupthatdrinkforyoubythebar?”heasked,leaningonawoodenbeamwithhisleft
hand. I stared at him and realized my vision was getting a bit blurry. I could feel my legs beginning to
wobble,“Youalright?”Heasked,flashingasetofpearlywhites.

Ismiledbackathimandtuckedmyhairbehindmyear,“I’mfine.Justalittlebittipsyfromthisdrink.
NewOrleanssureknowshowtomakeadrink.”

“Areyounewhere,too?”heaskedmeandsmiledyetagain,“IjustdroveinfromNewYork,myself.”

“Oh?”Iaskedhim,“whatfor?”

“Business, really nothing I’d like to bore you about,” he chuckled. I laughed along with him. His eyes
werelockedonmine.Icouldfeelhimeyeingme,wonderingwhatsecretsIhadunderneathallmyclothes.

“So,wouldyoulikethatdrinkorareyoualldoneforthenight?”

“What?Oh,”IjumpedbackintorealityafterIrealizedthatIhadbeenstaringintohishazelnuteyesforthe
pasthalf-minute,“I’dloveanotherdrink,thankyou,”Ismiledandgentlygrippedhisarm.

“Whoa,”Isaid,almosttomyselfasIfelthismusclesthroughhissuit.Heturnedhisheadandlookedat
mewithasmile.

“Whatisit?”heaskedandIflushedred.

“Oh, it’s just that…nothing, really,” I began stammering like a fucking idiot. I didn’t have anything
interestingtosay.IcouldhavehadhimbaggedforthenightalltomyselfhadIonlyknownwhattotell
him.

“Yousurprised?”

“Aboutwhat?”Icouldfeelmyfaceburning.

“Themuscles.”Heflexedhisbicepsandwinkedatme.

OhmyGod.Ithoughttomyselfandcouldfeelmyinsidesburningup.Ineededtokeepcontrolofallthis
andmakesurethatIdon’tblowitormakemyselflooklikeanabsolutefuckingidiot,“Muscles?”Iasked
ascoolasIcouldpossiblycomeoutwith,“theyseemalright,”Ibitmylipandmaintainedapokerface.

“Ohreally?”hesaidwithahugegrinonhisface,“whydon’tyoufeelthemagain.Goahead,give‘ema
squeeze.”

I looked up at him and started giggling like a fucking twelve year old schoolgirl, “I mean…alright, I
guess.”

With a bit of hesitance in my movements, I reached for his broad shoulders again and squeezed on his
armstightly,“Oh…”Imutteredundermybreath.

“Youalrightthere?”heaskedandlaughed.

“What’s so funny?” I asked, regaining my composure and folding my arms across my chest, “are you
gonnagetmeadrinkoraren’tyou?”

“Ooh,”hesmirkedatmeandturnedtowardsthebartender,“Acoupleofshotsofgin,”hecalledouttothe
barkeepandlookedbackatme.

“So,whereareyoufrom?”heaskedandsatmedownonthebarstool,“Youdon’tseemlikeyou’vebeen
hereforalongtime.”

“Actually,Ididjustmoveinhereacouplemonthsago.MyparentsaregoneandI’vegottofindmyown
way.”

“Oh? What happened to them?” Vincent seemed to have an honest and sincere look on his face. I just
couldn’ttellwithallthebrightneonlightsinthedarknessbarelyhittingourfaces.

“Longstory.MymomdiedinacaraccidentbackwhenIwasstillfifteenyearsoldandmyfatherdied…
inaworkaccidentjustthisyear.”

“Oh, my God…” he whispered, barely enough for me to hear, “Well, in that case, let’s drink to their
honor.”

“Gladly.”

“Wait,”Hesmackedhisfaceandshookhishead,“Ihaven’tevenaskedforyourname!”

HeandIchuckledashehandedmeadrink,“Myname’sCar—Annabelle.AnnabelleMyers,”Iextendeda
handtohim.Heshookitfirmlybeforeliftingittohislipsandgivingthebackofmyhandasmallpeck.

“Well,itsureislovelytomeetyou,MissMyers.Mynameis…”

“Hey!”Thebartendercalledtousandheturnedaround.

“Whatdoyouwant?Can’tyouseeI’mbusytalkingtothelady?”

“It’sthelastcall.Youbetterordersoonbeforewecloseupshop,”

Ilookedatmyphoneandreadthetime,“It’sbeentwohoursalready?”Iexclaimed,“ButIjustgothere.”

“Hey, what does it matter?” He lifted my chin up and smiled at me, “You wanna continue this
conversationsomewhereelse?Somewherealittlemoreprivate?”

Ismiledanddownedtheshotofginatthesametimehedid.“Let’sgetthehelloutofhere,”Itoldhimand
slidoffthebarstool.

Moments later, I was standing just outside the bar. He grabbed me by the waist. A zip shot straight
betweenmylegs.Wewalkeddowntheemptypavementtohissleekandjet-blackcar.Mymouthgaped
openatthesightofthebeauty,butIshookmyhead,comingbackintoreality.

“Let’scallacab.Idon’tthinkeitherofuscandriverightnowandnotgetcaughtbycops.”

“Yeah?Wellcopsaren’taproblemforme,baby,”Heswungthedooropenforme.Ihoppedintothecar
withablankexpressionplasteredacrossmyface.

Thesoundandtoneofhiswordsbroughtbackmemoriesfromfourmonthsagobackwhenmyfatherwas
beaten to a pulp as the men rushed into my father’s home. “Cops aren’t a problem for me,” the words
echoedthroughmymind.IfinallyrealizedwherethehellIrememberedthismanfrom.

HowcouldIhavebeensofuckingstupid?DidIreallyletmyselfgetstuckinsidethecarofthemadman
whohadpulledthetriggertoendmyfather’slife?Mydiscoveryandcapturedawnedonmeashegotinto
thecar,startedtheignition,andbackeduptheparkinglot.

“Wait,”Iblurtedoutandheldmybreath,“I…Idon’tthink…”

“What’s the matter?” he asked and cocked his head to the side. Staring back at this man under the
streetlights,Irealizedthathewasabsolutelystunning.Althoughhewasbrutalandvicious,thethoughtof
spendingjustonenightwithhimrushedintomyhead.

Ifhehasn’tfigureditoutyet,thenImightstillbeintheclearright?IthoughttomyselfasIstudiedhis
face.Afterall,Ithought,ifIsuddenlybolted,hewouldgrowevenmoresuspiciousofme.

HewaitedformyanswersoIsighed,“Areyou…doyouhaveany…?”

Vincent finally scoffed at me and shook his head, “Is that it? Condoms? Don’t worry about a thing,
Annabelle,I’malwayscarrying…ifyouknowwhatImean?”

Ishudderedashebackedoutofthebar’sparkinglotanddroveoutontotheNewOrleansroad.

THOUGHT

offuckingoneofthehottestmenI’veeverseenkeptrushingintomymindashedrovecloser

tohome.Nottomentionthefactthatthiswastheverysamemanwhostoodandsqueezedthetriggerthat
dealtthefinishingblowtomyfather’slife.

“Youalright,there,babe?”heasked,reachingoverandgrippingmyarmtightly.

Ihadnoideawhybutthisman’stouchwasabsolutelyelectrifying.Hemademyinnerdemonwanttojust
tearmyclothesoffandfuckhimrightinthiscar.

“Yeah, just a little nervous,” I said and looked at him with batted eyelashes, “I haven’t done this in a

while,yousee.”

“Isthatso?”Vincentsaidandhenodded.Heturnedthewheelandstoppedoveronthesidewalk.

“Whyarewestopping?”Iaskedhimandheputthecarinpark.

“Ifyou’resonervouscomingtoaman’sapartment,thenmaybewecanspendalittletimeouthereonthe
roadwhereyou’resafer.”

Ikindoflikedthatidea.NotbecausehewastalkingabouthowI’dbesaferouthereonthestreetswhile
wehookedupbutbecausethethoughtofgettingfuckedinacaralwaysthrilledme.Iwasn’tabouttopass
upthatchance.Ibitmyliphardandletoutasmallgroanofexcitement.

“Was that a yes, then?” he said, leaning in to kiss me on the lips. His mouth moved on mine while he
shiftedhisbodytohoverontopofmeashishandsheldmywrists.

HeandImadeoutinhiscarforalittlebit.Hisgripgottighterwitheachpassingmoment,slowlygrowing
strongagainstmywriststothepointwhereIcouldbarelymove.

Ifelthelpless,trapped,andsoguiltilysatisfiedashespreadkissesdownmyneck.Icouldfeelhisgripon
mywristsslowlyloosening,butIdidn’texpecthimtotakehishandawaycompletely.

“ButIlikedthat,”Iwhisperedandtriedtograbathishandsbuthetookthemaway.

“Thenyou’lllikethisevenmore,”hewhispered.Hisfingersslowlyliftedmyskirt,undoingthefastener
that kept it tight, and then unzipped it. He trailed his fingers down my thigh, slowly caressing me and
sendingshiversdownmyspine.

Ireachedforhissuit,threwitoverhisshoulderandfinallygotitoffhim.Iundidhisbuttons,allthewhile
feeling his power over me as he ran his fingers up and down my womanhood. I grew wetter with each
passingmoment.

“Oh,yeah.Ilikethatsomuch,”Igroanedashisfingersexploredmypussy,dippingthemsoftlyinsideand
arousingme.

Itookhisshirtoff.God,washeasighttosee.Hisbodywasabsolutelymoldedandripped;chestbroad
withachiseledsixpacksetofabs.Hiswaistwasperfectformetograbontoashepumpedhisfingers
intome,gettingquickerandharderwitheverystroke.

“Yes!Yeah,baby,keepdoingthat.Iloveit!”Iyelled.Hebroughtoneofhishandstomyneckandgently
wrappedhisfingersaroundmythroatashefinger-fuckedme.

His grip around my neck slowly tightened. Desire gathered low in my stomach, intensified by his body
loomingovermine.Inanabsolutelyecstaticandblissfulrelease,Igushedalloverhishands.

“OhmyGod!I’msosorry.”Icoveredmymouth.Hesmirkedatme,bringinghishandclosetomyface.I
couldtellwhathewantedbythelookonhisface.

I licked it clean. He groaned with pleasure at the sight of my obedience, “Now, THAT, I like,” he
whisperedandpickedmeup.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iaskedand,beforeIknewit,heliftedmetothebackofthecar.Ispreadacross
thebackseat.

“Comeonnow,”hewhisperedandgrabbedatthehemofmydress,“that’sagoodgirl.”

Hethrewmydressoffmybodyandunhookedmybrawithoneswiftflickofthewrist.

“Oh,myGod.You’reprettygoodwithyourhands,”Igrinnedathimwithabsolutegiddinessandheat.

“My turn,” I said, reaching out to his belt and undoing the buckle, tossing over the leather and finally
unzippinghispants.

“You’refuckinghuge.It’sso…sofuckinghuge!”Igasped,gazingathiscock,allteninchesorsoofitjust
inchesawayfrommyface.

“Youlikethat,don’tyou?”heaskedandInodded,bitingmylipandgrowinghornyonceagain.

“YoumindifI…?”Itrailedoffandslowlygrabbedhishugedick,strokingitgentlywithtwohands.

“It’ssomassive.Iwonderhowyoutaste.”

Beforehecouldremark,Islidhiscockinmymouth,takinghiminandtastinghispre-cumonmytongue.
Suckingonhisfatdickwasundeniablydelectableanddelicious.

Ipausedtosay,“Boy,yousuredotakealongwhiletocome.”Hegrippedafist-fullofmyhair.“Don’t
stop.”

Ibobbedmymouthupanddownonhiscockashesatdowninthebackseat.Ikneltbeforehim,tyingmy
hairbackintoaponytail.Helookedpleasedatthesightofmybreasts.

Iwentbacktowork,tryingtofiteverylastinchofhiminsidemymouthandfeelingtheveinsofhiscock
hardenandpump.Icouldfeelhimnearingaclimax.

“Notsofast,”Isaidandplacedmyhandsonhischest.Iclimbedoverhimandhesmiledupatme.

“Whatareyouupto?”heaskedbutwebothknewwhatthehellIwasupto.

Islideveryinchofhisgiantcockintomypussy.Ithurtlikefuckinghellbutthefuckingwasjustaboutto
begin.

Islipupanddownonhiscock,feelingsorefromhowthickhewasandhowdeephewentinsideofme.
Helookedupatmeandpursedhislips.

“What’sthematter?”Iasked,catchingmybreath.

Hedidn’thesitatetograbmebythewaistandbringmedownhardontotheleathercushionsoftheback
seat.

“Turnaround,”hecommanded.Ilookedupathimwithatremblinglip.

“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”heasked.

Ishookmyhead.“I’veneverdoneitthatway.”

“Well,now’syourchancetogetyourpussyfuckedtherightway,”hegrabbedmebytheassandturnedme
over,somyasspointedupandmyfacewasplantedontheblackleatherseats.

“Ow!”Iexclaimedashethrusthiscockdeepinsidemewithoutasinglemomentofhesitation.Hepierced

meandpenetratedmeasheheldontomyforearms.

Hefuckedmesodeeplythathebroughtmetoasecondclimax.“I’mcomingagain,”Igroanedbuthejust
hammeredme,poundedhardandfast,untilIspilledmyjuicesalloverhisfatcock.

“Agh!”Iexclaimedandstruggledtobeletgo.HeloosenedhisgripandIstaredathiscock,“Haven’tyou
comealready?”Igroanedandrestedmyheadonthebackseat.

“Notevenclose,”hesaid,grabbingmylegsandspreadingthemapart.Hethrusthiscockinsidemeagain.
Mypussywasgettingsore,aswellasmypussylips.

Hetoweredovermeandgrippedmywrists,plantingthemonthecar’sbackseatashemercilesslyfucked
meintoanotherclimax.IcouldfeelmyselfswellingasIcameathirdtime,gushingoverhimwhilehestill
hadn’tdroppedasinglespeckofcumonme.

“Oh!”Iyelledandpushedhimbackwithmylegs,“I’mfeelingabittoosore.”

“Didyoujustcomeagain?”hesmirkedatmeandsatbackonthebackseat.

Inoddedathimandhesmiledbackatme,“Thenmaybeyoucanfinishmeoffonyourown,”hewinkedat
meandInodded,gettingbackdownonmykneesandtakinghiscockwithbothofmyhands.

Myheadbobbedupanddown,feelinghiscocksinkintomythroatasIlickedathispre-cum.Ilookedhim
intheeyesasIkeptgoingtotownonhiscock.Icouldseeonhisfacethathewasjustabouttoblowhis
load.

Just before I could pull his cock out, he held my head in place as he released his huge load down my
throat.

Iswallowedandhadnochoicebuttorestmyheadonhiscock,whichwasgrowingabitsofternowthat
hehadcomealloverme.

“Howwasthat?”Iasked,breathlessandstillsorefromthehardfuckinghegaveme.

“Perfect,”hegroanedandclosedhiseyes.

THEMORNINGAFTER

smiled up at him as he rested his head on the leather headrest, “Aren’t you gonna take me home?” I

askedandheopenedhiseyes.

“Ohyes,Iam,”hehadanaughtylittlegrinformingalongthelinesofhisface.Icouldn’thelpbuttogiggle
athowmuchhelookedgameforanotherround.Thethoughtpassedmymindbut,lookingback,Ishould
havejustboltedassoonasheandIweredone.

How could I resist? I thought to myself at the time. I threw on my shirt and pulled up the rest of my
clothingwhilehegotdressedaswell.

“Yourplaceormine?”heaskedandIimmediatelywidenedmyeyesatthequestion.

“Y-yourplace,”Istammered,avoidingallpossibilitiesofhimtrackingmedown.

“Alrightthen,”hedidn’tseemtonoticethenervesinthetoneofmyvoice.Hesetoff,drivingdownthe
busyNewOrleansroadwiththesmellofliquoronhisbreath.

“Yousureyou’reallowedtodrivelikethis?”Ibuckledupmyseatbeltasheswervedfromsidetosideon
theroad,narrowlymissingtheoncomingcars.

Helookedbackatmeandsmiled,“Ofcourse,I’msure.LikeIsaid,cops—”

Thesoundofsirensandthesightofflashinglightsbehindusforcedhimtopullover.Heshookhishead
andcursed,“Fuckingpigs,”underhisbreathjustasthemanintheblueuniformwalkeduptothecar.

Iheldmybreathasherolledhiswindowdown,afraidofwhathemightsayordototheofficer,givenjust
howbadhistempermightexplode.

“Goodevening,officer,”Henoddedatthecopquitecalmly.Iwatchedhiseverymovewithsquintedeyes
—thewayhepoppedhisknuckleswithonehand,thewayhegrippedthesteeringwheelhard,andtheway
theveinsonhistemplewerepracticallypoppingout.

“Whatseemstobetheproblem?”hecontinuedandthecopflashedalightinsidethecar.

Hishairwasgrayingandhiswrinklesshowedunderneaththeblueandredlightsflashingbehindus,“You
beenoutpartying,sir?”theofficeraskedhim.

“Ohyeah,”henoddedandevensmiledacockygrinatthecop,“hadacoupleofdrinksaswell.”

Theofficer’seyespoppedoutofhisheadwhilefrowningathim,“Well,atleastyou’rehonest.I’mgonna
needyoutohandmeyourlicenseandstepoutofthevehicle,sir.”

“Hmm…”Hestrokedhischinindeepthought.Igapedathim,waitingforwhathemightsay.

“I’m gonna answer ‘no’ to both of your requests. No, I am not going to hand you my license, and no, I
won’tstepoutofmycar.”

Theofficerdidn’tbudge.Heheldontohissidearmthatwasattachedtohisbelt,“Sir,Ican’tletyougo
whileyoujustclearlyadmittedthatyouaredrivingundertheinfluence.”

He chuckled quite maniacally, “You think you fucking scare me, you fucking pig? Just be glad that I
haven’tpoppedyouanewholeinyourskull.”

“Whatwasthat?!”thecopexclaimedanddrewhisweapon.

“Oh,goahead,”Vincentreachedforhiswalletanddrewacard,“I’mprettysureyou’refamily’sgonna
missyouassoonasaValitorimancapstheirdaddy,”hehandedthecopthecard.Justasthoughhehad
seenaghost,hisfacegrewpaleandhishairseemedtohavegonewhiter.

“Ohfuck,”thecopmutteredunderhisbreathandquicklyholsteredhisweapon,“I’msosorry,Vincent...is
it?Iwasjust…”

“You’regoddamnright,you’resorry.Nowgetbackintoyourfuckingcar,youfatasssonofabitch!”

He rolled the window up as the officer handed him the card. I stared at Vincent with my jaw almost
touchingthefloor,“Whatthehellwasthat?”Iaskedashepulledawayfromthecurb.“Whoareyou?”I
askedhim.

Vincentsimplyflashedhissmileatmeagain.Imeltedunderhisgaze.“Avery,verybadman.”

Wantingmoreofhimdrovemeabsolutelycrazyinside.

“Y

!” I exclaimed, running my fingers all over his back as he laid me down on his bed and thrust his

cockdeepinsideofme.“Don’t…don’tstop,”Ibeggedhim,closingmyeyesasIbegantofeelsorefrom
thepenetration.

Helookeddownatme,grippingmywriststightlyinhisfingersashepinnedmedown,“Youmakemeso
fuckinghorny,”hegroaned,drivingintomeevenharder.

Icould feel itcoming again, growingstronger as the shiversof excitement andecstasy tingled from the
bottomofmyspineallthewaytomyneck.Buthestopped.

“What’sthematter?”Iaskedandheletgoofmyhands,withdrawinghismanhoodfrominsideofmebut
stillmaintainingeyecontact.

I continued to stare back at him. The look he had in his eyes told me that he had something twisted in
mind.“Hey…”

“Waithere,”hesaidandgotoffthebed.Iwatchedhimheadovertotheclosetandcameback,holdinga
pairofhandcuffs.

“Oh,”Iinchedaway,“Notmykindofthing.”Iwavedhimoffbuthedidn’ttakeanyofit.

“Handsontheheadboard,”hesaid,sternly.

“N-no…Idon’tthinkI…”

Hegotonthebedandmovedclosertome,holdingmebythejawandstaringintomyeyes,“Doyouwant
metofinishyouoffornot?”heasked,eyeingmeclosely.

Sensationsofbothfearandtemptationurgedmetodotwothings:togetupandgetthehelloutofhereor
tojustputmyhandsupandlethimhavemywholebody.

Iswallowedhardandnodded,achingtobesatisfied.HegrinnedasIputmyhandsonthemetalrailingsof
hisbed’sheadboard,“That’sagoodgirl,”hewhisperedandbegancuffingmetothebed,tighteningthe
steelonmywrist.

Ibitmylipashecuffedbothofmyhandsandstartedtouchingmeagain.

“Idon’tevenknowwhothehellyouare,”Imoaned.Hecoveredmymouthwithhishandashecontinued
fuckingme.

“Does it really matter? You’re getting what you want, aren’t you?” he continued to pulverize me,
continuedtodrawmecloserandcloserovertheedge…untilIfinallycameagain.

“Ohh!”Igroaned.Hesmiledandgavemeonelastthrust,rightbeforehepulleditoutandpouredevery
drophehadleftallovermybelly.

“Thatwasfuckingamazing,baby,”Igasped,outofbreathandoutofmymind.Helieddownbesideme
andundidmyhandcuffs.

“Whatwasthatallabout?”Iaskedhimwhenhetossedtheclunkymetalontheground,“Somesortofkink
you’vegot?”

Ismiledinthedimmedroomandhegrinnedback,pullingmeclosetohisbarebody.

“Youcouldsaythat,”hesaidandIturnedaround.

Vincentputahandovermyhipandpulledmecloser.Icouldfeelhissofteningerectiononmyrear.Itfelt
amazing.

CLOSED

my eyes for a second and opened them to blinding, glaring sunlight that cast in through the

window.Icoveredupmyfacewiththeblanketandgroaned,“Ugh…whattimeisit?”Isnuggledbackinto
hisarms.

Ohshit!Ithoughtandsatupright,staringatthestillunconscioushitmannexttome.“Where’dIputmy
bra?”Igotoffthebedandscannedthecarpetedfloor,carefulnottowakehimupasIwent.

IgatheredeverythingIownedandputonmyclothes,slungmybag’sstrapovermyshoulder,andheaded
outthedoor.WithonelastlookatVincent,Ithoughtbackonhowbadlyheruinedmywomanhood.Ishut
thedoorbehindmeandrandownthestairs.

THEHIT

Now

obody answered. Vincent tried the doorbell once again and knocked on the disheveled, cracked up

door,butnobodycame.“Bunchofdeadbeatscan’tevenanswerthegoddamndoor,”hemutteredunderhis
breath.Hetookanothercigarettefromthepackinhispocketandlitit,inhalingdeeplyasheturnedaround
andfacedthebusyChicagoroad,stillwetfromtherainthatlastedallnightandallmorning.

“Landlord’snothere.”Anoldwomanwalkedupthestepstotheoldapartmentandmadeherwaytothe
door.“Ifyou’relookingforaplacetostay,you’regonnahavetolooksomewhereelse.Placeispacked.”

Vincentblewoutapuffofsmokeandtookoffhisshadestoplacetheminhiscoatpocket,“I’mnothereto
rentoutaroom,”helookedupatthewindowsabovehim,“I’mlookingforagirl.Mightbelivinghere,
accordingtowhatI’veheard.”

The woman stared him up and down, scanning him from head to toe, “And who might you be?” she
quizzed,leaninginclosertohimbuthedidn’tatallseemthreatened.

“Justaconcernedfriend,”hereplied,blankandcoldly.

“Is that so?” she said, pursing her lips and looking him in the eye, “Doesn’t seem like you’re too
concerned,”sheopenedthedoorandfoundherwayinside,nearlyshuttingtheboardofwoodbehindher.

“Ma’am,please,”Vincentinsistedandheldthedooropen,“thisgirl’sbeenmissingformonths,andI’ve
beentaskedtofindher.”

The lady raised an eyebrow, “Really? You’ve been told to find a lady out here in one of the shabbiest
partsoftown?Doesn’tseemliketheplacewhereagirlmightturnup.”

“She’sintrouble.”

“Whoareyou?”shesnapped.

Vincent’seyeswidened,“LikeIsaid,aconcernedfriendofherfamily’s.”

“Thenwhyaren’tthecopsonthis?”sheasked.

Heswallowedandstudiedthewoman’sface.

“That’s what I thought. If you’re planning to creep up on one of my tenants, you’re gonna have to try
somewhereelse.Here,Itakecareofmypeople.”

WithonelastlookofdisgusttowardVincent,thewomanslammedthedoorshut.Vincentstoodoutsidethe
doorwithasurprisedlookonhisface.

Heshookhishead,“Bitchisinthereforsure.”Heputonhisshadesandlookedupatthestreamingrays
ofsunlightthatpiercedthecloudsabovehim.“Gonnagetyou,Weston.”

INCENT

DECIDED

thathehadtomakesurethathegottherightaddress,knowingjusthowmanytimeshis

menhadfuckedupinthepast.Hewasn’tabouttobargeinthere,gunsblazing,andendupcappingoffthe
wrongtarget.

“Thebossisalreadypissedoff.Wecan’taffordtomakehimspendacouplemorepennies.”

Soherushedbacktohishotelroom,nobodyelsewaswithhim.Heonlyhadtheclothesinhisdrawerand
thedeadlyfirearmsunderneathhisbed.Ashewalkedupthehallwayinthehotel,hisringtonesounded
fromhispocket.

“Damn,”hecursedunderhisbreath.“Yes?”heanswered,knowingwellenoughthathisbosswasonthe
otherline.

“Howgoestheoperation?”Antonsaidinachillingvoicethatseemedtoreachacrossthecountrythrough
thelinesofhisphone,“Oneofyourmencalled,tellingmeyou’vefoundthegirl.”

Vincentclearedhisthroatandcursedathishenchmen,“Oh.Yes,that’scorrect,”herepliedashewalked
towardtheelevatorandgotinsidewiththerestofthepassengers.

“Well?Whydon’tyoufinishheroff,goddamnit?!Thisisn’tsomegame,Vincent.Idon’twantyoutofuck
thisup…again!”

“Again?”Vincentechoed,wideninghiseyes,consideringhownobodyelseknewabouthisfuck-upaside
from…asidefromhismen.

“That’sright.Iheardallabouthowyoudidn’ttakethatshot.Costusafuckinglife,Vincent.Oneofour
own!”

“That’sabsolutebullshit,”Vincentretorted,“WhatamI,anamateur?”

“Well…”Antonseemedtohesitate,“I’llgiveyouthebenefitofthedoubt,Vincent.Ifyoudon’tgetthis
jobdoneinthenextfewdays,it’llbeyourheadforsure!”

Thecallwascutoff.Vincentfumedwithrage,“OnceIgetmyhandsonthoseno-goodsonsofbitches,
I’ll…”

Thesmallgroupofpassengersbehindhimwerestaringandlistening.Heblinkedtwiceandgotoffthelift
as soon as the bell tolled and the elevator stopped. Quickly, he ran up the stairs and climbed up the
remainingfloorstogettohisroom.

Assoonashewasinthesafetyofhisroom,hetossedhiscoatoffandontothebed,putdownhissidearm,
andloosenedhistie.

“Alright,”hepacedthefloorandbroughtouthisphone,dialingoneofhismen.Assoonastheyanswered,
hefumedwithrage,“Alright,whichoneofyoufuckheadstoldthebossallaboutourlittlemishapinNew
fuckingOrleans?”

“Whoa,” Brian, his second in command, said into the phone, “boss, take it easy. What the hell’s the
matter?”

“I’lltellyawhatthefuck’sthematter.Oneofyoucocksuckersfuckingrattedmylittlefuckuptotheboss
andnowhe’sonmyassandtearingmeanewone!”

“Well,itwasn’tme,Iswear.FuckingChrist,calmdown,Vincent.Icouldtalktotheboss.”

“No,fuckthat.Weareoutoftime.WhatIwantyoutotellthosetwoshitheadsisthatifanyofyousonsof
bitcheswantstostabmeinthebackagain,youcandoittomyfuckingfaceandthenI’dfuckingsnapyour
goddamnnecks!Yougetme,asswipe?!”

Brianwassilent.Vincentcouldtellthathehadsentthemessageclearlyandconcisely.Hecouldhearthe
othersmurmuringinthebackground.

“Alright,”hesaid,morecalmly,“Here’swhatIwantyoutodo.I’vefoundtheaddressthatyougaveme
hereinChicagoandI’veaskedaroundfortherightpeople.Turnsout,ourlittleblonde-headedminxisin
ashabbyoldapartmentindowntown.HowsoondoyouthinkyoucangetherefromNewOrleans?”

“Wecouldgettherebytonight,boss,”Brianreplied.

“Alright.NotthatIneedanyofyou,”hesnapped,“justneedtoshoweachofyougutlesslittleturdshowI
reallyfuckingoperate.”

Heclickedthereceiverandtossedthephoneacrosstheroomandontothebed.

“Twofuckingyears…”Vincentmutteredunderhisbreath,“I’vebeenatthisbitchfortwofuckingyears.I
shouldhavetakenthatshot.”

Then

INCENT

GOT

upfromhisbedintheapartmentherentedoutinNewOrleans.Asthesunhithimintheeyes

andthesoundofbirdschirpedoutsidehiswindow,hesatuprightandproppedhimselfuponhiselbows.

“Whatanight,”hemutteredunderhisbreathandgazedattheemptysideofthebed.

“Musthavegottenawayassoonasherholewasfilledup,”heploppedbackdownonthebedwithhis
bodystillbareandhismanhoodstandinginitsmorningglory.

“Ahh,” he groaned, crawling over the pillow where the girl named Annabelle spent the evening rather
distressedbyhissizablecock.Withawhiffofherhaironthefabric,hecouldrememberhowwildand
crazytheeveningturnedouttobe.

“That’sashame,”hesaidaloud,breathinginAnnabelle’sscentfromthepillowandfeelinghiserection
gettingstronger,“oneofthebestpiecesofassI’veeverhadandnow,Ican’tevengettoher.Shouldhave
gottenherdigits,thenwe’dbefuckingbytonightagainforsure.”

Heploppedbackdownonhisownpillowandspentacoupleofsecondsstaringupattheceiling.

“Annabelle,”heletCarly’sfakenamerolloverhistonguelikevelvetandcream.“Definitelyoneofthe
best I’ve had. So eager, so submissive, such a little cum slut just waiting to be filled,” he grinned
wickedlyatthememoriesofthenightbefore.

Ashelaythere,juststaringupattheceilingandwithnothingbutathinsheetofclothcoveringhisbulging
manhood,hesuddenlysatupinshock,“I’vegottogetthisshitdone.Nomorefuckingaround,nomore
wastingtime.There’llbeenoughfuckingAFTERIgetthehitdone.”

Withaquickglanceathissurroundings,henoticednothingoutoftheordinary,saveforthefactthathis
entireroomsmelledofsexandsweat.Vincentwalkedintotheshower,carryingatoweloverhisshoulder
andasetofblackclothesinhisarm—asleekblackblazer,apairofblackslacks,awhiteshirt,andhis
favoriteblacktie.Heturnedonthetapandbreathedintheheatfromthewater.

Heknewatthebackofhismind,andatthecenterofhisheart,thatmurderwasoneofthethingshewas
goodat—possiblytheonlythinghewasgoodat,saveforbeddingthirstywomen.Apartofhimknew,and
felt,thattherewassomuchmorethathecouldhaveaccomplishedandachievedifhehadn’tbeenmixed
inwiththewrongpeopleatthewrongtime.

“Notatimeforreminiscence,”hemutteredunderhisbreathasthewarmwaterfromtheshowerwashed
overhisbody,cleansinghimfromthenight’slittlesexcapade.

Withaquickrundownfromhistowel,Vincentdressed,packed,andarmedhimselfforthejob.

“H

,”Vincentknockedontheapartmentwherehehadsetupshopwithhismen,“Hey!”hebashedonthe

doorharderthistime.Heheardthesoundoffumblingfeetfrominside,knockingoverfurnitureallover
theroom.

“Openthedoor,it’sme,”helookedintothepeepholeassoonasoneofhismenstoodattheotherendof
thedoor.

“Gladyouboysdidn’tkillyourselveswhileIwasaway,”Vincentwalkedintotheroomandpoppedhis
neck.

Hismenwereallsprawledacrossthesmallmotelroom,lyingonthesmallbedandonthecouch.“Good
thingyou’reupandabout,Eddy,”Vincentremarkedandwalkedovertotherestofhismen.

“Hey! Wake up and get your asses out of bed!” he bellowed. Brian and Carlo got up. Vincent took a
coupleofstepsbackashismenfoundtheirbearingsandgottotheirfeet.Heshookhisheadindisgust,
“Pathetic.Getdressed,notimeforashower.Wegottamove.Fourmonthsofwaitingisn’tmakingtheboss
anyhappier!”

With that, his men found their pants, shirts, and coats and buckled their belts as Vincent barked his
commandsattheslackers.

“Whyarewegettingupthisearly,boss?”Carlo’stonewaslethargic,almostasifhewasquestioninghis
command.Vincenttooknokindnessfromthis.Hewalkeduptohimandgrabbedtheboybythecollar.

“Do you see this scar?” Vincent ran a finger down his face, drawing on the line that started from his

eyebrowdowntohisrightcheek.“Igotthislittlepresentfromoneofmyassignments.Atargetgotme.I
wasn’t on my toes and the bastard had a drop on me, slashed me right up here,” Vincent brought Carlo
closetohisface,“Could’velostmyeye,butIshothimfirst.ThankGodforthat.”

Vincent released Carlo’s collar and shoved the young man onto the couch. “As soon as you boys get
yourselvesinorder,we’llbeoutandabout.Getyourgearandmeetmedownstairs,”helookedatBrian
whonoddedinunderstanding.

“Alright,youheardhim,boys.Let’srollout.We’vegotajobtotakecareof.”

Vincent walked down the steps of his motel, ready to focus on the job. On his shoulders, he slung a
blackenedlongleathersuitcase,whichwaslongenoughtocarryapiano.

Hesighedandpreparedhimself.

“O

HELL

NIGHT

,” I muttered as I threw my bag onto the bed in the rented apartment. I looked at

myselfinthemirrorinthemiddleoftheroom.AsIcaughtaglimpseofmyself,Icoveredmymouthand
tookacoupleofstepsback.

“Holyshit!”Iexclaimedandranmyfingersthroughmyhair.“Ilooklikeafuckingmess,”Itookanother
stepbackandsawtheunrulycreasesonmyblouse,thesmallblotchesofVincent’scumallovermybody
seepedthroughtheclothandfabric.

“OhGod,”Iranmyhandthroughmyhair.Thetangleswereanabsolutemess.Itriedwithnosuccessto
straightenoutmynewly-dyedhair.

“Gonnaneedtorunthatthroughsomehotwater,”Itoldmyself,placingthebrushdownonthedresser.I
stared at my reflection and slowly, weirdly enough, smiled at myself over how delightful the evening
turnedout.

IneverthoughtI’dbeabletospendthenightwithsomebodyinsteadofrunningaroundaloneandafraidof
deathinthefaceofbeinghunteddown.Ismiledlikeanidiotandstaredatmyself,chucklingoverhow
scaredandafraidIhadbeenatthemanwhomIimmediatelythoughtofasthesameonewhomurderedmy
father.Itcouldn’thavebeenhim,right?Ithoughthardandtriedtopulloutallthememoriesofmyfather’s
deathandthefacesofthemenwho’dbeentherewhen—whenthetriggerwaspulled.

“Itwasn’thim,right?”Ireachedouttothemirror,rubbingthesurfaceoftheglassandcoveringupthehalf
ofmyface.“Couldn’thavebeenhim.”

Irubbedmyforearmwithmyhandandfurrowedmyeyebrows,wonderinghardaboutwhointheworld
thatmanwas—themanwhoneverevengavemehisname.Whatdidthecopcallhim?

I looked back up at my reflection and laughed it off, “You idiot,” I snickered at how I jumped to the
conclusionofthatthemanfromlastnightwasthecold-heartedandcruelmurdererwhotookmyfather’s
life.

I pushed the thought away and wished that I could have at least left my number for that hot guy. I also
wishedthatIcouldstillseehimagainandfeelhisbodyovermine.Thinkingaboutitthenmademefeel
likeIwassomehowhardwiredintowantinghisbody.

“Ishouldhavelefthimsomething,”Isaidtomyselfandclickedmytongueinregret.

IlookedbackinmymirrorasIsatinfrontofthedresser.Igazedintomyeyesandsawanewsetoflines
thatweren’tthereafewmonthsago.Iscannedtherestofmyfaceandspottedwrinklesonmyforehead—
thingsthatIneverexpectedtosee,notinadecadeorsofromnow.Myjawdropped,eyeswidenedasI
realizedhowmuchIwasmissingoutonlife.Ihadnobodytobewith,andtherewaspracticallynothing
leftformehere.

With a sigh and a shudder, I realized that was the life on the run. I put my face in my hands and stared
down at the dresser’s wooden surface. How could it have been this way? What could I have possibly
doneinmylifetoendupdeservingthismessyshittylife?

I opened my eyes and caught a glimpse of a pamphlet that one of the housekeepers left on my table. I
pickeditupslowly,wipingoffmytearsasIread,“Mexico.”Ibegantoreadthepamphlet.

It was an option to take. What could I possibly lose from taking my fugitive life to the next level and
insteadofmovingfromstatetostate,movetoadifferentcountry?Ismiledatthethoughtandtookacloser
lookatthepamphlet.Iwasn’tatallinterestedintheideaoftakingaluxurioustripthere,nordoIwantto
justvisitthesights.

IknewthenthatIhadtosetupshopproperly—makesurethatIwasn’tfollowed,andmakemyselfeven
hardertofind.Iputthepamphletdownandleanedbackonmychair,wonderingwhatsortoflifeIcould
liveifImovefurtherdownsouth.

“Doesn’tseemlikeabadidea.Whatcouldpossiblygowrong?”Iaskedaloudandsmiledtomyself.With
anodtomyreflection,Istoodupfrommydresserandbegantotakeoffmyreddress—theverysameone
stillmarkedwiththatman’slovelystains.

As I pulled the blouse over my head, I rubbed my body and got a whiff of the scent of him. I smiled
guiltilyandtossedthedressovertotheothersideoftheroom.Islidoffmyskirtandtossedittowhere
thedresswas.MyheartskippedabeatwhenIheardthesoundoftwogunshotscomefromtheotherside
ofthestreet.

“I

THOUGHT

she didn’t live here, boss?” Eddy asked Vincent as he drove himself and the rest of his

henchmendowntotheapartmentwherehiscontacthadledhim.

“Nobody said that she doesn’t live here.” Vincent blew out a puff of smoke from his lips and eyed the
building,“Justhappenedthatshewasn’thereyesterday.”

VincentlookedatthesideofthebuildingwherehesuspectedCarlyWestontobestaying.Ashewatched
thewindows,hecouldseethecurtainsmovingaround.

Hesmiledtohimselfandeyedthebuildinginfrontoftheapartment,“Let’sgo.Timetosetupshop.”

“What’stheplan?”BrianaskedandopenedthecardoorasVincentledthewayuptothebuildinginfront
oftheapartment.

Vincentstoppedinhistracks.Hefixedhissuit,tuggedatthehemofhisblazerandturnedaroundtoface
hismen.

“Goodquestion,”hesaid,walkingbacktothecar’sboot.

“What?”CarloandtherestoftheboyswatchedVincentwalkovertothecar.

Hebroughtouthiskeysandpoppedthetrunk,openingtheblacksheetofmetalandrevealingasmallset
ofgunsandammunition.Hismenalladmiredhisweaponry.Someofthemevenwhistledattheheathe
waspacking.Vincentdidn’tcareabouttheclassypistols,knives,bombs,andotherweaponshehadwith
him.Hebentoverandpickeduptwoofthelongsuitcasesthatcaughthisattentionassoonashepopped
thetrunk.

“Here’swhatwe’regonnado.”heshutthebootandlockedit,thenturnedtohismenwhileheslungthe
strapoverhisshoulders.

“Eddy,I’mgonnaneedyoutostayherebythecar.”

“Aw,comeon,boss,”Eddygroanedandscratchedhishead.

“ShutupanddoasIsay,”hepointedafingeratEddy,“Brian,gonnaneedyoutogetuptotherooftopof
herapartment,makesureyouscopeoutthesceneandtakeoutanybodywhomightcomeuptostopus.”

“Whoareyoutalkingabout?”Brianasked.

“I’mtalkingaboutthefeds,”hepickedupthesecondsuitcaseandhandedittoBrian,“there’snotimeto
tellthemwhoweare,notimetoletthembustinonouroperation.Take‘emoutandmakesureit’sclean.”

“Gotit,boss,”BriannoddedandpickedupthecasethatcontainedVincent’slargepackage.

“Andme?”Carloasked,buttinginbetweenthem.

Vincent sighed and looked at Eddy, “I would have taken you up there with me, Ed, but you’ve got bad
eyes.Rememberlasttime?Can’triskthatnow,”

EddynoddedandVincentlookedatCarlo,“Gonnaneedsomebodytohelpmespotherupthere,sotake
these,”Vincenthandedhimasetofbinoculars.

“Areweallclearhere?”Vincentaskedandlookedathismen.Theyalllookedathim,astonishedathow
serious and commanding he suddenly was. Each nodded and headed up to where they had to be. Brian
carriedthesuitcaseunderhisarmandheadedfortheothersideoftheroadwherehewouldclimbCarly’s
apartmentuptotherooftop.Eddystayedback,leanedonthecarandkeptwatchwithhisgunsafelytucked
away in his suit. Carlo—the youngest member of their small hit group—tagged along with the big boss
VincentItalo,themanwhocouldhavealldonethissinglehandedlybutoptedfortheteamofmen.

“You’vegottoteachtheothermembersofthefamily,”AntonValitorihadtoldhimonce,aftermakinghim
realize that there were too many enemies for him to handle alone. He needed more trained specialists.
Herehewaswithhisownteam.

Vincent and Carlo ran up the stairs with Vincent leading the way with the large suitcase in hand. Carlo
caughthisbreathmidwaytotherooftopbutVincentheadedon,racingtowardsthetopandcarryingthe
keytoallhisproblems.

“Tryandkeepup,kid!”VincentbellowedfromthehigherportionofthestairwellasCarlosloweddown,
unabletorunupthestairsasfastasVincent.

Finally,heroundedupthelastflightofsteps.Vincentstoodattheverytopofthebuildingthatoverlooked
Carly’sapartmentandwatchedformovements.Ateyelevel,findingCarly’sapartmentwasdifficult.

“Damn,”Vincentmutteredunderhisbreathashewatchedforanysuddenmovements,“whichfloorwas
it?”

Carlofinallycaughtupandstoodbesidehimwiththebinocularsinhand,“Hey…hey,Imadeit,”Carlo
gaspedforair.

Helookedattheyoungmanandshookhishead.“Well,startscopingoutthescene,whatthefuckareyou
waitingfor?!”hebarked.

AsCarloscannedthebuilding,usingthebinocularstolookthroughthewindows,Vincentcaughtsightof
Brian running out from the other building carrying the suitcase in hand. He looked over to the other
buildingfromhisperchandnoddedatVincent.

Vincent nodded back and gave him a signal with his hand. Brian nodded and knelt on the rooftop,
unlockingthesuitcasethatweighedacoupledozenpounds.Hebroughtouttheblack-paintedmetaland
begantowork.

Vincentdidthesame,settingthecasedownontherooftopandunhitchingthelocksandboltsonthething.
Hesmirkedatthesightofthegleamingmetalinhishand.

“Foundheryet?”heaskedCarlo,whowasstillscopingthesceneout.

Vincent was busy setting up shop, unpacking and assembling the rifle that he had used so many times
beforeinotherjobsthatwerealotmorehighriskthantheonehewasinnow.

“I’malmostthere,boss,”Carloreplied,“IthinkI’vegother!”heexclaimedandVincentstoodupmidway
fromassemblinghisweaponofchoice.

“Where?Letmeseeher.”Hecommanded.

“Wait,no,that’ssomeothergirl,”hecorrectedhimselfandwavedhisbossoff.Vincentfumedandshook
hishead.

“Getyourheadstraight,kid,”hekneltbackdownandresumedassemblingtherifle.

Vincentmarveledattheweapon,tighteningupthelooseendsandhearingclicksandclackswhichassured
himthatallwasinplace.Allheneedednowwasthescope,whichhepickedupfromthecase.

“There!That’stheapartment.Irememberitnow,fifthfloor,andtheroomattheedgeofthebuilding.”

“Holdon,”Vincentsetuptherifleonitstripodandplanteditontheedgeoftheroof.Helookedupat
Brian,whonoddedathimandgavehimathumbsup.

Vincentnoddedaswellandgotlowontheground,pressingtherifle’shiltagainsthisshoulder,“Tellme
where,”hetoldCarlo,whowaskneelingbesidehim.

“Fifthfloor,thirdwindowfromtheleft,”hesaidwithtensioninhisvoice.

“Got you now, bitch.” Vincent smirked as he found the room, aiming the gun at the woman who was
undressing.

“Bitchgotanicebod,”Carlosnickeredashescopedout.

“Shutup,”Vincentmutteredandbreathedcoolly,togethisnervesout.

“Turnaround,bitch.Thebosswouldlikeitifabulletwentrightthroughyourprettylittleface.”

Vincentwaitedinanticipationastheblondegirlturnedaroundandunzippedherskirt.

“Whatthefuck?”Vincentgaspedandlookedupfromthescope,eyeingthewomanwithhisowneyes.He
duckedbacktolookthroughthescope.“Annabelle?”hemutteredunderhisbreath,notloudenoughfor
Carlotohear.

“Whatthehellareyouwaitingfor,boss?Takeherout!Peoplemightseeusallthewayuphere.”

“I said shut the fuck up.” Vincent looked down the scope again. There was no mistaking it. It was the
womanhehadbeenwiththenightbefore—thesamewomanwhogavehimthenightofhislife.Heshook
hishead.

“Worthanight’sfucking,notenough,”hesaidandaimeddownhissight,feltthetriggerinhisfinger,and
breathedtoclearhishead.

Carlyundressed,tossingherskirtovertotheothersideoftheroom.Vincenttookaimedagain,lookingat
herinnocence—butknowingherasanabsolutesexdemon—andforthefirsttimeinhiscareerasthehead
hitmanfortheValitorifamily,hefelthesitationrightbeforehesqueezedthetrigger.

“Whatareyoudoing?”CarlofeltnervousandlookedupatBrianontheothersideofthestreet.Hecould
seethatBrianwasgettingnervousaswell.EveryonewaitedforVincenttofinallyfinishthejob.

“Just, give me a second.” Carlo’s jaw dropped at the sound of hesitation and reluctance in his boss’s
voice.

“Wha—?” Carlo let the binoculars drop to hang from the strap and rest on his chest. He looked at his
boss,“Justpullthetriggeralready,sowecangetbackhome!”

VincentaimeddownthesightandsawCarlylookingatherselfinthemirror.Heshookhisheadandknelt
ontheroof.“That’snother,”hesaid,almostinaudibleforCarlo.

“What?Youtoldusthatyouwerecertainthiswaswhereshe’shiding.”

“Contactsmakemistakesallthetime,”Vincentstoodupandlookedovertotheapartmentwindow.

“All the time? You’ve never made a mistake with every target. What’s the matter with you? That’s the
girl!”

“Nother.”Vincentrepeatedanddisassembledhisrifle.

“What’sthematter?Haveyougottensoftallofasuddenjustbecausethisissomehotbroadwithasetof
tits?”

VincentstoppedpackingmidwayandstooduptomeetCarloeyetoeye.“Whatthefuckdidyoujustsay
aboutme?Me?Gettingfuckingsoft?Letmetellyouthis,youlittlebitch.Iain’tevergottensoft,notonce.
So,youbetterwatchyourmouthwheneveryouopenitorelseImightjustfeeditoneofmyfists.”

He turned around and headed for the stairwell, “Finish packing for me. I’ll meet you downstairs,” he

lookedbackatCarlo,whostillstoodtherewithmouthgaping.

“No.”

Vincentstoppedinhistracks,“What?”

Carlo didn’t answer. He got on his knees and started unpacking the rifle, assembling it piece by piece,
“YouandIbothknowthatgirlrightthereisCarlyWeston.Justlookatthephotographandanybodywould
tellyou.”

VincentwalkedbacktoCarlowhonowheldtherifle.“Youbetterdropthatfuckinggun.”

“Andfuckupthejob?”

“Shootthatcivilianandyou’llbefuckingupthejobforeverybody!That’snotthetarget.”

“Accordingtoyou!”

Brianwatchedfromtheothersideofthestreetwithhisrifleinhandasthetwomensquabbled.Hecould
pick up a couple of words from their argument. He maintained eye contact on the road, watching the
streetsasthetwomenopenlyfoughtwithasniperrifleinplainsightforanybodytosee.Hecouldspota
coupleofcivilianspointingupatthebuilding.Hefeltathreadofanxietycrawluphisneck.

“Putthegundown,kid,”VincentorderedandstoodinfrontofCarlo,“You’llregretit.”

“Fuckthat,”Carlosetupthetripodandattachedtherifle,aimingdownthescope,“There’sthebitch.”

VincentcouldseeCarlo’sfingeronthetrigger.Hehadtoactquick.Withaswiftflickofthewrist,Vincent
reachedfortheguninhiscoatpocket,“Dropit,Carlo!”

He let off a round and hit the young mobster in the back, puncturing his chest. The bullet went straight
through,leavingasplashofblood.

Carlo fired off a shot, hitting a brick on the wall. He fell on the concrete rooftop, bloodied and out of
breath.

“Fuck!”Brianyelledandcaughtaglimpseofthecopsonthestreet,aimingtheirgunattherooftop.Eddy
duckedbehindthecarandpulledouthisownguntodrawtheofficer’sfire.

Astwoofhismenfoughtoffthecops,VincentstoodinapoolofbloodthatoozedfromCarlo’sbody.

“

BEACHSIDEHIDEANDSEEK

Now

wo years,” Vincent repeated as he sat at the edge of his bed, rethinking that fateful day when he’d
gunneddownoneofhismeninamomentofdesperationandbrashthinking.

“How could I have fucked everything up so badly?” he put his face in his hands and ran his fingers
throughhishair.

Nowwasnotthetimeforhimtogetmixedfeelingsonceagain.Twoyearsofrunningafterawomanwho
constantlygotoutofhisgrips,twoyearsoflookinglikeanabsoluteimbeciletothemenwhooncelooked
at him with both fear and respect. Now was the time for him to put the final nail in the coffin. Carly
Weston had to die. As Vincent Italo picked up his pistol, he stared at the reflection of his eyes on the
barrel.

“Lookatyou,”hemutteredtohimself,furrowinghiseyebrowsandlookingintohisowneyesindisgust,
“You’readisgracetothefamily.Pickitupandgetitdonealready!”

Hecockedtheguninhishand,fumingwithrageandhateforbothhimselfandthisdamnjobthatfellonto
hislap.

“Anton,”heputtheguninsidehispocketandcalledouttotheemptyroom,“I’mgonnasetthisright.”

Vincenttookonelastlookathisroomandmadesurethateverythingwasinorder.Heturnedthedoorknob
andwentoutthedoor,shuttingtheframebehindhim.

WAS

BEGINNING

torainagainjustasIwasenjoyingthesunlightthatstreamedthroughmywindowandlit

uptheroom.Ilookedoutandsawtinylittledropletstappingonmywindowandslowlygrowingintoa
largerdrizzle.

“Imisshome,”Isaid,pickingupOscar,“Don’tyou?”theorangetabbylookedmeintheeyesandpurred,
notunderstandingawordthatIsaid—ofcourse.

“Butthenagain,youdon’tevenknowwherehomeistome,”Isethimdownonthefloorandwatchedhim
scurryovertohisfoodbowl.Oscarspunaroundandmeowedasloudlyashecould.

“Didn’tIjustfeedyou?”Ichuckledathim,walkingovertowherehewasandreachingupatthecupboard
overhead,“Backathome,mydadwouldhaveneverletmekeepacat.Letaloneafatonewhodidn’tand
couldn’tstopeating,”Isighedandsmiledtomyself,lookingbackoverthetwoyears.

MyfirstdaysinChicagowereprobablytheworstofmyexperiencerunningawayfromthosemobsters.
Thiscitywasdifferent.ItwasalotdarkerandalotdamperthanwhatIwasusedto.Thesunandwind
were my element and the musky and humid air that constantly surrounded me in Chicago just wasn’t
workingforme.

“What I really miss,” I said aloud with only Oscar there to hear me as I poured him a bowl of his cat
food,“IsMexico.Thebeacheswerenice.Therewerealotofgreatpeople,andtotopitalloff,therewas
awholelotofsun.”

Oscar looked up at me and for once, I felt that he was actually listening to whatever it was that I was
saying,“Yeah,Iloveditthere…plentyofsun,lotsofheat.Theonlyproblemthough,wasHEhadtospoil
itforme.”

Hemeowedandlookedupfromwhathewaseating,purringlikeanewbornkitten,“Thatman…theoneI
met at the bar. I didn’t think it was him. I didn’t know back then. I should have stayed away once I
realized who he was. Something told me that I might have been wrong back then in New Orleans…but
Mexico.ThatwaswhenIwasabsolutelycertainhewasafterme.”

IlookeddownatOscar.Thefatorangepieceoffluffwasn’tpayingacentofattentiontome.Hewasfar
toobusyburyinghisnoseinhisfoodbowl.Ilaughedathimandshookmyhead,certainthathewasthe
onlygoodcompanywhileIwasontherun.Alittlenapseemedlikeagoodideaprettymuchrightnow.

Iwalkedintotheotherroom,crampedasmylittleapartmentwas.AsImademywaythroughthenarrow
passage,Iknockedoversomeofthethingshangingfromalowshelf.

“Shit!”IexclaimedasIheardthesoundofglassbreakingbehindme.

I bent over, examining the damage, “Now, where did this come from?” I wondered, picking up what
seemedtobewhatwasleftofaglasscuporavase.“Oh!”Ismiledatthelittlememoryandpickedupthe
restofthebrokenglass.

Then

“H

MUCH

?”Iaskedthevendor—anoldwomanwhopeddledapackoftrinketsandsouvenirsonasmall

cart.ShelookedupatmeandtookalookattheglasscupthatboretheflagofMexicoononesideanda
smallquotationinSpanishontheotherside.Shescratchedherchin.

“Fifty,”sheutteredandIwidenedmyeyes.

“Fiftybucksforapieceofglass?”Igaspedandproceededtoputthethingbackonthecart.Thewoman
chuckledandshookherhead.

“No,fiftyPESOS,”shecorrectedmeandtheothervendorsnexttoherlaughedatthewhitegirlwhohad
noideahowthingsworkedaroundhere.

IcouldfeelmyfaceflushredasItookoutmypurse.ItwasagoodthingthatImadeaquickstopatalocal
Western Union to get my dollars converted into pesos, but how could I have completely forgotten that
thingswerechargeddifferentlydownhere?

Withalittlenod,thevendorreachedoutherhandtotakethemoneyfromme.ShethankedmeandIturned
around,gazingatthelittleglassandthewordsononeside,“VivealMaximo”,Ireadaloud.IknewthatI
butcheredthatSpanishline.

“Livetothefullest,señora”amanfrombehindmesaid,walkinguptomewithhislongloosehairandhis
chestpoppingoutofhiswhiteshirt.

Hehadalookofabsolutebeautyabouthimandjustthesightofhimmadememelt.It’dbeenroughlysix
months since I left New Orleans. That’s the longest I’ve ever spent without a night with another man.
FromNewOrleans,Ihadtravelledtodifferentcities--oneafteranother.IbegantolosecountofwhereI
was or where I was going. It finally clicked when I realized that I had to stop shifting cities and give
Mexicoashot.

AndhereIwas,staringatthefaceofarandomstrangerwhowalkeduptomeoutofnowhereafterhearing
mebutcherthelanguageofhismotherland.Iblushedredandsmiledathim.“I’msorry,”Isaid,running
myfingersthroughmynowauburnhair,“IjustgotheretwoweeksagoandIhaven’tbrusheduponmy
Spanishclasssincemiddleschool.”

Henodded,“It’snoproblem,”hesaidfluentlywithjustadashofthataccentthatjustmadehimabsolutely
sexy,“Alotofpeoplehavetheireyesonyou,youknow?”hesaid,walkingclosertomeasheandIwent
throughthemarket.

“W

HAT

YOU

MEAN

?”IaskedandhesmirkedatmealmostasifhethoughtIwasplayingdumb.

“What?Areyouserious?It’snoteverydayagirllikeyoujusthappenstowalkthroughthispartoftown.
No,alotofmenhavetheireyesonyou,”hesmiledandlookedaround.Ididthesame,panningthescene
andwatchingasseveralmenoutofthecornersofmyeyeslookedawayasIreturnedtheirgazes.

“Ohfuck,”Imutteredundermybreathandhechuckled.

“What is your name?” he asked me and I bit my lip. The thought crossed my mind that I didn’t want
anybody—ANYBODY—findingoutaboutwhoIwasorwhatintheworldIwasdoingaloneinMexico.

“I’mDiane.Ijusthappenedtopassbybecause...well,there’salotofshopshereandIwantedtoseeifI
couldgetsomethinginteresting.”

“Well,” the man took the glass gently from my hand and studied it with squinted eyes, “Not exactly
somethinginteresting.”

Hechuckledandgavemebacktheglass.“Butatleastyouhavesomethingtorememberforwhenyouget
sickofthisplace,”hejested.

Ilaughedwithhimandcaressedtheglassinmyhands,“Andwhat’syourname?”Iasked.Helookedjust
assurprisedasIwaswhenheasked.

“NicolasMartinez,”hesmiledatme.

“Nicetomeetyou,Nicolas,”Ireplied,takinghishandinmine.Hetightenedhisgripandbentlowtokiss
thebackofmyhand.

“Apleasuretomeetyouaswell,Diane,”hesmiledandgesturedtothelargecrowds,“Areyousurethis
iswhereyou’dratherbe?”

Ifurrowedmyeyesandcockedmyheadtotheside,“Whatdoyoumean?”Iquizzedhim.

“Well,” he looked back at me and stroked his beard, “most girls from America don’t come looking
throughshopsfortrinketsandbaubles.”

“Whatdotheyusuallycomefor?”Iaskedandhechuckled.

“You’reserious?Theparties,thefood,thepeople,andthesun!Thisisnowaytospendyourvacationto
ourcountry,ifyoudon’tmindmesaying.”

Ismiledathimand,forasecond,Iletmyguarddown.Ilethimleadmeoutofthethickofthecrowdand
backouttothebusystreets.

“Wherearewegoing?”IaskedhimbutfollowedasheranaheadofmewhileIstruggledtocatchupwith
theheelsonmyfeet.

“Someplacenice,”hecalledbackandholleredatacab.Istoodoutsidethedoorashehoppedin.Ilooked
atthecabcarefullyandstudiedtheplacearoundme.Nobodywaslookingandnobodyknewwhothehell
Iwas.

Inamomentofhesitation,Iswallowedmyfearandbentover,lookedNicolasintheeyes.Hecouldtell
thatIhadabitofreluctanceinmystep.

“Relax,Diane,”hesmiledatmeandextendedhisarm,“we’reheadedtoahugepartywithtonsofpeople.
It’llbefun,Ipromise.”Igotinthecar.

Itwasthatpartofmethatsoughtoutdanger,soughtoutareasontoputmyselfthroughbothexcitementand
fear,butmanagedtomaintainitjustenough.IlookedatNicolasandwonderedhowoldhewasbutwas
hesitanttoaskhimmyself.

Itwasalmostasifhewasreadingmymind.Heturnedtomeandsaid,“I’msorry,it’sjustthatIturned
eighteenjustlastweek.Ican’twaittostartpartyinglikemad.I’vegotfriendsdownatthebeachwaiting
formeandIjustwantyoutohavealittletasteoftherealMexico.”

“Thatsoundsprettygreat,Nicolas.So,you’retellingmeyouactuallywaiteduntilyouwereeighteento
finallydrink?”Isniggeredathimandheshookhisheadinembarrassment.

“Yes,”hereplied,cackling,“believeitornot,I’moneofthebeststudentsatmyuniversityandmyparents
neverletmegoouttopartyandGodforbid—haveadrinkwithmyolderfriends.”

“Thatsoundsterrible,”Ilaughed,noticingthathewasquitearticulatewithhisspeechandwasmorethan
fluentwiththeEnglishlanguage.Iwonderedifheknewhowtospeakotherlanguagesaswell,butdidn’t
pesterhimwithmycuriosity.Ijustsatback,thrilledatgoingtoaparty.

“We’realmostthere,”hesaidandlookedaroundtheplace.

“Wait,”Isaid.Heturnedandlookedmeintheeyes.

“Whatisit?”heasked.

“Whatwereyoudoingoutthereinthemarketifyouweretryingtogettoaparty?”helookedatmeand
didn’treplyimmediately.

“I…”Justashewasabouttoanswer,thecabstoppedandthedriverturnedaroundtofaceus.Hesaid
somethinginSpanishthatIcouldn’tunderstandbutvaguelysoundedlike“we’rehere”.Nicolasnodded
andswungthedooropenfasterthanIcouldrespond.

I followed after him. My head began to spin at the sight of the large crowd of people all dancing and
partying,gettingwastedandtryingtogetlaid.Ifeltathome,watchingthiscrowd.

NicolaswalkedupthestepssoonerthanIcouldclosethecab’sdoors.

“Let’sheadouttothebeach,”hesaid,gesturingformetofollowhim.Withonelastlookatthecrowd,I
lostallsenseofhesitationandreluctanceandtossedmydoubtsoutthewindow.

It’sbeenmonthssinceIlastwentout.Ineededthis.

“A

YOU

ALL

SETTLED

?”Anton’svoicewaschilling,lesswarmthanheusuallywaswithVincent.

“Yeah,”herepliedintothephone,tossinghissuitcasesonthebedandshovinghisbagsinsidethedresser
inhisnewhotelroom,“Justflewin,followingthatlead.”

“Whileyouweregonechasingafteryourleads,weburiedpoorCarlo.How’sthatsoundtoyou?”

Vincent stopped pacing the room and stood at the center, standing on the grey carpet. He sighed and
pinchedthebridgeofhisnosewithhisthumbandindexfinger,“Thatwasmonthsago,Anton.Besides...”

“Doesn’tmakeitanylesstrue,”hecuthimoffandraisedhisvoice,“Now,doyouknowwhyyou’reout
therealonethistime?”

Vincent shook his head and put the phone back to his ear, “Because you want me to be clear of
distractions?”

“No, because I can’t afford another dead man in the family, more cops to bribe, and blood to mop up
becauseofyourfuckups.”

Antonseemedtoraisehisvoicewitheverywordthatheuttered.Vincenthadtopullthephoneawayfrom
hisearwitheachtoneraise.“It’salright,boss.I’vegotitthistime.Itwon’tbeaproblem.I’lldealwith
herforonelasttime.”

“Youbetterfuckingfinishit,Vincent.Ididn’tpayforyourtickettoMexicojustsoyoucouldbangsome
Spanishbroadandgetfuckingwasted.Nowgetmoving!”

“Gotit,”Vincentnoddedandturnedtoclickthereceiver.

“Andonemorething,”Antoncuthimoffagain,“I’vemadecontactwithalocalcarteloveronyourside
oftheglobe.Family’scalledtheLosOscuridad.Thefamilydealsindrugsandfirearms,nevercaughtby
thecops.Nottobetrifledwith,Vincent.”

“What’sthisgottodowiththejob?”therewasatoneofirritationinhisvoiceandAntoninstantlycaught
on.

“BecauseIneedtomakesurethatthisjobisn’tfuckedupingeneral.Ifyoumanagetomessitup,I’vegot
abackupplanallsetup.”

“Ohyeah?Andwhatthehellaretheseburritosgonnado?Gunherdownoutinthemiddleofthepublic?
Noclassatall.”

“Onthecontrary,Vincent,they’veagreedtosendsomeoftheirbestmenafterher.”

“Notasgoodasme,Anton,andyoubetterbelieveit.”

“Oh,Idobelieveyou,buttheseboyshaven’tmissedamarktheirentirelives,”Antonwasclearlytaunting
Vincent,togethisheadbackinthegame,“AndtheguyleadingtheiropisamannamedMartinez,Nicolas
Martinez.Probablysomeproxyname.Thesethugsareallfuckingshady.”

“So,whatdoIhavetodowiththem?Whyareyoutellingmethis?”

“You’retomeetwiththemtoday.I’msendingyouanaddresstowherethey’vefollowedthegirl.”

“TheyknowwhoIam?”

“Notaclue.ButI’msendingyoutheirpictures.Mex’saren’tassmartasus,Vincent.Justbecarefulout
there.”

“Ifigureyoudon’ttrustthiscartelatall,”

“Itrustthemenough.Youontheotherhand,”AntonpausedandVincentwaitedinanticipation,“juststay
onyourtoes.”

ThelinediedandVincentlookedathisphonetoseetwonotificationspopup.Onewasatextmessage
tellinghimtoheadonovertoasetofcoordinatesonamapwhiletheothermessagewasasetofthree
pictures.

“Don’tlooksotoughtome,”Vincentstudiedthemen’sfacesandtriedtofamiliarizehimselfwiththem.

Heslidhisphoneintohispantspocketandheadedovertohisbags,unzippedhiscarrier,andtookouta
newsuit.“Perfect,”hesaid,undressingfromhiswornoutclothesandputtingonhisnewones.

Thejobwasalotsimplernow,Vincentthought,consideringhowheknowswhatshelookslikealotmore
upclose.ThatonenighttheyspenttogetherbackinNewOrleanswasenoughforhimtoknowhereven
withherbackquiteliterallyturned.Hesmirkedatthememoryashebrushedoffthesmallcreasesonhis
coatandwalkedovertohisothersuitcasesonthebed.

“I hate traveling,” he shook his head and opened up both cases, revealing a small number of pistols,
submachineguns,knives,andothersmallweaponsthathemanagedtosmuggleintothecountrythroughthe
US-Mexicoborder.

With his small set of weaponry, Vincent was absolutely pissed at how under-armed he was for this,
despite it being a simple hit job. “You’ll never know when your peashooter’s not gonna put out,” he
alwaystoldhimselfwheneverhepreparedforanyfirefightoranygenericdangerousjobthebosssenthim
on.

He picked out a small selection from his limited choices: a couple of pistols, a five inch knife, and a
garrotethatfitrightinhispocket.Thatpartyhewasgoingtowasn’texactlyhighlyguarded,hethought,
anddidn’thavetoworryaboutguardscomingtofriskhim.

Hecheckedhisammunitionandcockedhisweapons.

“S

,Nicolas,”Itriedtogethisattentionbuthewasbusylookingaround,almostasifhewaslookingfor

something or somebody, “tell me what it’s like out here in Mexico.” I tried to spark up a conversation
withhimbuthesimplylookedatmeandlaughed.

“You’llgetusedtoit,”hesaid,Ifurrowedmyeyebrowsathisunrelatedanswer.

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”Iasked,finallycatchinghisattention.

“Itmeansnothing.Doyoudrink?”heaskedandInodded.“Alright,let’sgetacoupleofdrinks.”

Somehow,stayingatthispartyatabarbythebeachwasn’tturningouttobeasfunandexcitingasIhad
hopedittobe.Nicolaswasactingstrange,butthenagainIhadonlymettheguylessthananhourago.I
lookedaroundthecrowdtoseeifIcouldspotanybodywhomightwanttominglewithmeoratleastto
havethemostremotesenseofaconversationjusttogetmyselfoutofthissenseofboredom.

“Hey,Nic,”Isaidashegotusdrinks.

“Nicolas,”hecorrectedme,almostsnappinginfrustration.

“What’sthematter?Iseverythingokay?”Iasked.Heignoredme,returningtolookaroundtheparty,“Are
youlookingforsomebody?”

Nicolasshookhisheadandhandedmeadrink,“Here,drink,”hesaidinacommandingtone.Icrossedmy
eyebrowsathimasIheldthedrinkinmyhand.

Ilifteduptheglasstotakeasip.NicolasblurtedsomethingoutinSpanish.Ijumpedinsurprise,spilling
thedrinkalloverthefloorandonmySundaydress.

“Whatthehell?”Iaskedandlookedupathim.Hestaredoffintothedistance.

I followed his gaze and couldn’t see what or who he had spotted in the crowd. “What’s going on,
Nicolas?”Iaskedandturnedtowardshim.Helookedatmesternlyandseemedfrustratedatwhoeverhe
waslookingat.

“Diablo.Stayhere,alright?Okay?”hesaidandrushedofftotheothersideoftheparty.

I’dhadjustaboutenoughofhisattitude.Myhopesofendingupwithhimforjustanight—despitehow
good looking he was and how chiseled his body seemed to be underneath that white shirt—were
dwindling.

Isettheglassbackonthebarandwalkedoff,headedtowardsthebackofthepartyandouttowardsthe
beach.Thesoundofthedrunkennessandtheloudmusicweregettingonmynerves.Icouldreallyusea
littletimespentonthebeach,lookingoutatthesun.

WithonelastlookatNicolas,Iscoffedathimwhilehisbackwasturned.Hewastalkingtotwoother

guysamidstthecrowd,andheadedoutthebarandintothebeach.

“Ihaven’tgonetothebeachsinceIwaslikefifteenyearsold,”Itoldmyself.Isteppedonthesandandgot
outofthenoisybar.ThescentoftheseafilledmynostrilsasIsteppedout,closertotheshorelineand
awayfromthecrowdsofpeople.

There were still a lot of people out here, out enjoying the sunlight that came down from the distant
horizon.Andallthewhile,Icouldn’thelpbuttorememberallthememoriesIhadspentwithmyfamily,
backwhenwewerestilltogetherandtherewasnobad-bloodanywhere.Itwasperfect,really,tobeout
justwalkingontheshorelinesandfeelingthebreezefromtheoceanhitmyfaceinagentlegustofwind.

Thesunwasshiningoverheadandacoupleofthickcloudswereblockingoutjustenoughofittoenjoythe
relaxingweatherwithouthavingtosquintmyeyesatthebrightness.Itookoutacigarettefrommypurse.
JustasIwasabouttolightit,Ismiledandtuckedthelighterandthestickaway.

“Whyspoilthiswonderfulview?”Iaskedmyselfandfoundabeachchairnearby.Itookaseatandhoped
thatnobodyhadthisspotbeforeIdid.

“Y

,Boss.I’monmywaytherenow,youdon’thavetoworryaboutathing,”Vincentgotintothecarhe

rentedoutandstartedtheengine.Itwasn’tasluxuriousastheonehehadbackintheStates,butitwas
somethingthatcouldmaneuverthroughtheMexicanstreets.

Withaturnofthekey,themanualvehicleroaredtolife.Vincentrevveditasheheldthephonewithone
hand,“Yeah,that’sthecar.IshouldbethereinabouttenminutesifIdon’tgetcaughtupintraffic.

“The Oscuridad men are already at the venue. If they make the hit before you, you’re not getting a cent
fromthefamilyandI’llhavetopaytheminstead.”

Vincentgroanedandrolledhiseyes,“I’llgetitdone.Idon’tevenseewhyyouhadtocallupyourtaco
friendsforanyhelp.”

“Watchit,Vincent,”Anton’stoneturnedserious,“thosemenmeanbusinessandwedon’twanttostepon
theirtoes.Theonlyreasonwhyyou’renotdeadassoonastheyspottedaValitorimanintheirturfwas
becauseIcalledahead.”

“What?”Vincentdroveforward,mergingwiththetrafficanddrivingtowardstheplaceaccordingtothe
GPS.

“Theirleader,ManuelHernandez,doesn’tparticularlylikeitwhenagringowalksontheirsoil,carrying
weapons that didn’t come from them. And since you’re some gringo with a bunch of guns, they don’t
exactly want you anywhere near their turf,” Vincent continued to drive along the road with his boss on
speakermode.

“Sowhatyou’resayingis,”Vincentreplied,“Theseboysaren’theretohelpus?”

“Notnecessarily.Theydon’twantyoucausingaruckusontheirterritory.It’ssimple,really.It’sbusiness
andtheydon’twantthingsgettingmessyontheirsideofthefieldsotheywanttohandlethecaseontheir
own.”

“Youmeanlikecopschasingcriminalsoverseas?”

“Prettymuchlikethat,”Antonsaid,“Justgettherebeforetheyendupgettingimpatientandcapthepoor
girlthemselves.”

“I’ll be the one to do it,” Vincent snapped and hit the end call button. In hindsight, he shouldn’t have
fumedandragedathisbosslikethat,aspowerfulandasterrifyingashewas.Vincentwaswayupthere,
almostnexttothebosshimself,butevenheknewthattherewereboundariesandrestrictionsthatmade
VincentItalothetophitmanforthefamilyandAntonValitorithebossofsaidfamily.

Itwasn’tmuchfarther.Vincentwasclosinginonthesitewherehisbosslinkedthecoordinatesandthe
nameofthelocation.

“Gottabehere,”Vincentpeekedoverhissunglassesandsurveyedthescene.Hebroughtthecartoastop
infrontofthebusybarfilledwithdrunkbitchesandmenhittingonthem.Itwastheloudmusicthatgave
theplaceaway,really.

A man in uniform from the bar ran up to him and started speaking in random gibberish until Vincent
realizedhewasspeakingSpanish.

“What?Idon’tunderstandafuckingwordyou’resaying,”hesaidandtheboynoddedquickly.

“American?”hesaidasVincentwasabouttorollupthewindow.

“Yes,canIhelpyou?D’youspeakEnglish?”hesaidinafrustratedtone.

“Si…uh. Yes, yes, señor,” the young man nodded, “Park your car?” he asked and Vincent immediately
understood.

“Oh,somegoddamnvalet,”hescoffedandunlockedthedoor,swingingithardandhittingthekidinthe
shins.“Here,”Vincenttossedhimthekeysandthekidnoddedathim.

“Anddon’tyoudarescratchthatshitup,”Vincentcalledouttohimjustasthekidclosedthedoor.

Heturnedaroundandfeltuphiscoat,makingsurethathehadthetoolsforthejob.

“Now,”hescannedthecrowdashewalkedintothebarthatstoodbeforethebeach,“tofindthatgirl.”

Itwasahellishexperienceforhim,strugglingtoidentifyafacethatwasenmeshedinthelargecrowdof
peopleallpartyingtotheobnoxiousSpanishmusic.Vincentsquintedhiseyes,“I’dknowherfromamile
away,”hesaidtohimself.

“Wouldyoulikeadrink,sir?”thebartenderaskedhimashewalkeduptothebar,unsuccessfulatspotting
her.

“I’mlookingforagirl,”hesaidtakingaseatononeofthewoodenstools.

“Everybody’slookingforagirltoday,”hechuckledandVincentstudiedthemanwholookedlikehewas
inhisearlyforties,wasbalding,andhadmarksleftbybadacne.

“Notjustanygirl.Aboutnineteenyearsold,mighthaveblondeorredhair.Shedyesitfromtimetotime.”

“AreyoutalkingaboutCarmela?Oh,she’sthetalkofthetown.”

“No,youidiot,”Vincentclosedhiseyesandsqueezedhisnosebridgeinfrustration,“I’mlookingforan
Americangirl.Probablyfivefeetandnineinchestall.”

Thebartenderstrokedhisbeardandsuddenlycametoarealization,“Oh!IspottedanAmericangirljusta
momentago.Brownhair,though,andshewasgettingdrinksfromamanshecalled“Nicolas.”

“Nicolas?NicolasMartinez?”

Thebarkeepshrugged,“JustheardNicolas.Boughtherthisdrinkbutsheneverreallytouchedthething,
spilleditalloverthefloorandIhadtomopitup.”

Thebartenderpointedattheglassoveronthefarsideofthebar.Vincentgotcloser,eyeingtheliquid.

“Wasitthisman?”Vincentshowedthebarkeepthepictureonhisphone.

“Yes,that’stheone.Heboughttheseñorathatdrink.”

Vincentpickeduptheglassfromthetableandtookawhiffofthedrink,“Thatscent…”Hetouchedthe
brimoftheglassandfeltaroughpowder.

“Fuck,”heexclaimedplacingtheglassonthetableandlookingathisindexfinger,allpowderedupfrom
whatevertheMexicandealersputinherdrink.

“Whereisshe?”Vincentdemanded,“Youbettertellme.Now.”

“Whatseemstobetheproblem,señor?”hesquintedhiseyesandVincentremovedhisshade.

“Guywhoboughtherthedrinkspikedit.”

“Eh?”

“Hewastryingtodrugher.Now,whereisshe?”

ThebartendershruggedhisshouldersandVincentstormedoffintothecrowd.

“

HUNTERSHUNTED

amn it!” Vincent scanned the crowd but couldn’t catch sight of Carly. The loud, drunk, and out of
controlpatronsintheMexicanbarwerestartingtogetoutofhand.Vincenttriedtomakehisway

into the thick of the crowd. The scent of inhalant drugs was in the air as well as the aroma of sweat,
raunchyperfume,andcheapalcoholfromthebreathsofthepeopleallaroundhim.

“Getoutoftheway,”Vincentexclaimedandshovedapatronwhowasblockinghispath.Hetossedthe
drunkmanasideandgothimselftoahigherviewpointofthebar.

“Notahintofher,”hemutteredtohimself.

Vincent’seyeswidenedassoonashecaughtaglimpseofamanwhomhedidn’twanttoseeatall.

“Nicolas,” Vincent tried to hide himself behind the thick crowds again as he eyed the three men who
shovedtheirwaythroughtheparty.

“Ifhe’slookingforher...”Vincentthought,“Shemusthavegottenawaysomehow.”

Vincentcontinuedtoeyethethreeofthem.HecaughtsightofNicolaspointingtowardstheglassdoorsat
thebackofthebar,whereyoucouldseethebeachinthedistance.

“What…?”VincentsquintedhiseyesandfollowedNicolas’gazeanddirection,“Weston.”

Thereshewas,outonthebeachandwalkingalongtheshorelineasthoughshedidn’thaveacareinthe
world.Hesmiledather,halfforknowingthatshewasallhistoclaimforthehitandtheotherhalffor
knowingthatshehadn’tdiedatthehandsofabunchofMexicandrugdealerswhowouldturntopainful
andsickpoisontotakeouttheirtargets.

Heeyedthethugs,sawthemmarchovertotheglassdoors.TheyspottedCarlyimmediately.

“Notonmywatch,”Vincentgrowledunderhisbreathandfollowedthemen.

SUN

WAS

BEGINNING

tosetdeeperintothedistanthorizon,caughtbetweentwomountains.Theraysof

goldbegantofadeintoacalmerorange.

“It’ssobeautiful,”Iwhisperedtomyselfandsmiledasthewavescrashedontheshoresofthebeach.The
people were beginning to pack up their things. While some were headed back to their homes, a lot of

othersstayed.

Couples were walking up and down the shorelines with fingers intertwined and touching one another’s
lipsinasweetyetsubtlekiss.Therewerechildrenoutplayingonthesand,buildingcastlesandgathering
shellsfromtheocean.Ispottedanoldcoupleoutinthenearerdistanceandthemanheldontohiswife’s
handastheywatchedthesunsettogether.

Iwished,somehowandsomewildway,thatthislifecouldbemine…butIknewthatthissortoflifestyle
wasn’tforme.Iknewthatwellenough,knowingjusthowmessedupandmiserablethingshavegottenin
justthepastyearandhowIhadtogrowupprettyfast.

Lookingbackatthingsnow,Irealizedjusthowmessedupeverythingwas.Imean,tostartrunningaway
—not even for just a while, but running away for as long as it takes—just to survive whatever dangers
cameup.

Theconstantdreadofamanstandingbehindmearmedwithaweaponstruckmeonadailybasis,andthat
fearcontinuedtofrightenmeeveninmywakinghoursandwhensurroundedwithdozensofpeople.

Yet,standingouthereinthedistance—ofallthehateandallthedanger—putmeinaplaceofsolitudeand
serenity despite knowing that my life was in danger so long as I held onto that blasted tape recording
whichwaslockedinmyhotelroom.

Ishouldtossthatout,setitaflame,Ithought.

Iknewbetterthantothrowouttheonlythingthatwaskeepingmealiveandgivingmehope.

Ihadn’tbeenabletoplaythething.I’dtriedbutnobodysellsthoseoldcassetteplayersthattheyusedto
havebackintheday.IcouldtrygoingthroughsomeantiqueshopsandgaragesalesbackintheStates,but
whyshouldIriskgettingmyselfseenbythewrongpeople?

WithallthestrengthandwillpowerIcouldmuster,Itriedtoshoveawayallthoughtsofdeathanddanger
frommymind.Istoodbackandwatchedthesunbegintoslowlysetintothedistance.

“Diane!”Iheardavoicecallfrombehindme.Iturnedaroundandbrushedmyhair,tuckingitbehindmy
ear.

IsawNicolas,followedbytwoofhisfriends.Withawaveandasmile,Ipreparedtoforgivehimforhis
rudeattitudefromanhourago.

“Nicolas,”Icalledandrantowardsthem.Judgingbythesmileplasteredonhisface,hehadcomearound
andwasn’tascrabbyasbefore.

“Wheredidyougo?Weweretryingtofindyoubackatthebar,”NicolaslaughedassoonasheandImet
halfwayontheshoreline.

“Igottiredofthatplace.It’salittletooloudformytaste.Nooffense.”Bothofussmiled.

“Nonetaken,”hegesturedtohisfriends,“SamuelandDiegoareacoupleofmybestfriends.”

“It’snicetomeetyouboth,”Isaidwithagrin.Bothgrinnedinreturn.

“Would you like to come back inside?” Nicolas gestured to the bar, “I promise to give you my full
attentionthistime.”

Ismiledbackathisgoofygrin,“Oh,soyounoticedthat,didyou?”

“Ah,yes,doforgiveme,Diane.”Heclaspedbothofhishandstogether.“Iwasalittlefrustratedatmy
boyshere.”Nicolaspattedthetwoothermenontheshouldersashestoodbetweenthem.“Theytooka
littlewhiletogethere.Icouldn’twaittogetthepartystarted.”

“Well,byallmeans.Apologyaccepted.”Ismiledandtwirledmyhair.“Shallwegobackinside?”

“Please.”Nicolasextendedhisarm.Icurledmyhandaroundhisbicep.

Together,withtwoofhisfriends,wewalkedbacktothebar.Aswegrewcloser,Icouldhaveswornthat
Isawafamiliarfaceoutofthecornerofmyeye.

“Inoticedyoudidn’ttakethatdrinkIgaveyou,”Nicolassaidaswegottothebar.“Suchawasteofgood
tequila.”

“Sorry,”Imuttered,abitashamed.“Iwasinaprettybadmoodwhenyoustartedtoignoreme.”

“Ah,noharmdone.Itwasmyfault,”Nicolassqueezedmyhandandledmeinsidethebarwithbothofhis
friendsintow.“Comeon,I’llgetyouanotherdrink.”

Inodded,smilingasheopenedthedoorforme.

SAW

herwalkingalongthebeach.Healsocaughtthethreethugswalkingoutofthebarandoutintothe

sandybeach.

“Damn.Ican’tgetspotted,”Vincentmutteredunderhisbreathandslidtheglassdooropen,followingthe
threeofthemcloselywhiletryingtobeasinconspicuousaspossible.Heopenedhisblazerandlooked
throughtheweaponsthathehadonhand.

“Fuck,” he exclaimed. A group of patrons standing behind the bar looked at him with disgust and
confusion.“Forgotthesilencer.Gonnahavetotakethemdowntheoldfashionedway.”

Hetuckedhisblazerbackandbuttoneditup,thenslidthebardooropenandwentbackinside.

“Whereisit?”hemutteredashefoundhiswaybacktothebarkeep.Vincentsawhimpickuptheglass
thatwasmeantforCarly.

“Stop!”heyelledatthebarkeepwhofrozeandgawkedatVincentwithwidenedeyes.

“What is it?” he asked. Vincent didn’t reply. Instead, he took the glass from the barkeep and ran back
outside.

“Hey!”themanyelled,butshookhisheadassoonasVincentmadehiswayouttheglassdoors.

VincentspottedthethreehitmenwithCarlyintow.Shelookedasifshewashavingthetimeofherlifein
themiddleofhandsomeyoungmen.Hecursedunderhisbreathbutknewhehadtostayfocusedandnot
lethisfeelingsgetthebetterofhim.

Lookingaround,hespottedoneofthepatronswithadrinkthathadastrawinit.

“Excuse me,” he blurted out and plucked the straw from the woman’s drink. She retaliated in a rapid

streamofSpanishwhichcouldhavebeencurses.Itdidn’tmattertohim.

He retrieved his knife from his pocket, cut the straw diagonally on one edge to make a sharp end, and
tuckedhisknifeaway.

“Heretheycome,”hemutteredandwatchedthemwalkingbackuptothebarwithCarly.Vincentturned
aroundandtriedtolookasinconspicuousaspossible.

Withaglanceatthemoutofthecornerofhiseye,hedippedthesharpendofthehardstrawinthespiked
drinkandsealedtheotherendwithhisthumb,keepingthedruggedliquidinplace.

Comecloser,Vincentthoughttohimself.CarlyandNicolasledtheway.Whenhewassuretheywouldn’t
catchhimintheirlineofsight,Vincentturnedaroundandprickedoneofthemenintheforearm.

He exclaimed something in Spanish but Vincent dove into a crowd of other beachgoers and out of the
brute’ssight.

“Perfect,”hemutteredashewatchedthemanrejoinhisgroup.

“I

GONNA

ALRIGHT

?”IaskedNicolasandpointedathisfriend,Samuel,whoappearedslightlydizzy

andoutofbalance.

Nicolaslaughedandsaid,“Ah,hemusthavejusthadacouplemoretodrink,that’sall.”

To me, Samuel looked as though he was turning slightly green on the sides of his face. Or am I
hallucinating?

“Ithinkhe’sgonnathrowup,”ItoldNicolasandbackedawayacoupleofsteps.Thethoughtofprojectile
vomitwasalwayssomethingIdreadedevenbackwhenIfirstattendedahighschoolpartywherethere
wasbeer.

“You’re right,” Nicolas nodded. He then turned to Diego and said something in Spanish that I couldn’t
quite understand. I heard the word “baño” which I remembered vaguely from Spanish class as
“bathroom”.DiegonoddedandsteeredSamuelbytheshoulderstowardtherestroom.

“I’msorryaboutthat,Diane,”hesaid,strokinghisbeardandtakingmyhandtoleadmebacktothebar.

“Myfriendsjustdon’tknowhowtohandletheirliquorasmuchasIdo,”hesaidandorderedanotherset
ofdrinks.

“Oh,butIthoughtyousaidyoujustturnedeighteenanddidn’tdrinkbefore?”

Nicolasdidn’tseemtohearme.Perhapshewasn’tlistening.Ibegantogrowabituneasystandingwith
him.

“Mierda,”Iheardhimsay.Iknewthatwasacurse.Butatwhat?

“Is everything okay?” I asked him. He began searching his pockets for something. He went through his
shirt pockets, his front pants pockets, and even his back pockets but didn’t seem to find what he was
lookingfor.

“Whatisit,Nicolas?”Iasked.Helookedatmewithdistressplasteredonhisface.

“Oh,”heappearedtocheckhimselfbeforetellingme,“IthinkIlostmycigarettepack.”

“Really?Yousmoketoo?Ithoughtyousaidyouwereastraightedgeguy.”

“Sometimes, I gotta take some of that edge off, you know?” I could tell that he was trying to mask
something.

“Areyoualright?”

“Whywouldn’tIbe?”hesortofsnappedatmebutinacalmway.

“Idon’tknow.Youlooklikeyou’reabitpissedoff.”

“Notatall.Notatall.”

Ilookedoverhisshoulderandsawdrinkssittingonthebar.“Thedrinks?”Iasked.Heturnedtowards
them.

“Ofcourse.”Hereluctantlyhandedmemydrinkandheldhishigh,“Cheers…andwelcometoMexico,”
heclinkedmydrinkwithhis.

I drank even though it burned down my throat. “Oh, that’s pretty strong.” I chuckled. He laughed along
withme.

“That’sashame.”hesaid.

Icockedmyheadtotheside.“Whatis?”

“Oh?Nothing.Youshouldhavetakenachaserafter,butitdoesn’tmatter.”

“Doesn’tmatter,”Iechoedandsmiledathim,tryingtolightenupthemood.

IlookedaroundandnoticethatDiegoandSamuelstillhadn’tcomeoutofthebathroom.“Areyourfriends
okaybackthere?”Nicolasseemeddistressed.“Ihavenoidea.Heprobablydranksomethingalittletoo
strong.”

I retraced the conversation he and I had moments before on the beach, “But, I thought they just came
here?”

Nicolassatonthestool.Ispottedhisjawmusclejumpasifhewasgrittinghisteeth,andthenhegrowled,
“Whydon’tyoustopaskingstupidquestions,youstupidfuckingAmerican?”

Myeyeswidened.Icouldtellherealizedthathe’dmessedup.Heregainedcomposureonceagainand
liftedhishandsinapology,“I’msorry.I’mjustalittlebitonedge.Icouldreallyuseoneofthesenow.”

Hetookoutacigarettefromhispacket.Iblinkedtwice.“Whatthehellisgoingonandwhoareyou?”I
askedhim.Heobviouslygrewabitirritatedatme.

Nicolaslitthecigaretteandshookhishead,mutteredsomethinginSpanish,andthenasked,“Just…what’s
thematternow?!”

“Yousaidyouwerelookingforyourcigarettes.Whydoyouhavethemnow?”

Nicolasgrewfurious.Wereallmyquestionsmakinghimalittlemoredefensive?WasIbreakingdown
thosedefenses?MaybeIwasexposinghim.

“Well?”Iasked.Hesuddenlystoodupfromhisseat.

“Listen,CarlyWeston,”heutteredandgrabbedmebytheforearms.“You’vecomealongwayfromhome,
haven’t you? And I’m sure you’re quite tired from all the running. So why don’t we just end it so you
couldhavealittlebreak?Hm?”

Just as he gripped my forearms, a ruckus erupted from behind us. The crowd turned, focusing on the
commotion.

Nicolas was distracted. I didn’t wait a second longer. I had to make my move. With all my strength, I
drewmylegbackandrammedmykneestraightintohisgroin.Hefloppedtothefloorandballedupina
fetalposition.

“ThankGodforself-defenseclasses,”Imutteredandrantotheothersideoftheroom.

’

WORKING

,Vincentthoughtashewatchedoneofthemenstarttofalloveronlytobepickedupbyone

oftheotherswithNicolas.

Hegrinnedashewatchedthetwomenheadtothebathroomtovomitandthrowupthepoison.

“Perfect,” Vincent said and walked back into the bar. Carly turned around and nearly spotted him right
beforehehidbehindanotherpatron.

Can’t risk getting seen and spooking her, he thought and walked around to the back of the building.
Vincent peered through the glass. He could see the two men struggling to get to the bathroom. A lot of
peopleclearedthewaywhenthesoberoneseemedtothreatentheentireroom.

“Gotta be another way in.” Vincent studied the walls along the building. From outside the bar, he
followedwherethebathroomcouldhavebeenplaced.Circlingaroundthelot,hefoundarustyventwith
acoupleofmissingandloosescrews.

Hesmirkedasheunlatchedthevententrance.

“Oy!” a voice said from behind him. He dropped the metal grate on the ground with a large clang and
turnedaround.

“AreyouthegringomobsterSeñorHernandeztoldusabout?”Oneofthemenwalkeduptohim.Vincent
countedthreemensurroundinghim.Theyseemedtobealittledrunk.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,”Vincentlied.Hecouldtellthatthemendidn’tbuyit.

“Oh?”oneofthemasked,holdingabottleofbeerinhishand.“Thenwhyyoutryin’tobreakintothebar
throughthatvent,eh,see?”

“‘Breakin’isaprettyharshwayofputtingit.Iwasjusttakingdowntheventtocleanouttherust...see?”
Vincentpickedupthemetalgrateandbangedtheedgeoffofoneofthemenclosesttohim.Itsenttheman
reelingbackwardbeforehehitthefloorhard.

“Puta!”Oneofthemenlungedathimwithaknife.Vincentdodgedtheslashingmotion,grabbedtheman’s
arm,andranthebladeintothethug’schest.Hedrewthebladeverticallyacrosstheman’sarteriesand
heart.

Thelastmanrantowardhim.Hewasabsolutelyhuge,standingjustacoupleofinchesoverVincent.He
hadlargearmsforcrushingjustaboutanybody.ThemanhitVincenthard,sendinghimbackintothewall.

“Fuck!” Vincent exclaimed and received another blow to the gut. The thug grabbed Vincent by the coat
andhurledhimacrossthelot.Helandednexttotheunconsciousmanhehadhitwiththegrate.

“Youshouldhavenevercomehere,gringo.”ThemenacingthugmovedtowardhimwhileVincentcoughed
upblood.

Helookedoverattheunconsciousmanandgrabbedhisbottle.

“FromAmerica,withlove,yousonofabitch.”Vincentslidoneofhisgunsoutandshovedthebarrelinto
thebottle.

Oneshottotheheaddroppedthethug.BarelyasoundemittedfromVincent’sgun.Hepickedhimselfup,
groaningfromthepainofthebrute’spunchesandbeinghurledacrosstheconcrete.

“Fuck…that’sgonnahurtinthemorning.”

Withaslightlimp,heclimbedintotheopenventandthencrawledthrough.Heinchedclosertothesounds
ofthepartyuntilhewasabletolookthroughthemetalgratethatcoveredthebathroom.

ThetwoMexicancartelhitmenwerestandinginside.Vincentscannedtheentireroom.

“Got‘em,”hewhisperedandcarefullyopenedhisblazertoaccesshissmallselectionofweapons.He
shookhishead,knowingthatpeoplewoulddefinitelyhearthegunshotfromtheotherroom.Asaresult,
Mexicancopswouldswoopintolockhimup.

“Don’t think the Valitori family is too big around here,” Vincent muttered under his breath and chose a
weapon.

Oneofthemenwasdownonhisknees,bentoverthetoiletandtryingtovomitwhateverpoisonwasin
hissystem.Nothingcameup.

Theothermanwasstandingbehindhim,sayingsomethingininaudibleSpanish.

Shakingandtrembling,thepoisonedmandroppedtothefloorandbegantovomitbloodalloverhimself.
Theothermanappearedtobeinshock.Hebentdowntoholdhisfriend’sheadupwhiletryingtocalm
himdown.Whenhedidn’tsucceed,hestoodandreachedforhisphone.

“Doesn’t look like he’ll pull through,” Vincent whispered into the standing thug’s ear. Before the man
couldturnaround,VincentwrappedawirefirmlyaroundtheMexican’sthroatandstrangledthelifeoutof
him.

Despitethethug’sstrugglesandscuffling,Vincentbroughtthemandowntohisknees,notreleasinghim
untilthethug’seyespopoutandhisfaceturnblue.

“Ugh,”Vincentgroanedandreleasedthemansohe’dflopontotheground.

“Nottooclean,butnottooshabby.”Vincentbrushedoffthecreasesonhisblazerandrolleduphisgarrote

wireashewalkedoutofthebathroom.

Justasheexited,anothermanwalkedin,sawthebodies,andexclaimed,“Fuck!”

In order to draw attention away from himself, Vincent muttered a curse, as if he was also completely
shocked,andturnedaroundtojoininthecrowd’scommotion.

AlthoughhespokeandcursedinItalian,thecrowdofMexicansseemedtodismisshimasthesuspect.He
playedhispartwell,addingtothecrowd’sdrunkenness.

“Shit!”Heblendedintothecrowdbut,whenheturnedaround,hisgazelockedwithCarly’s.

Shequicklyfledfromthescene.Trappedontheotherside,Vincentstruggledthroughthelargepanicking
crowdofdrunkpatronsuntilherecognizedanotherthug.

“Nicolas Martinez?” Vincent bumped into the man and picked up a glass from the bar. He immediately
smasheditandrammedtheshardsintotheman’sface.

“Good night!” He bashed the drug cartel hitman’s head into the metal railings, lodging the glass shards
intohiseyesocketsandstraightintohisskull.

ThethugknownasNicolasdroppedtothegroundwherehebledout.Vincentsmirkedattheman.Thefact
thathe’dtakendownoneofMexico’smostnotorioushitmengreatlysatisfiedhim.

“Notsotough.”Hespatonthegroundbeforefleeingthescenejustbeforethecopsarrived.

“T

HAT

WAS

HIM

.I’msurethatwashim.”Ipacedthecarpetflooringinmyhotelroomandtriedtorecall

whathadhappenedinthatbar.IhadtorememberwhosefaceIsawinthatcrowdfullofdrunkenparty-
goers.

“ThatmanfromNewOrleans.”Irepeatedtomyself,“Butitcan’tbe…itcan’tbejustacoincidence.”I
lookedintothemirrorandwipedawaymymakeup.

Thoughts of him shivered down my spine. That night in New Orleans with that guy who was hot as all
hell.Thatguywho’dfuckedmewithhissizablecockwastheverysamemanIsawatthebar.He’dran
awayjustasthecrowdgotalittleinsane.

“Butwhatwashedoingthere?”Iaskedmyselfaloudwhileundressing,“unlesshewas…”

I shook my head, trying with all my will to shake off the bad feelings and thoughts. Why would he be
followingme?Coulditbethathereallywastheverysamemanwhohadkilledmyfatherandwasnow
afterme?Butifthat’strue,thenwhydidn’thekillmeafterhe’dfuckedme?

Thequestions,allimpossiblyfuckedup,swirledaroundinalargecyclone.

“Getagrip,Carly.Getagrip,”Irepeatedoverandover.Then,Irememberedanotherthing.

“Who the hell was that?” I tried to remember why Nicolas grew frustrated and pissed off with each
passingminuteandwitheachquestion.

Seeing him create all those little lies drove in the final nail to the coffin. I knew there was something

wrongabouthim.

“He knew me!” Shivers ran down my spine as I remembered when he’d called me by my real name.
“Howthefuckdoesheknowme?DothosefuckingmobstershavepeopledowninMexicotoo?”

Angry,Ithrewoffmyheels.Iwasn’tjustangryathowbadlythenightturnedout.Iwasangrythatthere
wasabsolutelynoescapingthem,nowaytoliveoutaquietlifewithouthavingtolookovermyshoulders
andoverthinkeverylittledetailwhenImeetanotherperson.

“How do I know if they’re unaware that I’m at this hotel?” I asked myself, backing into the bed and
feelingtheanxietycrawlupfrombehindme.

“Ihavetodisappear!”Isaid,andthenburiedmyfaceinmyhandsandsobbedquietlytomyself.

“

OUTOFMYHEAD

Now

otthistime,”Vincentshookhishead,tryingtobrushoffthememoryofmissingtheshotbackinNew
OrleansandmakingsurethatCarlywassafeandoutofthereachoftheMexicancartel.

“Notthistime,”herepeatedandslungtheiconiclongsuitcaseheluggedwithhimallthewayfromthetop
ofhishotelroom,“Thistime…I’mpullingthattriggerforsure,”hewalkeddowntheremainingfewsteps
andstoodoutsideintheChicagoraininfrontofhisslick,blackcar.

Withoneclickofhiscarlock,thealarmsweredisarmed.Vincentswungthetrunkopen.Hetossedthegun
into the back of his car and shut the boot behind him before walking back up to the driver’s seat. He
stoppedinhistracksastherainbegantopickup.Helookedupattheskyandsawlightstreamingthrough
thecloudsabovehim.

“Doesiteverstopraininghere?”heaskedaloudandcaughttheraindropsinhishand.Vincentpulledup
thecollaroverhiscoatandcoveredhisneck.

He swiftly opened the car door and got inside. With a couple of adjustments to the mirrors and a look
around the streets of Chicago, Vincent knew that the end was soon coming. A hint of either remorse or
hesitationrosefromoutofnowhere.

“No!”Heslammedhisfistonthecar’ssteeringwheel,thengrippedtheleatherhard.

“Ican’taffordtofuckthisup.Ican’taffordtomakeanothermistaketoday.”

He removed the keys from his pocket and slid them into the ignition. The car roared to life. Vincent
adjustedhisrearviewmirrorsohecouldlookintohisowneyes.

Justashewasabouttoshiftthecarintodrive,hiscellbegantoring,catchinghimoffguard.

“Boss,”Vincentansweredimmediately.Heremovedhishandsfromthewheel.

“Howgoestheoperation?”Antonaskedoncemore,pesteringVincentwiththefactthathisboss—theman
whooncehadhiscompleteconfidenceandtrust—wascertainthathisbesthitmanwasabouttofailhim
again.

“Youcalledmelessthananhourago,boss,”VincentgrittedhisteethinfrustrationasheansweredAnton.

Heputhishandsonthesteeringwheelandgrippedittightly,“IalreadytoldyouthatI’mgoingtogetthis
jobdone.”

“Oh,thejobwillbedonetoday,”Antonresponded,“onewayortheother,thegirlwilldie,andallher
evidenceagainsttheValitorifamilywilldiealongwithher.”

“I’llmakesureofit,”Vincenttriedtoendtheconversation.

“Ihaveaswell.”

“Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”

“I’vecalledinyourfriend,MitchWilliams.Decentman.He’sagreedtohelpyoufinishoffthejob,maybe
evendealthekillingblowhimself.”

Vincentreboundedindisgustwhenheheardhisrival’sname.TheonlypersonwhorivaledVincentwas
MitchWilliams,asouthernerwhocouldshoottwin-shootersliketheoldcowboysandbanditsbackinthe
OldWest.

“Why?”Theveinsonhistemplespoppedoutasheconversedwithhisboss.

“Because,Vincent,you’vefailedthisjobsomanytimes.Iwouldhavealreadyhadyoufuckingkilledfor
thatstuntyoupulledinMexico.”

“Ialreadytoldyou,Anton,”Vincentlied,“Ihadherinmysights.Idid!Butthecartelmembersyousent
aftermemetwithafirefightwitharivalgangoftheirs.Ihadtostayandhelpthem.”

“Butallofthemendedupalldeadanywayandnoneofthemdiedbybulletholesinanyoftheirbodies
saveforoneman,”

Vincentremainedsilentandbithistongue.

“Oh,yes,”Antoncontinued,“Ididmyfairshareofreadingthroughsomelocalnewspapersfromdownin
MexicoandIfoundoutallabouthowthosecartelmemberswerekilled.Therewerenogunsinvolved,
therewerenorivalgangs.Atleast,notaccordingtothepapers.”

Vincentgrewincreasinglyuneasyandnervousathisboss’stone.

“But,thenagain,I’vealwayshopedthatyouhaveagoodreasonforwhateverliesyou’vetoldme.”

Hesighedwithrelief,“Ihadmyreasons.”

“I’msureyoudid,”Antoninhaleddeeply.Vincentassumedhehadbeensmoking,“Andno,I’mnotatall
pissedoffthatyoucappedsomeofthemostdangerousmenwhobelongedtotheLosOscuridad.No,not
atall.TheycanrestinfuckingpeaceforallIcare.”

“Iwasjustsidetracked,boss.”

“Justtellmethetruthnexttime.Getthejobdone,”Antonrepeatedandendedthecall.

Withaslamofhisfistonthesteeringwheel,VincentcursedashedroveouttothebusystreetsofChicago,
“Howdidhefuckingfindout?”hemutteredashehonkedhishornanddrovethroughthetraffic.

RING.Hisphonebuzzed,makinghimjump.

“What?”hesnappedatBrian.

“Thebosscalledusup.”

“Whereareyou?”

“We’rewithMitchWilliams.Bosstoldustobackhimup.”

“Yeah?Wellwherethehellareyou?”

“We’repullinguptoWeston’sapartmentnow.Thegirl’sgonnagetit,soresteasy.”

“No,youlistentome,Brian.”Vincentflooredthegaspedalandspedthroughthestreets.“CarlyWestonis
mine. You hear me? She’s my assignment. She’s my target. And I’ve been on her tail for the last two
years!”

“And somehow, you’ve managed to fuck up every last attempt you’ve made on her. You’ve wasted Mr.
Valitori’stimeenough,Vincent.He’ssendingusintofinishthejob.”

“Just wait for me,” Vincent said through gritted teeth, “I’ll be the one to take that shot. You don’t take
ordersfromMitch.Youlistentome!”

Brian ended the call. Vincent drove like crazy, speeding through traffic as though he was late for an
appointment,“Gottagettherefast!”

Then

RUCKUS

INCENT

startednearlycausedafullonwarbetweentwoofthelargestcartelsinMexico.

“What happened?” Anton asked him over the phone as Vincent was about to board his plane. “Tell me
whathappenedinMexico.”

“It’s a pretty long story, boss. Bottom line is that a rival cartel got in the way at that bar. Ended up
shootingupmostofourfriendsfromtheLosOscuridad.”

“Firefight,huh?DoesHernandezknowwhathappened?”

Vincenthesitated,asheliedhiswayoutofhisresponsibilitiesandfollies.“No,nohedoesn’tknowyet.
Noneofhismenmadeitoutalive.”

“This is terrible. I’ll have to send in word to Hernandez, make sure everything’s alright and that this
won’tstartanythingbetweenourfamilies.”

VincentthoughthardonwhatthatcouldpossiblymeanforthesituationinMexico,buthejustagreedwith
Antonandendedthecall.

“Doesn’tmatter,”hemutteredtohimselfanddrovehiscarbacktotherentalagency.

“Gracias, señor,” The man in the suit smiled as Vincent handed in the keys. “and how was your
experiencewiththevehicle?”

“Nottoobad,”Vincent’seyeswanderedtothetelevisionsetwhichwasrunningthenewsonthehour.

Hewalkedoverandsawitwascoveringadeadlyfirefightthathaderuptedbetweentwostreetgangs.He
couldn’tunderstandawordtheyweresaying,though.

“Whathappened?”Vincentaskedwhentheemployeewalkedupnexttohimtolistentothenews.

“Los Oscuridad and Muertos,” he replied, shaking his head and tutting, “gang violence all over my
country.Terrible,terriblenews.”

Vincentwatchedthenewsprogramflashseveralfacesofthemenwhohaddiedintherecentlyconcluded
firefight.

“Shit.”Heshookhisheadandturnedtograbataxitoheadtotheairport.

“H

COULD

youfuckingloseher?”Antonhadhisbackturned.Hestoodinhisstudywitharoaringfirein

frontofhim.

Vincentstoodwithhishandsbehindhim.TwoValitorimenstoodatthedoors.

“LikeIsaid,Icaughtaglimpseofherbackthereatthebar,butsomerivalgangmemberswereinthere,
too.Theyweretalkingshitonourfriends.”

“Ifiguretheydidn’ttakethattookindly,”Antonstrokedhischin,freshlyshavedoffacialhair.“Doyou
haveanyideahowmanymenhavediedinMexicoafterthatlittlefeud?”

Vincentshookhishead.“IknowthattherewasashootoutthenightIflewbackheretoBoston.”

“Right.Inthatmuchtime,overfortymenhavediedonbothsides.”

“Ifyoudon’tmindmeasking,howisanyofthisrelevant?”

“Itisn’t,really.”Antonpickedupaglassofwhiskeyfromhisdeskandtookasmallsipfromit.“What
reallymattersisthatyougetthegirl,destroytheevidence,andoffher.”

“You’reprettycalm,consideringeverythingthat’shappened.”

Antonsmirkedathim.Vincentcouldseethehandheheldtheglasswithtrembleunderpressure.“Calm?I
couldrisklosingeverythingIeverbuiltfromscratchbecauseofallthismess!Justbecauseoneofmymen
forgottocheckeveryroombeforehecappedarat,I’mgoingtoloseeverythingIeverworkedforinthe
firstplace!”

Vincent didn’t flinch. He had this coming, but the thought of having his boss this pissed off brought up
seriousthoughts.

“You know, Vincent,” Anton took a seat behind his desk. “I am a man of very little patience. I’m not
known for my incredible patience, but what I am quite known for is my uncontrollable temper when
somebodycrossesme.Orwhenoneofmymenfucksupasimpleassignment.”

Vincentblinked.

Anton continued, reaching his arms across his desk and looking Vincent dead in the eyes. “You’ve

managedtoscrewupajobthathasthepotentialofruiningthefamilybusiness.I’vekilledmenforless.”

Vincent was uneasy now. Anton darted a look toward the two men standing by the door. “I’ll have this
handled.”

Antonhesitatedandscannedtheroomforhismen,watchingthemcloselybeforeturninghisattentionback
toVincent.Hewaitedforafewmoments,weighingthingsoutcarefully.“Alright,Vincent,”Herelaxedin
hisseatandcuppedhishandsintoaball,intertwininghisfingersoverhisdesk.“Ihaveinformationthat
mightgetusbackontracktofindingthegirlanddestroyingwhateverevidenceshehasonus.”

Vincentleanedforwardandlethisbosscontinue,“AninformanthasnotifiedmethatCarlyWestonwas
spottedoutonthestreetshereinBoston.Hetriedtotailherforaslongashecouldbutshegotonabus
headedoutofthecity.”

“Wherewassheheaded?”Vincentasked.

“Chicago,”hereplied,reclininginhischairandtossingVincentanewpictureofher.

“That’sher.Newlookandall.”

“Redhair.Thisishernaturalhair,”

“Iguessshegottiredofallthedyes.Whogivesafuck?”

“Chicago.PrettyfarofffromBoston,don’tyouthink?”

“Quitwastingtime.GetyourassovertoChicagoandfinishthejob.”

ThelookAntongaveVincenttoldhimthatAntonwasn’texactlyinhismostforgivingstate.

TRIP

from Boston to Chicago was an absolute wreck for Vincent. His drive to the city took sixteen

hours,includingareststoponthefreeway.

“Finally,”hemutteredashewalkeduptothehotel.Thevaletwalkeduptotakehiscarouttothebackfor
parking.

“Notthebestplaceintown,butIguessit’lldo,”hesaidandlookedupatthetoweringbuildinginfrontof
him,certainthatthisshouldbethelasthotelhe’dbestayingattofinishthejob.

“Yessir?Wouldyouliketorentaroom?”

“I’vealreadymadereservations,”Vincentsaid,takingcoatoffandslingingitoverhisarm.

“Name,sir?”

“EricMyers,”hetoldtheclerkwhobegantosearchthelistonhiscomputer.

“Ahyes,”henoddedandturnedaroundtosearchforthekeys.“Hereyouare,Mr.Myers.Oneofourboys
willhelptakeyourbagsuptoyourroom.”AbellhopcametoVincent’sservice,takinghisbagsandhis
suitcase.

“Thanks,”heremarkedandturnedhisattentionbacktotheclerk.“Knowanygoodbarsaroundtown?”

The clerk widened his eyes. “Well, we have a small casino in the upper floors if you’d like to have a
drinkortwobythebarthere.”

“No.”Vincentwavedhimoffandshookhishead,“Gonnaneedtogoaroundtown.”

Theclerkthoughtlongandhard.“Well,”hefinallysaid,“Thereshouldbeacoupleofplacesinthered
district.Shouldn’ttakeyoulongtogetthere,either.ShallIhaveyourcarpulleduptothefront?”

“Pleasedo,”Vincentnoddedbutkepthisexpressionblank.

As soon as the valet brought his car back up to the front of the hotel, Vincent took one last look at the
façade.

“Ican’tfinishthejobwithherinmymind,”hegrowledandlookedupatthebuilding.

“Gottagetmyheadstraight,”hehoppedintothecarandthankedthevalet,tossinghimarollofonedollar
billsbundledupwithinatwenty.

ThoughtsofCarlyswaminhishead.Thesightofher,thesmellofherhair,thetouchofherskin,andthe
wayshelookedathimashegaveherpleasure.Thewayshelustedafterhim.

ShewasthetypeofgirlthatmadethingsseemrightforVincent.Thekindofgirlwhowouldsatisfyhimby
obeyinghiseverywhim.

“That night…” he shook his head with a smile as he gripped the steering wheel and drove through the
night.

He remembered just how intense she was, how she followed the way he moved which allowed him
pleasureattouchingheranywherehewanted.

“No!” Vincent shook the thoughts off and focused on the road. He must divert his attention. Anton was
absolutelypissedandwassoclosetogettinganotherhitmanwhichwouldtakehimoutalongwithCarly.

“Gotta get things right.” He pulled up to Chicago’s red light district and eyed the bar’s flashing neon
lights. Women called and whistled to him from the sidewalk, begging to be taken off the streets to join
somerandomguyintheirbed.

“Thisisn’twhatIwaslookingfor.”Vincentfrownedanddrovethroughthenarrowstreet,awayfromthe
prostitutesandshowgirls.

Hefinallyarrivedatarelativelydecentplacewhichhadafinenameandplayedgoodmusic.

“This’lldo,”hemutteredandfoundacurbparkingspace.

Ashegotoutandslammedhiscardoorshut,hecaughtaglimpseofabouncerstandingattheveryfrontof
thelineofpeopletryingtogetinside.

“For fuck’s sake.” He walked up to the bouncer and showed him the same card he always showed the
authorities.ThesevenfoottallbouncerliftedthevelvetropetoletVincentinside.

“Thanks,”henoddedattheguardandwalkedinside.

Heneededadrink,soVincentmovedtowardthebartenderandsatdownononeofthestools.

“You look pretty glum,” the bartender commented. When Vincent threw him a pissed off look, the

bartendersaid,“Alrightthen.”

“Justgetmesomethingstrong.Whiskey—leavethebottle.”

Thebartenderraisedaneyebrow,butplacedashotglassnexttothebottleofwhiskeyheputinfrontof
him.

Vincentpouredashotanddownedthefirstoneinlessthanasecond,thenhepreparedanother.

“Youokaythere?”Thevoiceofayounggirlaskedfromhisleft.Heturnedaroundtoseewhoitwas.

Thesoundofhervoicewassmallandfrail.“Youlooklikeyou’vejustlostyourentirelifesavings,”she
satdownnexttohimandleanedcloser.

Vincentflashedthatwickedgrinhealwayssavedupfortheladieshelikedbest,“Notreally.Justlooking
togethammered,maybehaveagoodtime.”

“Well,youlooklikeyoucouldreallyuseagoodtime.”Herreturnsmilewasnaughty.

Tooeasy,hethoughttohimselfand,inonegulp,downedanothershotofwhiskey.“What’syourname?”

“I’m Miranda,” she extended her arm and touched his palm with hers. “You’ve got a really strong grip
there.

“Victor,”hegaveherafakenameandsmiled.“Areyoufromhere?”

Shenodded.“Yeah,I’vebeenlivingheresincemyparentsmovedushereabouttenyearsago.”

“Ohyeah?”Vincentwasn’tmuchforsmalltalk,sohedecidedtospeedthingsup.“CanIgetyouadrink?”

Mirandasmiled.“Sure,somethinglightthough.Idon’twannagettoodrunktonight.Myfriendsarehaving
apartyatherplacelater,”

“Oh,you’regettingwastedlaterthen?”Vincentlookedaway,tryingtomaskhisboredom.

“Yeah,funnystoryabouttonightactually,”MirandacontinuedbutVincentwasn’thavinganyofit.

“Youwannagetoutofhere?”heaskedher,abruptlycuttingheroffmid-sentence.

Miranda’sexpressionwasdifficulttoread.Ontheonehand,sheappearedutterlydisgustedthatVincent
wouldaskforsomethinglikethatsoquickly.Ontheotherhand,shelookedlikeshehadsoiledherself.

Itwas,indeed,thelatter.

IRANDA

WALKED

INTO

THE

ROOM

.“Niceplace.”Vincentflickedthelightsonandshutthedoorbehindher.

“Yourichorsomething?”Sheaskedandtwirledherblondehairinherfingers.“Iheardthisplacewas
expensive.”

“Itwasn’tthatexpensive,”Vincentmutteredandthrewoffhiscoat.HewalkeduptoMirandaandranhis
fingersthroughherhair.

“Just like her,” he whispered to himself, inaudible to Miranda who was mesmerized and entranced by

Vincent’seyes.

“What do you wanna do now?” Miranda asked and took a step back, eyeing Vincent with a look that
shoutedshewasabsolutelygameforalittlefun.

“I don’t know,” Vincent smirked and took a step forward, tossing off his blazer as well, “what do you
haveinmind?”

Mirandagiggledasshetookoffthestrapfromherdress,releasinghershouldersfromtheweightofthe
sequinsandthesparklingvelvet.“MyfriendsaregonnabewonderingwhereIwent.”

“Who cares?” Vincent got closer, unbuttoning his shirt and tossing off his tie. “I bet they’d be glad
somebodytookyouawayfromthatboringbar.”Hesteppedcloser,urginghertowardsthefootofthebed.

VincentpracticallyshovedMiranda,whowaswearingonlyherunderwearandbra,ontothesoftcushions
ofhisbed.Mirandaposedforhim,unhookingherbraandspreadingherlegsacrossthebed.

“My,my.”Vincentgrinnedather,obviouslustandrawhungerinhiseyes.“Isthatforme?”

“Comeandgetme,”shetauntedVincentwithaflickofherfingers.

He stripped to his boxer shorts, bearing chiseled abs and wide muscular shoulders to Miranda. She
lookedasthoughshe’dwonthelottery.

“Comehere!”shewhispered.Vincentcrawledontothebedandgrabbedherankles.

“Youlikeplayingrough?”Vincentaskedandgrabbedherpanties.Heslowlyslidtheblacksilkdownher
legsandfeastedonthesightofherpussy.

“Youlooklikeyou’rewetalready.Wehaven’tevenstarted!”VincentthrusttwofingersinsideMiranda.
She quivered and squirmed at his touch. Her bra sailed over onto the other side of the room, then she
grabbed Vincent by the back of the neck. Balling her fists in his hair, she gave in to the mercy of his
fingers.

“Don’tyoudarestop!I’mabouttocumalready,”shesquealed,pressingherlipsonVincent’sneckand
licking down to his chest. Vincent drove his fingers deeper, pumping in and out and making Miranda
whimperandbegformore.

“Oh!”sheexclaimed,wrappingherbarebodyaroundhimassheclimaxed.

“Mind returning the favor?” Vincent teased Miranda, who was catching her breath from the incredible
orgasmthatstillpulsedthroughherbody.

“Yeah,that’sright,”VincentputhishandonherhairasMirandaslidhermouthupanddownonhiscock,
feelingtheveinsofhismanhoodonhercheekandtongue.“You’reprettygood,”hecomplimentedherand
strokedherhair.

Vincent gazed into her eyes as she continued to pleasure his cock. Noticing something was a bit off,
MirandastoppedandlookedupatVincent.“What’sthematter?Aren’tyouenjoyingyourself?”

Mirandalookedconcern,butVincentknewthiswastheonlywayofgettingCarlyoutofhishead.

“Yes,Iam.”Vincentgrabbedherbythewaistandthrewherdownonthebedonherbelly.

“Oh!”sheyelpedandturnedherheadaroundtoseeVincentjerkinghiscocktogetitharderagain.“Are
yougonnafuckmenow?”

“Turnaround.Keepyourheaddown,”hecommanded.Shedidasheasked,turningherfaceandkeeping
herassintheair.“Givemeyourhands,”heordered.Mirandapromptlystretchedherarmstoherbackfor
Vincent.

Withoutamoment’shesitation,Vincentgrabbedhistieandwrappeditaroundherwrists.

“You’reallminenow,”Vincentwhisperedintoherearasheleaneddowntocaresshercheek.“Areyou
readyforthis?”

To Vincent’s pleasure, Miranda nodded. He licked his fingers and ran them up and down her exposed
cunt.“You’reprettywetnow,aren’tyou?”

Hepulledbackandrubbedhiscockagainstherclit,thenstuckthetipinslowlytoteaseher.

“Please,”Mirandabeggedwithherarmstiedbehindherbackandherfacedownonthepillow.“Giveit
tome!”

Vincentshovedallteninchesinsideher.Shesquealedandshuddered.Hethrustdeeply,poundingintoher
with Carly in mind. Throughout the entire fucking, he only thought of Carly. When she tried to turn her
headaround,he’dyelltokeepitfacedownonthepillow.That’showCarlytookeveryinchofhim.

Itdidn’ttakelongbeforehefelthisimpendingclimax.Hetookhiscockoutandspreadhisoozingcumall
overMiranda’sback.“Fuck!”heexclaimed,strokinghismanhoodandwatchingthewhiteoozedripall
overherskin.

“Wow!”Mirandagaspedforairandrolledovertohersidewithherhandsstilltiedbehindher.“Thatwas
fuckingamazing.”

Vincentgrinned,pantingslightlyfromthehardpoundinghedelivered.

“T

HAT

FELT

…satisfying,”Vincenttoldhimselfassoonasheawokethenextmorning.Helookedupatthe

brightmorningsunandnoticedacoupleofraincloudshanginginthedistance.

Withayawnandastretch,herolledfromhissideofthebedontotheother.HerolledoverMirandaalong
theway.

“Oh,”heexclaimed,“Ididn’tthinkyou’dstillbehere.”

Mirandasmiledupathim.Hereturnedafakesmile.

“I thought it would be pretty shitty of me to leave without at least giving you my number,” she sat up,
proudlydisplayingherbarechest.

“Oh,right,yournumber.”Vincentlookedaroundtheroomforherclothesandnoticedtheywerelittered
alloverhisfloor.

“Yeah,yougotapen?”Mirandapiped,rollingoffthebedtowalknakedaroundtofacehim.

“Right.No,Idon’thaveapen.”Hemadeanexcuseandgrabbedhisboxersfromunderthebed,sliding
themontocoveruphismanhood.

“That’s alright. I’ll just send you a text and you’d have it then,” Miranda smiled. He ran his fingers
throughhishair.

“Yeah…no, Miranda. Last night was pretty good, but I’d appreciate it if you’d just get dressed and go
home.”Shockspreadoverherface.Vincentwalkeduptoherinapology.

“Ithoughtyouwerealittledifferentfromthatsort,”shesnapped,shakingwithrage.

“I’msorry,Miranda.Youseemlikeaprettynicegirlbut…”

BeforeVincentcouldfinishhissentence,herpalmmetthesideofhisface.Mirandastormedthroughthe
room,grabbingherclothesandslippingthemon.

As she gathered everything she owned, Vincent sat on the bed and sighed with both relief and
disappointment. While he waited, Miranda was muttering and grumbling about how all men were the
sameandhowusedshefeltunderVincent’stouch.

“Hey,” Vincent stood up and met Miranda at the door just before she closed it. “I just want to let you
knowthatI’msorryandthatthere’snothingwrongwithyou.”

Miranda’slipstrembled.Vincentcouldtellshewasonthevergeoftears.

“Ithinkyouhaveanamazingbodyandyou’reverybeautiful.It’sjustthatIthinkImightfinallywantto
staywithjustonegirl.”

Mirandanoddedandstormedoutthedoor,slammingitshutbehindher.Hesatdownbackonthebedwith
asigh.

Vincentcoveredhisfaceandfellbackontohisbed.Hecouldn’tgetthesight,smell,touch,andtasteof
Carlyoffhismind.Thoughtsofherweredrivinghimcrazy.

ThenhethoughtaboutwhathehadjusttoldMirandaandwonderedhowmuchofitwasabsoluterubbish
andhowmuchofitwastrue.Didhetrulywanttofinallyhangupthebachelorlife—fuckinggirltogirl—
andsettledownwithsomebodyhetrulydesired?

“Well, that didn’t work,” Vincent said aloud as he looked up at the ceiling. Carly was imbedded in his
mind.Hehadnoideaifitwaslustorlove,butheknewonething—hecouldn’tpullthattriggerevenifhis
lifedependedonit.

Vincentheardhisphoneringsohemovedoffthebed.“Whoisitnow?”

Heansweredto,“Vincent…it’sAnton.”

ATURNOFEVENTS

Now

he rain was slowing to a stop. I took a shower with hot water and scrubbed down the stress. The

headacheswerewashedawayalongwithallthedirt.Ilookeddownandsmiledthatthereweren’tstreaks
ofgoldorbrownrunningdownthedrain.Itwirledmyredhairwithmyfingersandwaspleasedatthe
sightofthecrimsoninsteadoftheblondeandbrown.

“JustthewayIlikeit,”Isaid,smilingtomyself.Moreso,I”mgladthatmonthshavepassedsinceIlast
sawanybodywhotriedtotakemylife.Thedangeraspectmademylifemiserableattimes.But,mylife
hadpeacefulandcalmmomentstoo.

InBoston,afewmonthsagowhenIfirstboardedabustotakemehere,Ithoughttomyself,Idon’tthink
they’d look in Chicago. I had first thought of going back home, to where my father and I lived, but
reliving the memory of him getting beaten down and shot was something that I couldn’t bring myself to
comprehendoraccept.

Iturnedtheshowertapoff,butIcouldstillhearthedrizzlefromtherainoutsideasitbegantopickup
again.Icouldhearitwashingoverthewindowpaneandtheroof.

“When will it stop?” I asked myself aloud, looking out into the streets as I wrapped a towel over my
body. I peered through the curtains and saw people walking around the street and cars driving by the
apartment.

Withoutmuchthought,IstoodthereandwatchedthedailylivesofthosewhohadnoideaIexistedfrom
behindthiswindow.Therewasacouplewearingheavyfurcoatsandwalkingdownthestreetunderneath
asharedblackumbrella.Therewerecarshonkinghorns,tryingtogettotheirdestination—oneofthem
evenparkedjustacrossthestreet.Somekidswereplayingintherain,gettingwetunderneaththeclouds
anddancingonthepuddles.Itookadeepbreathandsmiled.

“Goodforthem,”Isaid,wishingforthatsortofeasinesstocomebackintomylife.

Ireachedforthepackofcigaretteslyingonthecounterwhilegrippingthetowelaroundmybody.Witha
cigaretteinmymouth,Iwalkedoutofthebathroomtosearchformylighter.Isawitonthetable,nextto
whereOscarwaslickinghisprivates.

“Getdownfromthere.”Ichuckledathimandgrabbedmylighter.

Walkingbackintothebedroom,Iplacedthecigaretteandthelighteronthedresserandtookoutasetof
clothes.Asimpleblouseandaskirtlongenoughtocovermykneeswoulddo,consideringhowIgota
small citation from my boss Marissa just a week ago when I figured that I would show up to work
wearing“indiscreet”clothing.Iscoffedatthememory,thinkingofhowridiculousitwas.

Igrabbedthecigaretteandmylighter,placingthestickinmymouthtolightit.

“Huh?”Ilookedupatthedresseragainandsawmyphonevibratingandlightingup.

“Hello?”Iansweredthecall.

“Hey,Carly,”Matthew,fromwork,soundedcheerful,“areyouatworkyet?”

Iwonderedwhyhewascallinginthefirstplace.

“No,notyet,what’sup,Matt?”Ilethisnicknamerolloffmytongue,“Areyouatwork?”

“Notreally.IjustthoughtIshouldcallandseewhatyouwereupto.”Matthewsoundedstrange,almostas
ifhewantedtotellmesomething.“I’matmyapartment.”

“Oh,okaythen,”Iansweredreluctantlyandfrowned,thenIrememberedAndrewandhowhewasacting
asstrangelyasMatthew.“Matt,whereareyou?Really,whereareyou?”Iasked.

Iheardtensioninhisvoiceasheanswered,“Justhangingaround.”Chillsranupanddownmyspine.

“Areyouathome?”Icouldn’thearanythingsaveforMatthew’svoice.

“Yup,justlyingdownisall.”

“Matthew,gethelp!Please!Idon’tknowwhereyouareorwhohasyou,butplease,trytocall911.”I
begantofreakout,torambleasIrememberedAndrewbeingtakenbythesemen.

IhadalmostcompletelyforgottenaboutAndrew’smysteriouscallandthechillingvoiceofthemanwho
saidthattheywereabouttocomeandgetme.

“What the hell are you talking about? Is that supposed to be an insult?” he asked. I blinked twice, both
relievedandshocked.

“What?Ithought—”

“YouthinkI’msomesortofbasketcase,isthatit?”

“No,that’snotwhatIthought,Matt.I’msorry.”

“Fuckoff,Carly.Iwasjusttryingtobeniceandyoublowallthisshitinmyface.Fuckyou!”

Matthewendedthecall.Igasped,andthenlaughedinrelief.Shakingmyhead,Itossedmyphoneonmy
bedatthesametimeIcollapsedonit.Istaredupattheceilingwiththecigaretteandlighterstillinmy
hand.

“Sure glad it wasn’t what I thought it was.” I giggled in relief again. Placing the tip of the cigarette
betweenmylips,Ilititandinhaledeeply.

“TheyhavenoideawhereIam.”Witheachword,aplumeofsmokeescapedmymouth.Ismiledatthe
sightofsmokeintheairwhilepushingthoughtsofdeathandmobstersoutofmymind.Isatuprightatthe

footofmybedandlookedoveratmynightstand.That’swherethedreadedshredofevidencewashidden.

“MaybeIshouldheadtoanantiquestore,”Imutteredandstooduptoreachforthenightstand’sdrawer.I
liftedoutthesmallcassettetape.Myfathertoldmeitwastheanswertosafety,Somehow,Iknewinthe
backofmymindthatthosecopsweren’ttobetrusted.Itrustednoone.

“Then, where do I go?” I asked aloud, holding the tape with one hand and the cigarette in the other. I
broughtthecigarettetomylipsandtookinadeepdrag.Myheadgotlighterwitheveryintakeofsmoke.

“Fuck it all,” I said, laughing at all the troubles I had gone through to get here. “I’ve done this for two
wholedamnyears.Icantoleratesomemore.They’llnevergetme.”

I walked back in front of the dresser and looked at myself in the mirror. I studied my face and saw
wrinklesformingalongthelinesofmylipsandonmyforehead.

“Igottarelaxmore,”Iutteredandranahandthroughmyhair.

Myphonebegantoringagain,butthisonewasn’tacalloramessage.ItwasthealarmI’dsetforhalf
pastnineinthemorning.Myshiftattheofficestartsinhalfanhour.“Shit,”Iranintothekitchentogulp
downtheremainderofmycoffee.

Oscarmeowedatme,soIpattedhisheadbywayofagoodbye.“I’llseeyoulaterOscar.”Ismiledatthe
orangetabby.Hesimplypurredandcockedhisheadtotheside.

Withonelastlookathim,Iheadedforthedoor.Oscarmovedinfrontofmeagain.

“What?”Iturnedaroundandlookedbackatthetable,“didn’tIjust…?”

Ilookedbackdownatthecatwhowasnowcurlingaroundmylegandclawingatmyankles.“Ow!Stop
it,Oscar!Thathurts.”Itriedtoshakehimoffbuthewouldn’tletgoofme.

Ibentovertolookathim.Helungedupwardandgrabbedatmybagsothatitscontentstumbledacrossthe
floor.

“Fuck!Stupidcat!”Icalledafterhim,buthehadpickedsomethingupandranintotheotherroom.

“Whatthehell?MyI.D!”Icalledafterhimwhilepickinguptherestofmybelongings.

“Oscar?Oscar!”Iyelledathimandlookedaroundthebedroom.Hewasnowheretobefound.

DRIVE

backtoCarly’sChicagoapartmentwentbyinabreeze.

“Damnit,”Vincentcursedatthesightofafamiliarfaceinthedistance.Threemensatinthecarinfrontof
the apartment. Two of them had once served him. One of them he knew all too well. They constantly
struggledforcontrolasthedominantmercenaryandkillerintheValitorifamily.

“Damnit,Williams.”Vincentslammedhishandonthesteeringwheel.Heparkedafewcarsaway,sohe
couldn’tbeeasilyspotted.

“Gottamovefast,”hesaidtohimselfandpulledhisphoneoutanduptohisear.

“Mitch,”hesaidinachillingvoice.Heclenchedhisteethtogether,gnashingthemashewouldhaveliked

Mitchtohavebeencrushedaswell“Ihearyou’vemadeittoChicago.”

“Vincenzo?Oldfriend,how’veyoubeen?”

“It’sVincent.Vincenzoisn’tevenmyname,yourottenshit,”

“Whoa, calm down now, boy,” Mitch chuckled. Vincent could see him laughing it off with his former
henchmen,“Yes,yes,IaminChicago.OldmanAntonValitorispecificallycalledformeto...err...helpyou
withajob.”

“Idon’tneedyourhelp,Mitch,”Vincentretortedandsimultaneouslygotoutofhiscar.Herealizedthathe
hadthehitmandistracted.

“Oh?Iheardthecontrary.”Vincentfeltsmugnessandself-righteousnesscoursethroughthephonelines.
HepaidlessthanhalfhisattentiontoMitchashebroughtouthisriflefromthetrunk,“Ihearthatyou’ve
beenafteratargetfortwoyearsandhavemissedeveryshotyou’vetaken.”

Vincentcouldn’tstandthesoundofMitch’svoice.Heranalongsidetheotherstreetandtriedtohidefrom
theirlineofsight.“Wellyouheardwrong.Haven’ttakenanyshotsatthetargetyet,”

Mitch fell dead silent on the other line and even stopped his chuckling. I didn’t like his serious tone.
“What?Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”

“ItmeansIhaven’tevenpulledatriggeronhersincedayone.”Vincentsmiledasheheldthephoneinhis
handandclimbedupthestairwellacrossfromtheapartment.“Itmeansthatthegirlisn’telusive.Ijust
chosenottoopenfire.”

It took a moment for Mitch to respond to all that Vincent was revealing to him. “You know that Mr.
Valitoriwillhearaboutthis,don’tyou?”

Vincentperchedontheroofwithhisrifleonitstripod.“Ohyeah,I’mcountingonit.”

Headjustedtheaimandthefocusonthescope,andthenplacedthecarinhissights.Hecouldeasilytake
theshotandbedonewithit.

“Whereareyou?”Mitchgotabitsuspiciousand,toVincent’ssurprise,heswungthecardooropenand
instinctivelylookedupattherooftopstospotVincentstilladjustinghisrifle.

“Youfuckingrat!”Mitchyelled.Hedrewhisgun,asilencedhighpoweredpistol,andaimeditatVincent.

“AntonwillbefuckingpleasedwhenhefindsoutI’vehittwobirdswithonestone!”

He fired off five rounds at Vincent who ducked behind the half-walls on the roof, barely dodging the
shots.Vincentfiredback.Hedidn’tevennoticethathisphonefellfivestoriesdownontothepavement
below.HispistolranoutofammoassoonasheunloadedtheclipatMitch.

“Sonofabitch,”VincentcursedandwentbacktosettinguphisriflewhenherealizedthatMitchraninto
theapartmentandawayfromthegunfirethatensued.

Pretty soon, pedestrians and civilians all ran off of the streets because the firing continued. This time,
BrianandEddywerefiringroundsatVincent.

“Fuckingtraitors,”Vincentloadedamagazineintotherifleandhadtomakedowithoutthetripod.

“Getaloadofthis,”Vincentpeekedoutoverhiscoverassoonasthefiringstoppedandheknewtheboys
were reloading. He aimed down the scope and fired off a loud and powerful round into Eddy’s head,
piercinghisskullwithalongandsharpbulletthroughtheeyes.HisbloodsplatteredalloverBrianand
thepavement,leavingtracesofhisbrainandcrackedskullallovertheconcrete.

“Fuck!”VincentheardBrianexclaimashestruggledtoreloadhisfirearm.

“I’msorryaboutthis.”VincentaimeddownhissightsatBrianandpulledthetrigger,sendingoneofhis
bestcompanionshurdlingtothegroundwithabloodyholeinhisforehead.

“Shit, where is he?” Vincent aimed down his rifle at Carly’s apartment and couldn’t get his sights on
Mitch,whowasprobablyalreadyhalfwaytoherroom.

“Goddamn it!” Vincent dropped his rifle on the rooftop and reached into the suitcase to pull out a long
rope.

Withoutamomenttolose,Vincenttiedasturdyknotaroundoneofthepipesontheroofandheldontothe
other end. As he strapped on a glove in his other hand, he ran towards the edge. The people below
screamedatthesightofhimrunningdownthewallswiththeropeinhand.

Vincent gripped onto the black rope and landed safely on the sidewalk. The onlookers and bystanders
began to take pictures but Vincent didn’t care. He rushed into Carly’s apartment, shoving through the
crowdsandpushingpastjournalistswiththeircamerasinhand.

Mitchwasalreadyuptheresomewhere,closetofindingCarly’sroom,Vincentthoughtasheracedupthe
stairs. Mitch might have had more experience than him in the field as a hired gun, but Vincent knew he
outmatchedhimonewaynobodycoulddeny:Mitch’syearsofexperiencehadrenderedhimoldandslow.

Vincent,ontheotherhand,ranupthestairsatfullspeed,takingthestairstwostepsatatimeandrushing
tomeetMitchonthefourthfloor.

“Fuckingbastard,”MitchexclaimedandaimedhispistolatVincent,buthewastackledtothegroundby
Vincent.

Twoshotsrangout,hittingandpiercingthroughtheapartment’swoodenwalls.

“AfterI’mdonewithyou,”Mitchstruggledtoregaincontrolofthegun,“I’mgonnafuckheruprealnice
withthis.”

ThatwasallittooktodriveVincentoutofhismind.HebashedhisheadintoMitch’s,effectivelydazing
theolderman.

Vincentgrabbedthegunbutdroppeditwhentheoldermercenarytriedtograbatit.

“Fuck,”Vincentexclaimedasitdropontothestaircaseanddowntothelanding.Hereturnedhisgazeto
Mitchintimetoseetheman’sfistwhichsenthimreelingbackagainstthewall.

Mitch tried to stand up but Vincent grabbed him by the neck with a powerful squeeze, subduing and
bringingtheoldhitmantohisknees.

“Fucking…traitor,”MitchballedhishandsintofistsandpunchedVincent’sguts,causinghimtoreelback
onceagain.

Mitchfoundhisbearingsandstoodagain.Hedrewaknifefromhisbackpocketandtookonadefensive
stance.“Comeatme,rat,”hetauntedVincentandbluffedalungeathim.

ThegroundswerebarelyevenwithVincentbeingunarmedandwithMitchhavingaknife.“Yourtime’s
up,” Mitch breathed hard and lunged at Vincent with full force, driving the dagger in his hand towards
Vincent’schest.

In a moment of clarity, Vincent drew his empty gun and bashed Mitch’s head with it to stun him. Mitch
staggered and turned his back on Vincent. Vincent took the opportunity to wrap his fingers around the
olderman’sneck,twistingandgrippinghischintightlyaswell.

Withasnapofhisneck,Mitchdroppedtothegroundwithhiseyeswideopenandhisfacetotheceiling.

“Fuck…fuckingcunt!”Vincentcaughthisbreathandleanedagainstthewall,feelingastingingpaininhis
shoulder.Hetoucheditwithhisrighthandandwinced.Mitchhadmanagedtoslashhim.

Asheleanedagainstthewall,Carly’sapartmentdoorswungopen.Shestoodthere,obviouslyinshock
and startled by all the blood oozing from Vincent’s shoulder. Her gaze dropped to the dead man at her
doorstep.

“Whatthefuck?!”shestumbledbackafewsteps.Vincentrushedforwardtograbherbythearm.

“Calmdown,calmdown!”

“It’syou!Getyourhandsoffme!”Shesnarledathim.

“I

SAID

GET

yourhandsoffme!Help!Help!”IkickedandthrashedatVincentandtriedtomakearunforit.

“Listentome!”hecoveredmymouthwithhishandsandputafingertohislips.Thenhesaid,“I’mhereto
help.Thismanwasjustabouttokillyou.”

Whenheremovedhishandfrommymouth,Iasked,“Andaren’tyou?Iknowyou’vebeenaftermesinceI
ranawayfromBoston.”

“Ihavebeen,butyou’vegottotrustmeandfollowmenow.Therearemencomingtogetyouandmeand
itwon’tbeprettyforeitherofus!”

I gaped at him, but somehow, some way, I felt that he was being honest. It could have been my brash
decision making skills or perhaps it was my naivety or maybe it was just because I was rattled about
havingabodylyinginfrontofme.

“Alright,butIhavetogetmycat.”

“There’s no time!” Vincent grabbed hold of my hand. I caught a glimpse of Oscar, so I reached out as
Vincentdraggedmeoutside.

“Oscar!”Icalled,butVincentpulledmeupthestairs.Wherewashetakingme?Itriedtokeepaclear
mindashedraggedmetothetop,forcingmetorunupthelongflightofstairs.

“Where are you taking me?!” I called out, but he didn’t stop to answer. Instead, he drew his gun and
checkedit.

“Fuck,”heexclaimed.

“Whatisit?”Iasked,asheandIranupthestairwell.

“Outofammo,”hecalledbackandgrabbedholdofmyhandonceagain,“Comeon,we’realmostthere!”

Wewerealmosttotheendoftheflightofstairs.Therooftopexitwasdirectlyahead.AsIclimbedonto
thelaststep,Vincentswungthedooropen.

“Let’sgo!”Vincentcalledout.Ifollowedhimwhiletryingtocatchmybreath.Thethoughtofhimleading
metotherooftop,toadeadendfrightenedme.Wasthismantrulybeinghonestwithmeorwashestill
tryingtokillme.Isthisjustaploytogetmeupheresohecankillme?

Istoppeddeadinmytrackswhileherushedtowardstheedgeoftherooftop.Vincentlookedbackatme,
stillpressingonhiswoundedshoulder,“Whatthefuckareyoudoing?Wehavetogetoutofhere!”

I studied him. He was wounded and bruised from fighting with the dead man who now rested on my
doorstep.

As I stood there, wondering if this man was being truthful, I heard the sound of tires screeching down
belowandsodidVincent.

“Fuck, they’re here. We have to go. Now!” Vincent peeked over the edge of the rooftop. I ran to him,
takingmychanceswithhimratherthanwaitingtoseewhoappearedatthedoor.

“Comeon!”VincentandIrantotheedgeoftheapartment’srooftop.Wescannedtheothersideandsawa
building’srooftopafewmetersdownbelowwithahugegapinbetween.

“Carly,”Vincentwalkedtowardsmeandgrabbedmyhands,“You’regonnahavetotrustmeawholelot
forthistoworkandforbothofustogetthehelloutofheresafely,okay?”HisgazewassointensethatI
noddedrightaway.Heimmediatelysaid,“We’regonnahavetojumpforit.”

My stomach somersaulted. I thought I might get sick. “No fucking way!” I yelled and took a couple of
stepsbackwards.

“It’stheonlyway.They’recomingupherenow!Wehavetomovefast.”Vincenttightlygrippedmyhand
andtookacoupleofstepsbacksothathecouldgetarunningstart.

IheldmybreathasVincentranforit.Hejumpedthroughtheairandlandedwitharollontheroofofthe
building.

“Fuck!”Imutteredundermybreath.Heurgedmetojumptowardshim.

“Isn’tthereanyotherway?”Iasked,lookingdownthealleywaythatgapedbetweenthetwobuildings.

“Carly,hurryup!”Vincentcalledout.Iwasshaking.

“Theresheis!”yelledavoicefrombehindme.Turningslightly,Isawabunchofmenwearingsuitsand
carryinggunsrunontotherooftop.

“Stop! We just want to talk!” they called out to me. I knew there was no chance of survival if I stayed
here.

With a fast glance toward Vincent, I stepped backwards three times to prepare for my leap of faith

towardshim.

“Fuckit!”Iheardoneofthemenbehindmeshout.GunfireeruptedasIjumped,pushingoffashardasI
couldfromthebuilding.Forasecond,IwassureIwoulddroplikeastone.Then,thebuildingloomed
underme.Ituckedmyshoulderforward,preparingtohithard.Thankfully,Vincentwasready.Hehelped
mebackontomyfeet.

“Let’sgetthefuckoutofhere,”Vincentsaid.Irannexttohim.

“Hurry,throughhere!”HeandIrandownthestairwelluntilwereachedthethirdstory.

“Let’sgo,gogo!”IheardthementaketheirowndivesasVincentandImadeourwaydownthestairwell.

“Come on, Carly.” Vincent cracked open a murky window and stepped out with one foot on the metal
railingsofthefireescape.“Theywon’tseeusthroughhere.”

I followed him and shut the window behind me. We tried to go down the metal steps as quietly as
possible.

“Ithinkthecoastisclear,”ItoldVincentwhowasalreadyonthegroundandpeeringthroughthealleyway
toseeifanyofthemenwerestillfollowingus.

“Shh!” Vincent put a finger to his lip and looked up at the building we had just escaped from. “I think
you’reright,”hewhispered,smilingatme.Wemovedwithintheshadowsofthealleywayandthenrana
coupleofblocksawayfromthestreet.

“Whereareweheaded?”Ifoundthegutstoaskhimassoonaswewereawayfromthesoundsofboth
gunfireandsirens.IhopedtoGodthatOscarwasdoingalright.Afterall,hewasjustastreetcatthatI
found.Deepdown,IknewOscarwasatougholdbastard.

“Awayfromhere.Farawayfromhere,”Vincentreplied.Isimplynoddedandfollowedhim.

We finally reached a car that was parked in one of the alleyways behind the tall apartment buildings.
Vincentstoppedrunningandstoodinfrontofthecar.

“Whoa,”Isaidandstoppednexttohim.

“What?”Vincentcreptclosertothecar.

“You planned this getaway really well.” He picked up a brick and smashed the car’s window. Glass
implodedallovertheinterior.

“Whatthefuck?!”Ishrieked.Hetossedthebrickaside.

“What?YouthinkIhadthingsplannedoutallthewayhere?”heshookhisheadashegotintothedriver’s
seat.“Hopin.We’vestillgotalotofgroundtocover.”

Ihesitated.Idon’tknowwhy,butIfeltcompelledtojumpintothepassenger’sseatwithhimandtorunin
theoppositedirection.MaybeitwasbecauseIhadrunforsolongwithoutanyone’shelp.

“Well?”VincenthadmanagedtohotwirethecarwhileIhadmymomentofconflict.Revvingtheengine,
hegrowled,“Getin!Theycouldbeonourtailsaswespeak.”

Isighedandjumpedintothepassenger’sseat,buckledup,andleaningback.Vincentflooredit,pullingout

atahighspeedintotheChicagotraffic.

“Whatareyou,crazy?”Iyelledashedroveintooncomingtrafficlikeatotalmaniacwithoutregardfor
anyone’ssafety.

“Relax!” He grabbed the stick shift and shifted to a higher gear. “I’ve driven faster on roads more
dangerousthanthisone.”

Iheldontomyseatfordearlife.

“

REPRESSEDMEMORIES

incent!” I yelled over the sound of the horns blasting from the oncoming traffic. “Tell me what’s
goingon.Nobody’safterusanymore!”

“Notfornow,”heanswered.“Prettysoon,they’llbealloverourasses.”

“Buttheydon’tknowwherewewent.Theydon’tevenknowwehaveacar!”

Vincent slowed down and turned into the proper lane before maintaining a proper speed. I sighed,
relaxingenoughtorestmyheadback.Heshiftedintoalowergear.

“Whatthehell?”Isaidtomyselfandclosedmyeyes.

For a bit, there was only silence between us. When I opened my eyes and turned my head towards
Vincent,Icaughtaglimpseofhimsmilingbeforehisexpressionturnedsourandserious.

“What’sthematter?Can’tshowalittleemotion?”Iaskedhim.

“You’reactinglikeyouweren’tjustshotatafewminutesago.”Heglancedatmeandsmirked,“Ifyou’d
beenfaster,we’dbehomefreebynow.”

Ithoughtaboutwhathesaidandthenasked,“Homefree?Whereareyoutakingme,Vincent?”heglanced
overatmeforasplitsecond,thenreturnedhisgazetotheroad.

“SomeplaceIknowtheValitorifamilyandthecopswouldneverthinktosearch.”

“Andwhereisthat?”Iasked.Hepulleduptoabuildingandstopped.

“Here?Wherearewe?”Iasked,buthewasalreadyslidingoutofthecar.Vincentwalkedaroundtothe
passengerside.Iswungthecardooropenandslidouttoo.

“This looks pretty abandoned.” The building had broken glass, cracks, and cracked, flakey paint on the
exterior.Iwonderedhowbadtheinteriorlooked.

Whenhepulledasetofkeysfromhispocket,Iasked,“Doyoulivehere?”

“Iownpiecesofabandonedlandineverystate.ItjustsohappenedthatyouchoseChicagoofallplacesto
stayasyourhidingspot,justafewkilometersawayfrommine.”

“So…thisabandonedhouseisyours?”

“Oldfactory.Gotitcheapfromitsoldowner.Usedtomakeshoeshere.”

Ifollowedhiminside.Wewalkedupaflightofstairs.“Well!”Myvoiceechoedintheemptinessofthe
oldbuilding.“Whatarewedoinghere?”Iasked.

Heturnedaroundtofaceme.“Justfollowme.This’llbeourwayoutofthismessforgood.”

Hetookmyhand.Igingerlysqueezedhisfingers.

“Noneedtobeafraid,”hesaid.Wewalkeddownahallway.Icouldseearoomattheendofit.

“Whoareyou?”Iaskedhim.Hedidn’treply.Hedidn’tevenlookmeintheeye.Hejustcontinuedtolead
usthroughthehallwayuntilwestoppedatacloseddoor.Vincentswungthedooropen.

“Vincent,”Iblurtedoutbeforehewalkedinsidetheroom.

“Whatisit?”heasked.

Ipursedmylipsbeforeasking,“HowdoIknowIcantrustyou?”

Hetookastepclosertomeandtouchedmyface.Thenheranafingerdownmycheekandontomylips.
“That night…back in New Orleans. That was something else for me. More than just a night’s rough
fuckingwithsomerandomchickthatImetatabar.Itwasfarmorethanthattome,”helookedatmewith
an intensity that almost made me squirm. I could have fallen deeply for him that moment if he had just
leanedintokissme.

“Besides,”hesaid,inchesawayfrommyface,“ifIwantedyoudead,wouldyouevenbestandingherein
thefirstplace?”

Ileanedinandwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneck,holdinghimclosetome.

“Youwon’tharmme?Youwon’thurtme?”Iaskedhim,rubbingmyfingersandpalmsonhisback.

Icouldfeelhischestrisingandfalling.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundmywaistandheldmeclose,pulling
metohischest.“Neveragain,”hewhispered.Heheldmeatarm’slengthandlookedmeintheeyes.“But
wehavetohurry.Wecan’tstayhereanymore.”

“Wherearewegoing?”Iasked.Hegrabbedmyhandandpulledmetowardstheendofthehallway.

“Somewheresafe,”heswungthedooropenandflickedonalightswitch.

There,onthewallsoftheroom,allwhiteandpristine,wererifles,pistols,shotguns,andallmannerof
weapons. At the sight of all the weapons, knives, and bombs, I took a step back. My hand flew to my
mouth.

“What…whatisallthis?”Ibackedintohischest,thenjumpedandturnedtofacehim.

“Relax, Carly,” he said and took me by the shoulders. He led me towards a chair. “I think there’s no
questionaboutwhoIamorwhatIdoforaliving.”

“Yes…and…”Istoppedmid-sentenceandfeltasthoughabushadburstthroughthewallandhitme.

“Whatisit?”Vincentturnedtowardsadeskinthemiddleoftheroom.

“You…youkilledmyfather.Twoyearsago,”Imuttered.Heturnedaroundtofacemewithremorseand

paininhiseyes.

“Carly,”hewhispered.Memoriesflashedbacktome.Iwouldneverbeabletowashawaythesightsand
soundsofmyfatherbeingmurdered.“YouhavetounderstandwhatIam—whoIam.”

“Whoareyou?”Iaskedhim.Whenhetookasteptowardsme,Istoodup.“Whoareyou,really?Whyare
youhere?Whydidyoubringmehere?”

Vincentinhaleddeeplyandtookacoupleofstepstowardsme.Istoodmyground,clenchingmyteethand
fightingbacktears.

“Youhavetoknowmefromthestartofmylifeinordertounderstand,”heexplained.

Inoddedandsaid,“There’snorush.”

“Alrightthen,takeaseat.”HegesturedtothechairbutIshookmyhead.“Please…justcalmdownand
everythingwillmakesense.”

I took a deep breath and sighed, sitting down on the white cushion of the couch by the door. “Fine. Go
ahead.”

Hepulledupawoodenchairandsatbackwardsinit.“Ineverknewmyparents,”hebegan,lookingaway
frommeandappearingtostruggletofindwords.“Iwasn’tborninahospitaloranything.Ionlyhadawet
nurse.Shetookcareofmebutdidn’treallycareaboutme.”

Vincentlookedintomyeyes.Iremainedsilentashecontinued,“Igrewupwithotherboyswhowould
quarrelwithme,bullyme…andsometimesbeatmeupjustforthefunofit.”Heshookhishead,sighed
heavily,andpressedhisfingersonthebridgeofhisnose.

“Thereweretimes,ofcourse,whenourageswerejustright—likeattenyearsoldwhenthecaregivers
wouldtakeallofusouttothecourtyardto…”Vincentshookhishead,obviouslystrugglingwithwhathe
wasabouttosay.

“It’salright.It’sjustmelistening,”Iurgedhim.Hesmiledatme.

“Theytookusouttothecourtyardandpairedusalltogether.‘Fight’theysaid,‘fightforyourlives’,they
toldus.Theboyinfrontofmedidn’thesitate.Hewashuge,yousee—couldtakeonanox.Atleast,that’s
Ithoughtbackthen.”Vincentchuckledandclearedhisthroat.

“But then, when he lunged at me, I got quicker. The bullying and the quarreling taught me a bit of
technique,yousee.Then,whenhelungedatme,thatboyfelltotheground.Beforehecouldstandbackup,
Ipickeduparockand…and…”

Hecouldn’tgoon.Icouldtellbythelookonhisfacethathewashavingadifficulttimebringingupa
memorythatseemedstillfreshinhismind.

“ThatwasthefirsttimeItookalife.ThefirsttimeItrembledatthesightofblood.Youknowwhatthe
mastertoldme?”

Ishookmyheadandwaitedforhimtocontinue.

“Welldone,boy,”Vincentcoveredhisfaceandranhisfingersthroughhishair.“Welldone,hetoldme.
Aftersomeyearshadpassed,therewereonlyafewofusoutthereonthecourtyard.”

“Howmanyweretherewhenyoustarted?”IaskedeventhoughIdreadedtheanswer.

Vincentlookedmedeadintheeyes,“Therewereahundredofus.Eightyearslater,therewereonlyten.
Then,therewerejustfive.”

“Thatsoundshorrible,”wasallImanagedtosay.Itriedtoimaginehavingtokillandmurderthepeople
hehadgrownupwith.

“TherewerenofriendsintheValitoricompound.Therewerenoallies,noplaymates,nohappiness…only
strength,theysaid.Onlycunningandagility,theytoldus.”

“Valitori?”Iaskedatthename.

Vincentnodded,“AntonValitori.Themanwhoraisedus.Themanwhoturnedusintokillingmachines.”

“Wherearetheotherfourmen?”Iasked.

“I’vekilledthreeofthemsofar.”

“Andthemanatmyapartment?”

“Hewasmyteacher.Ibecameathreattohiscareer.HeandIhavebeenateachother’sthroatsforaslong
asIcanremember.”

“Sothere’soneofthemleft?”

“No. I’m the last one left. The fifth one who survived all the training tried to escape the Valitori
compound.Hedidn’tevenmakeitoutofthegates.”

Iremainedsilent,gazingquietlyintoVincent’seyesuntilItoldhim,“Iunderstandnow.”Istoodupand
walkedovertowherehewas.Hestooduptomeetmehalfway.Iheldhishandsinmine.“Theytaughtyou
tokill…taughtyoutobecomeamonster.”

“Idon’twantthatanymore,”Vincentwhisperedwhilelookingintomyeyes.“Butthey’llneverletmego.”

“Solet’srunaway,”Isaidandplantedasoftkissonhislips.TheheatofhisbodymingledwithmineasI
pressedmychestagainsthis.

Witheachmomentwespentkissingeachotherandfeelingoneanother’sbodies,wegrewhotter.

“Aren’tweinahurry?”Ipulledaway.Hesmiled,kissingmegentlyontheneckandrubbinghishandson
myback.

“Ithinkwe’vegottimeforthis,”hewhisperedandcarriedmewithmylegswrappedaroundhiswaist.I
wrappedmyarmsaroundhisneckandlookedintohiseyes.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked,knowingverywellwherethiswasgoing.

“I’vemissedyou,”hesaidandsatmedownononeofthetables.“ThatnightinNewOrleans.I’llnever
forgethowyoufeltandsmelled,howyoutastedandhowgooditfelttobewithyou.”

Ismiledandgrewhornierwitheachpassingmoment.Ilookeddeeplyintohiseyes,lettingmygazetell
himexactlywhatIwantedwithoutevensayingaword.Ileanedinforanotherkissasheundressedme.
Hethrewoffmyblouseandunhookedmybraintheprocess.

“Carly,” he said in between kisses on my neck and shoulders. I unbuttoned his shirt and ripped it wide
open.Igrippedhishairasheundidmyskirt,“I’vemissedthissomuch.”

Icouldfeelmyselfgettingwetasheslowlyslidmypantiesoffmylegs.Iheldmybreath,waitingtolearn
whathewantedtodotome.

Withoutamoment’snotice,hestrokedhistongueovermypussy.HelickedmyclitupanddownuntilI
wassquirming.

“Oh! Vincent!” I moaned. Goosebumps ran along my skin. He was masterful at oral, kissing and gently
bitingatmypussylips.Hesuckedatmyclitanddartedhistongueinsidemebeforerollingmyclit.

Iheldhisblondehair,grippingitwithmyfingersandpullinghishair.“Don’tstop…don’tstop!”Iclosed
myeyesandfellbackonthetableashefingerfuckedmeandsuckedatmyclit.

Underhisexperttongue,Icouldn’tstoptheseaofpleasurefromdraggingmeunder.Myclimaxwasso
intensethatIscreamed,“Fuck!”

Helickedmystomachandsaid,“Iplanto.”

Grinning,Iliftedmyheadandsaid,“Thatwasamazing.Itfeltsogood.”Iwatchedhimtakeoffhispants.

“Whatareyougonnadotome?”Iasked,posingforhimonthetable.Icouldtellitdrovehimmadwith
lust.AndthenIsawit.Fortwoyears,Ihadmissedhislongandhardcock.Now,hereitwasagain.He
rubbeditagainstmypussy,gettingithardwitheachsecondandmakingmewetterfromrubbingitagainst
me.

“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”Isoundeddesperateandthirstyforit,waitingforhimtothrustitinsideof
me.

Isawadevilishlookonhisfaceandsomehow,Iknewwhathewaslookingfor.Igotonmykneesand
bentoverinfrontofhim,wrappingmylipsaroundhisdick.Afterafewlicks,Iasked,“Isthatwhatyou
want?”

Hesmirkedatme,holdingmyheadinplaceashethrusthiscockallthewaytothebackofmythroat.

Itookhimin,slidinghiscockallthewaydownmythroat—allteninchesofhimpenetratingmymouthand
drippinghispre-cumdownmythroat.

Itriednottogagwiththegirthandlengthofhiscockinsideofmymouth.Ipulledbackbutkeptitinmy
mouth.Ilookedupathim.Heseemedpleased,thrustingitgentlynowinsidemythroat.Ithurtandstunga
little,butImanagedtokeepitdownthereforaslongashewanted.

Heclosedhiseyesinpleasure.Ipulledbackandreleasedhiscock.HelookeddownatmeandIwinked
athim,“NotuntilIgetwhatIwant.”

Ileanedclosertohimandlickedmylips.Hisgroanletmeknowthatitdrovehimcrazy.Ilaidbackdown
onthetableandspreadmylegsforhim.

“Ready?”heasked.Ibitmylip,preparedtofeeleveryinchofhimpenetrateme.Vincentteasedmyslit,
placingthetipofhiscockinsideme.Itfeltamazingasitrubbedagainstmethatway,almostpenetrating
me.

“Getonwithit,”Ibeggedhim.Withoutanothersecond,hethrusttherestofhimselfinsideme.

“Ow!”Iscreamedandbangedatthetable.Hethrustinsidemeuncontrollably,poundinghardandfast.

Vincenthammeredme,grindinghisfleshinsideofmeuntilIwasswellingaroundhisfatcockagain.Iwas
readytocumoncemore.

“Keepgoing,keepgoing!”Imoanedandlookedbrieflyattheceiling,thenclosedmyeyeswhenmyback
archedoffthetable.Ecstasyandblisscrashedoverme,shakingmyworldapart.

“Yes!Yes!Yes!”Iyelled.HehadtocovermymouthasIscreamedintotheemptywarehouse.

Vincentcontinuedtopumpinsidemeuntilhefinallyblewhisloadinsideofme.AsIfeltthewarmthof
hiscuminsideofme,Ilookedupathiminsurprise.

“Ohshit!”hemuttered.

“Relax,”Isaidashepulledoutofme,“Ithinkit’ssafe.Ijusthadmymonthlyaweekago.”Hegaspedfor
airandheldmeinhishands,gentlykissingme.

“Whatisit?”Iasked.

“Ican’thavekids,”hesaid.

Iwidenedmyeyes.“Whynot?”

“Castrated.Thewaythatdoesn’tinvolvehavingmyballscutoff.”

Icoveredmymouthandgaspedathisrevelation.

“Howdidtheydoit?”Ilookeddownathistesticlesandsawthattheywereperfectlyintact.

“Chemicals.Theydiditlongago,whenIwasakid.”

“I’msosorry.”Ishookmyheadandburiedmyfaceinhischest.“Ididn’tknow.That’shorrible.”

“They’llpayforeverything.Everylastthing.”Heswore.Inoddedinagreement.

IfelthispleasureandhissatisfactionbutnowIfelthispain.Thethoughtofhavingtoliveyourlifewith
the constant sight of murder and blood from men who’d tortured and spayed you was something that I
wouldneverunderstand.

“Ifeelforyou,”Isaid.Heheldmychininhisfingers.

“That’sallinthepast.”Hesmiledweaklyatme.

Vincentputonhisclothes.Ididthesame,grabbingmyunderwearanddonningmyblouseandskirt.

“Why’d we go here?” I asked. He went over to the desk in the middle of the room in front of all the
firearmsandweaponshangingonthewall.

“Doyouhaveapassport?”

“Yeah.What’sthatgottodowithanything?”

“IfIknowAnton,”Vincentpulledupaboxandlaiditdownonthetable,“he’sgonnacomeafterusinfull

force.He’sgonnacallupsomefriends,callinfavors,andprettysoon,allofthemenintheStateswhoare
ontheValitoripayrollwillbeoutsearchingforusacrossthecountry.”

MyjawdroppedasIrealizedthemagnitudeofwhatfacedus.

“Here,” Vincent tossed me a box and I read its contents. A hair dye, “Go and change your look. Take
these,too.”Hetossedmeanotherbox,muchsmallerthanthelast.

“Eyecontacts?”Iaskedandopenedit.

“Yes,”hewenttoworkonthepassports,“hurryupandgetready.I’mgonnaneedapictureofyouinthat
newlook.”

Inoddedandgrabbedallmythings.“Andyou?”Iasked.

Vincentgrinnedatme,“Iknowhowtoblendinandgetpastsecurity.Trustme.”

I nodded and turned around to head over to the bathroom. Without much time, I walked out of the
bathroom about half an hour later with my blonde hair and green eyes. Vincent looked up at me and
widenedhiseyes,thenhedidadoubletake.

“Well?”Iasked,twirlingmyhairwithonefingerandwaitingforhisresponse.

“Youlookperfect,”hesaid.Iwalkeduptohim,“Comeoverhere,Iwannagetagoodlookatyou.”

Hewalkedaroundme,almostasifhewasstudyinghowIlooked.“Good,”hemutteredandstoppedwhen
hewasbackinfrontofme.HelookedquitepleasedwithhowIappeared.

“Good?”Iasked.Henoddedandwalkedbacktohisdesk.

“I’mjustaboutdonewiththepassports.Ijustneedtotakeyourphotograph.So,takeaseatoverthere.”
Vincentpointedoutachairinfrontofatripodandawhitesheetofclothbehindit.

“You have a camera?” I asked him and he brought it out, a small digital camera, and placed it on the
tripod.

“Trynottoshowyourteeth,”hejested.Ismiledforthecamera,faintlybringingthecornersofmylipsup
untiltheflashwentoffandthepicturewastaken.

“Shouldbegood,”Vincentmutteredandwalkedbacktohisdesktoinputsomethingintohiscomputer.

“Isitdone?”Iaskedandhenodded,hittingonelastbuttonandprintingoutthepicture.

“Areyousuretheywon’tspotme?”Iaskedashehandedmethenewlyforgedpassport.

“Ifmyskillsarestillasgoodasbefore,thenno.No,theywon’tfigureitout.”

Itookalookatthepassport.“AnnabelleItalo?”Iaskedhim.Hesneeredatme.

“Itsuitsyou,”hejested.Istuckmytongueoutathim.

“S

,”Ibeganashewasabouttopackup,“aboutyourpast?”Itriedtoapproachthemattercalmlyand

quietlyasIbeataroundthebush.

IreadVincent’sfacialexpressions.Hehadagoodpokerface.Hekeptacoldstareathisequipmentlying
onthetable.

“Howdidtheygetyouthere?”

“Longstory,”Vincentrepeated,thesamewayashehadbegunwiththestory.

“LikeIsaid,there’snorush,”Irepeatedandwalkedalittleclosertohim,studyinghisbodylanguageand
watchinghismovements,“So,tellme…everydetailthistime.”

“Maybe some other time. We’re in a hurry,” he disassembled a sniper rifle on the table and placed the
piecesintoasuitcase.

“What’stherush?It’snotliketheValitoriknowwhereweare.”

“Wecan’tknowforcertain,”Vincentrepliedanddidn’tlookupfromthetable.

“What’swrong?”Istoodnexttohim,holdinghimbythewaistandlookingupathisface.

“Nothing. I just need to focus right now.” He continued with his work and kept trying to fit as many
weaponsashecouldinsidethatbagofhis.

“Fine,”Imutteredundermybreathandwalkedaway.Ipacedthetiledfloorandheadedoffintotheother
side of the room. There wasn’t much there, but there was a lot of dust covering most of the unused
furnitureintheroom.

“Don’tyouevercleanup?”Icalledathimfromtheothersideoftheroom.Helookedupatme,shaking
hishead.

“Ihaven’tbeenhereinalongtime.”Hethenturnedbacktohispacking.

Therewasanoddfeelingaboutthisplace.Thesightofnewspaperslitteredallacrossthefloorcaughtmy
attention. I bent over and picked one of the sheets up from the ground, “Local shoe factory opens in
Chicago.”IreadtheheadlineoutloudbutquietlyenoughforVincentnottohear.Ilookedup,buthewas
stillbusypackingthings.

I read through the article and was surprised to find something out, “Alessandro and Aurora Italo…” I
mutteredandlookedatthephotographsnexttothearticle.TherewasnomentionofVincentoranything
else of importance. It was more of a paid publicity from the Italo family or perhaps it seemed like big
newsforthesmalltabloid.

Idroppedthearticleandpickedupanothersheetfromtheground,“ItaloShoeFactoryburneddown…”
thearticle’sheadlineread.Icoveredmymouthatthesightofthefireengulfingtheentirewarehouseand
factory.Thearticlethatfollowedtalkedaboutafreakaccidentthatpoliceandinvestigatorswerenever
abletoidentify.

“Noknowncausestothisday,”thearticleread.Iputthesheetbackontheground.Iwalkedovertothe
cornerandsawanothersheetlyingonthefloor.

“Localshoemakersgunneddowninlocalstreet.”Igrippedthenewsprintinmyhandandshudderedatthe
sightofVincent’sparentslyingdeadonthegroundandcoveredinsheetsaspolicetapesurroundedthem.

The article told that their son was also missing, unable to be found in their home or anywhere else. I

droppedthesheetonthegroundandtookacoupleofpacesbackwards,hittingarathersoftwallbehind
me.

“Vincent!”Iexclaimedandspunaroundonmyheels,“I…Iwasjust…”

“Doingsomelightreading?”hesaid,bendingoverandpickinguponeofthepiecesofpaperonthefloor.

“I’msorry,”Imanagedtosay,lookingaway,“Ididn’tmeantosnooparound.It’syourstuff.Ishouldn’t
havebeennosy.”

TherewasnoexpressiononVincent’sfacewhilehereadthearticle.Ikeptmygazeonhimandtriedto
readhismind,thinkingofwhatthismanmightbefeelingbehindthestonyexpression.

“I’mso…sorryaboutyourparents,”Isaid.

“No.”Vincentcrumpledthesheetinhishandsandtosseditaside,“I’msorryforyourfather.I’msorryfor
whatIputyouthroughforthelasttwoyears.”

MyjawdroppedatthesightoftearsrollingdownVincent’sface.IneverthoughtI’dseehimbreakaway
from the cold expression he always wore. I’d never seen him be so expressive, let alone have tears
streamingdownhischeeks.

Ipulledhimclose,heldhimclosetomychestandfelteveryshiverateverysob.“Iknowwhatit’sliketo
losethepeopleyoulovetomenwhoarevileandcruel,butIstilltookyourfatheraway—thepersonyou
valuedmostinyourlife.”

Mygripgrewtighterwitheachsob.Irubbedmyhandsonhisbacktocalmhimdown.

“Anton Valitori took my father aside once.” Vincent held me at arm’s length. “The man walked into the
factoryonedayandtheytalkedinsidetheoffice.IwassosmallthenthatIcouldfitrightthroughthere.”
Vincentpointedoutasmallventilationshaftinthewall.

“Whatdidyouhearthemtalkabout?”Iasked.

“I don’t remember much about that. I was just four years old, maybe five. My mother let me wander
aroundtoomuch,”Vincentchuckled,andthencontinued,“Twomencameinwhiletheyweretalking.They
beathimupwhileaskingaboutsomething.Probablytryingtogetmyfatherprotectioninexchangeofsome
money.”

“Idon’tthinkheacceptedtheoffer,”Vincentcontinued.Ilistenedintently.“Aweeklater,afirebrokeout
andburnedthiswholeplacetotheground.Luckyforus,theplacehadinsurance.Myfatherhaditrestored
withthemoney.Thatwas,untilheandmymotherwereshottodeathjustoutside.”

I shuddered at the thought and held him close to me, feeling his pain and agony resonate in his words.
“Theydidn’tlettheirhonorgo.Theywerebraveandcourageous.”

“Didn’tsavethemthough,”Vincentshookhishead,“Didn’tsaveme,neither.”Hewipedatatearrolling
downfromthecornerofhiseye.

“The Valitori men took me away, shoved me into their car, and drove off before any of the authorities
couldgetthere.NobodywouldspeakoutagainsttheValitori’s,sotherewasnojusticeformyfamily.I
didn’tevenknowwheretheywereburieduntilafewyearsago.”

“Thatsoundsterrible,Vincent,”Isaid,pressingmyheadagainsthischestandlisteningtothethumpsfrom
hisheart.

“Ithoughtyousaidyouneverknewyourparents?”Iaskedhimandheshookhishead.

“I’msorry.It’saloteasiertothinkaboutratherthantorememberhowtheyreallyleftme.”

IlookeddeepintoVincent’seyesandwasastonishedbythestrengththathemusthavesincehewasable
tocarryallthoseburdensonhisyoungshoulders.

“I’llbewithyou,”Ipromisedhimandhesmiled,plantingakissonmyforeheadasIhuggedhiswaist
tightly.

“That’senough,”Vincentsmileddownatmeandturnedtogetbacktopacking,“Westillhavetohurry.”

Heturnedandheadedbacktothetablewheretheweaponsheintendedtobringwerealllaidoutonthe
desk.

“Areyoureallygonnabringallthat?”Iasked,standingnexttohim.“Prettymuchoverkill,don’tyouthink
so?” I took a look at the weapons, both in the bag and on the table. There was a variety of them.
Submachine guns, pistols, an assault rifle, and even a disassembled sniper rifle in one of the open
suitcasesonthetable.Theyalllookedmenacinganddisturbingtome.

“There’snosuchthingasoverkill,”Vincentmutteredunderhisbreathashetuckedthegunsinsidethebag.
“Thepeoplewe’llberunningfromdon'tcarehowmanyweaponswehave.They’llcomeatuswithall
they’vegot.”

“Why?”Iasked.

Vincent looked up from his work. “Because, even though people are afraid to testify against them, the
Valitoristilldon’twantanywitnesses.”

Inoddedandgulpedhard,understandingandrealizingthetruemagnitudeofhowdangerousthisallwasto
bothVincentandme.

“

RUNFORIT

et’s move,” Vincent urged me along as he made final preparations. I turned around and saw him
tuckingapistolinhiscoatpocket.

“You know where we’re going you can’t bring that.” He looked at me and smiled, shaking his head as
thoughIhadsaidsomethingabsolutelyridiculous.

“What?”Iasked.Hewalkeduptome,concealinghisfirearms.

“AntonValitoriisn’ttheonlyonewhohasfriends,”Vincentsaidaswewalkedtothecar.

“No,”hesaid,takingalookaround,“gottaditchit.”

Inoddedandlookedaroundtoo,“Whythough?There’snobodyhere.”

“Can’tsayforsure,”Vincentsaidandluggedthebagswithhim.Ifollowed.Wewalkedtowardstheend
oftheroad,wherethelifeofthecitywasnoticable.

“Taxi!”heholleredandacabpulledovernexttousonthecurb.

“Getin,”hesaid.Ihoppedintothebackseatashegaveorderstothedriver.Myeyesdartedtowardthe
warehouse in the distance. I could have sworn that I could see two figures standing out there in the
shadows.Irubbedmyeyesandlookedagain,buttheywerestillthere.

“Vincent…Vincent!”Icalledtohim.Hefollowedmygazeandturnedpale.Hequicklyclimbedintothe
backofthecabnexttome.

“Go.Go!Now!”Heyelledatthedriverwhospedaway,leavingsmokealloverthecornerofthestreetin
hishaste.

Ilookedback.Thetwomeninthedistanceweretryingtocatchupwithusbuttonosuccess.

“Who were those men?” I asked when we were safely away. Vincent was looking behind us as well,
seeingiftherewerepeoplestillafterus.

“Whodoyouthink?”heasked.Isighed,releasingtensionnowthatwewereheadedawayfromthem.

Thetriptotheairportwasabreeze.Vincentkeptonurgingthedrivertodriveasfastashecould.There
werenocarsfollowing,soweshouldn'tbesuspicious,butVincenttrustednothing.

“Isn’t this our stop?” I asked and Vincent looked at the driver again, who peered at us through the
rearviewmirror.

“Goanotherround.Thencirclearoundthatbuilding,”hepointedatoneofthehousesinthedistance.

“Whatfor?Areyouinsomekindoftrouble?”thecabbieasked.Vincentdidn’tlikethatonebitofit.

Inthecornerofmyeye,Icouldseehimpullingoutthepistolinhispocketandturningthesafetyoff.

“Vincent,”Imutteredundermybreathandthrewhimaknowinglook.Butitwastoolate.Heaimedhis
gunatthedriver’shead.Thedriverbeganfreakingout,nearlyhittingoneoftheoncomingcars.

“W-whatthefuck?!”heyelledbutcontinuedtodrive.

“Don’t you fucking stop. And you better not fucking yell either,” Vincent cocked the gun, slamming the
hammerdownandaimeditrightbackathishead.

“Stopit!”Ibeggedandtriedtopullhisarmawayfromthedriver.

“Please…please,Ihaveawifeandkids!I’llgiveyouwhateveryouwant.Justdon’thurtme,”hebegged
withawhite-knucklegriponthesteeringwheel.

“Keepdriving.”Vincentturnedaroundandscannedsomeofthecarsfollowingus.

“Nobody’sfollowingus,”Isaid,tryingtoreasonwithhim.

“Nobody?Thatredsedan’sbeenonourtailforthelastfourblocks.Isn’tthatabitsuspicious?”heyelled.
Iturnedaroundtoseewhathewastalkingabout.

Truetohisword—thereitwas,aredcarbehindacoupleofothercars.Somehow,Vincentmanagedto
spotitdespitethealltheactivityaroundus.

“Youthinkhe’soneofthem?”

“I know he’s one of them,” he replied and pressed the gun into the cabbie’s head. “Make the turn,” he
urgedthroughgrittedteeth.

“Alright,alright!Justputthegundown,please!”thedriverbegged.Throughtherearviewmirror,Icould
seethathewaspracticallyonthevergeoftears.

Heturnedright,stayingintheturnlaneandheadedforthenextright.

“Fuck,”Vincentsaid.Iturnedaroundtofollowhisgaze.Theredsedanwasstillthere,somemetersaway
butdoggedlyfollowingus.

“Changeofplans,”Vincentsaidandpressedthegun’sbarrelintothecabbie’sheadonceagain.“Slowthe
car at the next right but don’t stop. Keep on driving and don’t turn on any of the interior lights. You
understand?”heasked.Thedriverquicklynodded.

“Now,” Vincent turned to me while keeping an eye on the car in the distance. “When he stops, we’re
gonnahavetomakearunforit,okay?Evenwhenwe’reoutofsight,we’llhavetocontinueonfoot.”

Inoddedandtoldhim,“I’mscared.”Vincent’sintensegazeneverwaveredfrommyface.

“Look,” He handed me one of his guns and showed me how to hold it, taking my hand and placing the

heavymetalinmypalm,“Takethisandholdontoitassoonaswegetoff.”

“Vincent,Ican’t!”Iexclaimedandnearlydroppedtheweapononthefloor.“Areyoucrazy?!”

“Ifitcomesdowntoit,youneedthisgun.Squeezehardandaimitatthemifyouneedto.Aboveallelse,
keepyourwitsaboutyou.”

Hewasdeadserious.Notallowingmyselftooverthinkit,Inoddedandgrippedthegun.“Alright,”Isaid.
Heturnedtowardsthedriver.

“Maketheturnandslowdown.Don’tstopdrivingafterwegetout.Doyouunderstand?”heaskedand
tookouthiswallettofindsomebills.

“Okay,okay,”thedrivernoddedandmadetheturn,slowingdownassoonaswewereoutofsight.

“Getready.”Vincentwatchedastheredcardisappearedinthedistance,concealedbythecorner.“Now!”

Vincent swung the door open and threw a wad of cash at the driver, “Go, go, go! Don’t stop—keep
driving.”

Heslammedthedoor.Wetriedtohidewithintheshadowsinthealleys,hopingthattheywouldn’tspotus.

“Shh!” Vincent held his pistol. I stood behind the wall and waited for the car to pass. One look at the
windowandIcouldtellthatthemeninsideweren’texactlyfriends.Thesilhouetteofassaultriflescould
beseenfromoutside.

“Fiveofthem—allValitori’s,Ipresume,”Vincentmutteredassoonasthecarpassed.

Iletoutalungfulofairwhenthecar’slightsmovedintothedistance,followingthetaxi.Myhandholding
thegunbegantoshake.

“Calmdown.It’sokaynow,”Vincentreassuredme.Heevensmiledwhenhetookthegunfrommyhand.I
smiledback.Heglancedovermyshoulderandhiseyesturnedcold.

“Fuck!” Vincent handed me the gun again while aiming his own at the men behind us. He let off two
roundsandhitthedriverthroughthewindshield.

“Holy shit!” I yelped and ducked into the corner. Vincent continually fired at them but they fired back,
sendingblazingshotsoftheirowntowardsus.

IwatchedVincentdiveawayfromthebullets.Heduckedintotheshadowsofanearbydumpsterinthe
alleyway.

“Justgiveusthegirl,Italo.Youdon’twantabulletbetweenyoureyes.”Themeninsidethecarstepped
out.Ipeekedfrommyhidingspotbuttheycouldn’tseeme.Fourmenstoodoutsidetheircar,holdingup
pistolsandassaultrifles.

“Sure!” Vincent reloaded his weapon and pressed his back against the dumpster, “I could give you the
girl,ormaybeIcouldjustsendyouallstraighttokingdomcome!”

Hejumpedupfromhisspotandfiredfreshammo,injuringtwomenwhiletheothersduckedbehindtheir
car.

“Vincent!”Iyelled.HegesturedformetostaywhereIwas.

Ifelthelpless,unabletodoanythingtogetusoutofthere.Ilookedattheendofthealleyway—deadend.I
turnedtowardsVincentandsawhimpressinghisshoulderandwincing.

“Hadenough?”Vincentcalledoutandloadedanotherclip.

“Please!” One of the men sarcastically called back, “We’ve only just started and you’ve only taken out
oneofus.”

“That’soneless,then.”Vincentcockedhisgunandaimeditatthemfromthesideofthedumpster.

TheValitorimenopenedfireonhim.

“Fuck!”Vincentyelledandunloadedhisclipagain.Ipeeredaroundthecornerandsawtwomenonthe
ground.WithalookatVincent,Isawhimshakinghisheadandsearchinghispockets.

“Sons of bitches!” Vincent glanced at the bags we left sitting on the curb. “Fuck!” he exclaimed. I
immediatelyunderstoodwhatwaswrong.Hewasoutofammo.

Peeringoutofthecover,Icouldseethetwomenstandingbytheircar.Onewaslimpingwithariflein
bothhandsandtheotherone,unscratched,heldapistol.

“What’sthematterItalo?Youdry?”hecalled.IcouldseetheanxietyonVincent’sface—somethingthatI
neverwouldhavehopedtoseeinalongtime.

My breathing got heavy and my sights became dim as the two men walked over to where Vincent was
hiding. I looked around for anything that could help us. Then I looked down at the ground to see the
gleamingmetalontheconcrete.

Vincentsighedandstoodupslowlywithbothhandsintheair.Themenwalkeduptohim.

“Shouldwekillhim?”theonewhowaslimpingaskedtheother.Heshookhishead.“No,Antonwould
wanttoseehimaliveforhimself.Getinthecar,Italo.”

WitheverybitofcourageIcouldmuster,Idoveforthegunontheground.Rollingontomyback,aimingit
atthetwomen.

“Vincent,getdown!”Iyelledandunleashedastormofleadandfirefromthepistolinmyhand.Thetwo
thugsdroppedlikehurdledtothegroundwithoutanyideawhathadjusthitthem.

“Holy fuck!” I said to myself. I had shot the two thugs. No, I had killed the two thugs. I looked at my
hands,stillcarryingthesolidpieceofmetalthatdealtthekillingblow.

“Holyfuck,”Irepeatedanddroppedthepistolontheconcrete.Itclangedtotheground.

“Carly,”Vincentgotupandrushedtomyside,“wehavetogo.Now!”

“I killed those men.” I whispered, as he pulled me along towards the car. “I…I killed them…with a
gun…”Vincentsatmedowninthepassengerseatnexttooneofthedeadmen.Atthesightofbloodand
thebulletholeinhisskull,Ivomitedandnearlyfainted.

“Carly,calmdown.Whatyoudidsavedourlives”Vincentgrabbedthedeadmanbytheshouldersand
tossedhimoutofthecar,takingoffhisjacketintheprocess.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iaskedhim.Iwasshiveringandshaking.

“Gonnahavetocleanupthemess,”hesaid,wipingthewindshieldfromtheinsidetocleanuptheblood.

“Carly!”

I looked up at him. Vincent sat in the driver’s seat next to me. He put an arm over my shoulders, “It’s
alright,”hefinallysaid.Iburiedmyfaceinhischest.

“Ididn’tknow…Ididn’tknowwhatelsetodo…”

“Hushnow,”hesaid,rubbingmybackwithhisfingersandpullingmeclosertohim,“youdidwell.It’s
notyourfaultwhatsoever.”

Isobbed,breathingheavilyandshakingagainsthim.Ifeltsoguilty.Thedespairandmentalanguishfrom
killinganotherthreatenedtosnapmynerveslikeanoverlytightguitarstring.

“Idon’twanttodothat…everagain,”Iwhispered.Hehuggedmetightly.Wesatoutthereinthemiddleof
thequietandemptyroad.

“It’salright.You’llneverhavetodothateveragain,”hewhisperedandgavemeakissontheforehead.
Rememberingthesightofthemen’sbloodspreadoutintheair,IweptuntilIranoutoftears.

“We have to go,” Vincent said calmly, releasing me and shutting the door behind him, “they’ll be
wonderingwhathappenedtotheirmenwhentheydon’trespondtotheircalls.”

I nodded, feeling wrung out from stress and my heavy emotions. Vincent shifted the gear from park to
drive.Hebackedslowlyuptheroadandintothealley,thenturnedtodirectustowardstheairport.

“Vincent,”Igaspedatthecollisionononeofthestreetsatourside.

“Fucking Valitori,” he muttered under his breath. We caught sight of a crashed taxi cab on the wall.
Vincentslowedaswepassed.Thecabbieandhiscarwereriddledwithbullets.Themenhadcaughtupto
himandgunnedhimdown.

“I told him to keep driving.” Vincent slammed the steering wheel with his hand and cursed under his
breath.

“Vincent,”Isaid,suddenlyrealizingaterribletruth,“thatman’sdeadbecauseofus.Thosementhought
wewereinsidehiscar.”

He was silent, almost as if he wasn’t paying attention to me. I knew that wasn’t the case because his
wholebodywastense.Remorseshowninhisgaze.

Hefinallysaid,“Iknow.”

We drove towards the airport. I turned my head and gazed back at the crash behind us. I could still
rememberthecabbie’sfrightenedfacewhenVincentaimedthegunatthebackofhisheadandhepleaded
formercy.Theseimageswouldalwayshauntme.

“Whereareweheaded?”Iaskedwhenthecrashsightwasoutofmyrangeofviewing.Vincentdidn’tturn
hishead.Hekepthiseyesonthecarsinfrontofhim.

“Somewherefartherfromhere.Somewheretheycan’treachus,”heanswered.Ilookedoutthewindow
andwatchedsomeoftheplanestakeflightintothedarkeningnightsky.

“C

ARLY

,”Vincentcalled,wakingmeup.

“I’msorry.Idozedoffforabitthere,”Iansweredandrubbedmyeyes.

“We’rehere.Wehavetogo.”Heunbuckledhisseatbeltandslidoutofthecar.

I did the same and looked around me. He and I were parked in a yellow zone. One of the guards eyed
Vincent.

“We’llbebackshortly,”heassuredtheguard.

“And if not,” the guard said sternly, crossing his arms over his uniform, “we’ll have your car towed
away.”Helookedatthewindshieldandshudderedatthesightofthebulletholesontheglass.

Justastheoldguardwasabouttoradioinonustotelltherestofthesecurity,Vincentgrabbedtheman’s
armandreachedinhisownbackpockettobringoutacard.

“Readthis,”hesnappedattheguard.

“Isee,”theguardnoddedandshookhisarmfreefromVincent’sgrip,“getamoveon.Youdidn’tseeme
andIdidn’tseeyou.”

Vincentsmirkedattheguardwithasmugexpression.

“Thanks,”hesaidandtookmyhand.

“What’sonthatcard?”IaskedVincentashetuckeditawayinhisbackpocket.

“Nothingimportant,”heansweredaswearrivedinthemiddleoftheairportwherebusypassengerswere
waitinginthelobbyfortheirflights.

“Butyou’veshownittoeverybody—thatcopandnowasecurityguard—what’sonit?”Iaskedeagerly.

“Maybe I’ll show you some other time, when we’re not being chased by men with guns,” Vincent
answeredinsuchseriousnessthatitmademeshudderatthethought.

“Nobody’sonusanymore.”IlookedupatVincentbuthiseyeswereaimedatadistancebehindme.

“What?”Iaskedandfollowedhisgaze.

“Wehavetogo,”Vincentsaid.

“Ithinksotoo,”Iansweredandbrisklywalkedawayatthesightofthreemeninsuitswalkingthroughthe
doorsoftheairport.

“Friendsofyours?”Iaskedhimandhenodded.

“Playedcardswiththosetwomenbefore.Theotherone,eh,notsomuch.”

“Let’shurry,”Isaidandhenodded,takingmyhandandrushingofftowardsthedesk.

“Goodevening,sirandmadam,”theladybehindthedeskgreetedus.Vincenttookouttwotickets.

“Wheredoweboard?”Vincentimmediatelyasked,practicallyoutofbreath.

“The plane leaves in half an hour. If you could just take a seat, sir, and you’ll hear your flight number
calledoverthePA.”shesmiledatus,directingVincentandIovertothesetofbenchesandseats.

“Thisisbad,”hemutteredandpeeredoverhisshouldertoseethemenwalkingaround,tryingtofindus.

“Howdidtheyknowwewerehere?”Iasked.

Vincent shrugged his shoulders. “Beats me. They probably thought that the first thing we’d do was to
boardaplanetogetthehelloutofhere.”

“Buthowcouldtheyhavepossiblyknown?”IaskedandtriedtowalkasfastasVincenttokeepupwith
him,“andwhereareweevengoing?”

“Gottakeepmoving.Orelsethey’llfindus.”

“Forthenexthalfhour?”Iaskedandgrippedhishand.“Vincent!”Ihissedathimandturnedtoseethe
menfollowinguscloselyfrombehind.

“They’vespottedme,”hesaid,walkingfasternow.

“Whataboutme?”

“They won’t recognize you if you blend with the crowd,” Vincent let go of my hand and nudged me
towardsasmallgroupofpeople,hidingmeinbetweenthem.

“I’llmeetyouontheflight!”hecalledouttomeandleftthebagswithmeasIfoundmyselfinthemidstof
totalstrangers.

“Shit!”Icursedundermybreathasthethreemenwalkedby,searchingthearea.Oneofthemen,Icould
havesworn,lookedmeintheeyebeforeheturnedaroundandlookedforVincent.

Hewasright,Ithought,Theydidn’trecognizemeatall. I waited for Vincent to return, glancing at my
watcheverynowandthen.

AIRPORT

WAS

FILLED

withpeoplecomingintoboardaflight,thosewhoseflighthadjustarrived,and

relativesorfriendspickinguporsayinggoodbyetotravelers.Vincentstayedalert.Hedidn’twanttorely
onthecrowdstokeephimandCarlyprotectedfromthegripsofthemenheonceworkedwith.

“Comeandgetme,”hesaidashepeeredaroundthecornerandsawthethreementryingtokeepupwith
him.

Helookedaroundforanythingthatcouldhelphimescapetheirclutchesbuttherewasnothing.

“Gottalosethemsomehow,”hemuttered,stillscanningthearea.Abathroomcaughthiseye.

“Gottadoitinprivate,”hesaidandpoppedhisknuckles.

Aftereyecontactwiththethreemen,directlytauntingthemall,Vincentdashedtowardsthebathroom.He
ranintothedoor,burstingthroughwithfullforceandscaringthemeninside.

“If you don’t want to get yourselves hurt, get the fuck out right now!” he exclaimed, but they just stood
thereinsilence.Vincentsighedandreachedintohiscoatpockettodrawhisgun.

“Now!” he bellowed and the men scurried like rats, bumping into each other and nearly trampling the
threeValitorimenontheirwayout.Vincenttuckedhisgunbackintohiscoat.

Heignoredacoupleofmensaying,“Getoutoftheway!”and“Move!”

Vincent stayed in the corner on the other side and waited for the three men to enter the bathroom. The
Valitori’sbroughtwiththemanauraoffrightwiththeirlongblackcoatsandslickedblackhair.

Thethreeofthemmovedforward.OneofthemendrewagunfromhiscoatandaimeditatVincent.

“What?You’regonnaopenfireinsideofanairport?HowsoondoyouthinktheTSAwillcomebustingin
andshootallfourofus?”hecockedhisheadtothesideandlookedatthethreemenwithdisdain.

OneoftheValitorimentoldtheonewiththegun,“Putitdown.Hemaybeatraitor,buthe’sright.”

Vincent’ssmilewascocky.“Well?”Hewaitedwithhisarmswideopenashestoodontheothersideof
theroom.

“What are you waiting for, you idiots?” the one in the middle, and with the greying hair, barked at the
othertwo.

Thelackeys,theonesthatVincenthadmetbeforewhileworkingwiththeValitorifamily,knewthehitman
alltoowell.Theysweatedprofusely,hesitatingatthesightofthelonemaninthefarsideofthebathroom.

“Areyoubothfuckingstupid?”theleaderbarkedatthemandjerkedhisfingertowardVincent.“Getafter
thesonofabitch!Antonwantstoputhisheadonafuckingspike!”

Theothertwofinallyswallowedtheirfears,lungedforward,andattemptedtotackleVincent.Theywere
readyforafight.

Hedodgedthem,counterattackingtheman’spunchandlandinghisowntotheman’sribs.

“Ow!”thelackeyexclaimed.

“You really are a couple of fucking idiots,” the man in the middle shook his head. “Back me up!” the
leaderbellowedanddrewaknifefromhispocket.

“Ain’tevengonnaplayfair?”Vincentsmiledslylyathim.

“Notatall.”Helungedforward,slashingatnothingbutair.Ashedodged,Vincentsentapowerfulkick
intooneofthemen’sgroin,crumplinghimtothefloor.

Vincentkickedthedownedmanandsaid,“Twoleft.”

Hechuckledandwaitedforthemtomaketheirnextmistake.Theoldermangrabbedtheotherlackeyand
hurledhimtowardsVincent.

“Gethim,youbastard!”heyelled.Themandidasasked,grabbingVincentbythecollar.Justashewas
about to throw a punch, Vincent freed himself and ducked. The leader came at him with a knife, but
Vincentevadedtheincomingbladewhichwasheadedstraightforhiseye.

Thebladehitatargetthough.NotVincent,butitdidleaveanastymarkattheotherman’sneck.

Vincentwatchedhimbleedoutonthefloor,strugglingtoputpressureonhisneck.

“Feelbadatall?”Vincenttauntedthelastmanwhoshookhishead.HeviolentlylungedatVincentonce
more,aimingforhisabdomenthistimeandslashingthesideofhisbelly.

Vincentwinced,failingtoseetheattackcoming.Hegrowled,“Ohyeah,”ignoringthepainfromthegash
asbesthecould,“gonnaneedanewsetofclothes.”

Thetauntmaketheleader’seyebrowsraiseashetoldVincent,“Gonnaneedmorethanjustnewclothes.”

Helungedathimagain.Vincentwasswifterthistime.Hekickedthemanintheshinsandpunchedhimin
theface.Theleaderfloppedontothegroundandtriedtogetbackup.

“Don’thavetimeforthis,”Vincentgrowledashegrabbedthemanbythebackofhisheadandsmashed
hisfaceontothemarblefloor.

Vincent caught his breath and looked around at the mess. He took the man’s knife from his hand and
walkeduptotheboywhomhekickedintheloins.

“No!Stop.”thelackeytriedtobeg,liftinghishandintheairtowardsVincent.“Idon’twantanythingto
dowithyouanymore.JustletmeliveandIwon’ttellanyone.Iswearit!”

Vincentcockedhisheadtothesideandlookedatthebodiesaroundhim.Asheliftedtheknifeintheair,
readytodigintotheman’sneck,theyoungmanclosedhiseyesandpreparedforhisfinalfate.

Butitdidn’tcome.Secondsstretchedintominutes.Hefinallyopenedhiseyesandsatup.Vincentwasno
longerthere.Onlythebodiesofthetwomenheworkedwithwereleftbehind.

INCENT

RAN

outoftheroomandheadedtowardswherehe’dleftCarlyearlier.Withtwoopenwounds,he

wasgladthathisblackcoatandsuitpantswereenoughtoconcealalltheblood.

“Carly!”hecalledassoonashespottedherinthecrowd.Shegotupfromherseatandrushedtowards
him.

“Areyoualright?”sheaskedhimandhenodded.Hebreathedheavily,gaspingforairasheputpressure
onhiswound.

“Areyouhurt?”shehissedathimandexaminedhimmoreclosely.Shetouchedthesideofhisabdomen
andfeltthewarmbloodoozingfromhiswound.VincentwincedandCarlyremovedherhandatonce.

“I’msorry,”shesaid,reachingintoVincent’stravelbag.

“Whatareyoudoing?”heaskedandshelookedup.

“You’vegottogetpatchedup.Youcouldlosealotofbloodreallysoon,”shebroughtoutafirstaidkit
shehadnoticedwhenVincentwaspacking.

“How’dyouknowthatwasthere?”heasked.

“Just a keen eye,” Carly said as she got up from the squat, “Come on. Let’s get you fixed up in the
bathroom.”

“That’snotsuchagoodidea,”Vincenttoldherandgesturedtowardadifferentbathroomassoonashe

realizedwhereCarlywasleadinghimtowards.

AVISIT

owlonghasitbeen?Ihadn’theardfromanyofmyfamilyinawhilenow.Well,Ihadn’theardfrom

theminovertwoyearsbutnow,noonehadanyideawhereIwasorwhoIwaswith.Ithoughtaboutitas
IsprawledinbednexttoVincent.

“Twoweeks,”ImutteredaloudwithVincent’sarmaroundmyneck,“it’sbeentwoweekssinceweleft.
Wehaven’theardanythingfromtheValotiri.”

“Valitori.AntonValitori,”Vincentcorrectedme.Ilookedoverathim.Nudeunderneath,heloungedunder
thesheetandblanket.

“Howlongdoyouthinkit’lltakeforhimtostartlookingforus?”

Heseemedtobelostinhisownthoughts.Thatorhedidn’tpaymuchmindtomyquestion.“Vincent,”I
calledforhisattention.Hefinallylookedmeintheeyes.

“Hm?”hewasclearlynotlisteningtomeatall.

“Howlong,”Ipausedandadjustedmyheadonhisarm,“doyouthinkitwilltakeforthemtostartlooking
forus?”

“They’relookingforusrightnow,”Vincentsaid,ashetwirledmyhairinhisfingers.Thecrimsonstring
feltandlookedgoodonme.Iwasmorethangladtorinseofftheblondedyeassoonaswehadlanded.

“Rightnow?”Iasked.

“Rightnow,”herepeatedandscootedclosertome,“they’regatheringenoughintelligenceonus,probably
lookinginallthewrongplaces.”

“Why?Don’ttheyknowwhereweare?”

VincentchuckledasifIhadtoldhimajoke,“TheonlypeoplewhoknowwetookaplanebackinChicago
are dead on the streets and inside an airport terminal bathroom.” He stroked my cheek. I smiled as he
continued,“they’renotgonnafindusanytimesoon.Ipromise.”

Isnuggledupclosetohim,buryingmyfaceinhischestandfeelingthewarmthfromhisbody.Sincehe
wasconfident,Itrustedtheinformation.Besides,he’dalreadyexertedahugeefforttogetbothofussafe.

“Vincent,”Igothisattentionagainafterafewmomentsofsharedsilence.Heopenedhiseyesandpeeked

downatme,“whydidyousavemefromallthat?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well,youcouldhavejustkilledme.Shotmedeadintheheadandbedonewithit.Problemsolved.”

“Forme,”hesaidfirmly,“notforyou.You’dbeatthebottomoftheriver.”

“Andhowdoesthataffectyou,exactly?”Iasked.

“You’dbegone.Iwouldn’tbelyingnexttoyou.”

Ididn’tbelievewhatIjustheard.ItseemedasthoughVincenthadmorefeelingsformethanIthought.I
blushedredandcoveredmyface,turningaroundtohidefromhim.

“What’sthematter?”heaskedmeandputanarmaroundmywaist.“Areyoushy?”heasked.Itriedto
shovehimaway,gigglingallthewhile.

“Doesn’tlooklikeyou’reshy,”hesaid,plantinglittlekissesonmyneck.

“Stopit!”Igiggledashiskissestickledmedownmyspine.

Someoneknockedonthedoor.

“Vincent,”Iwhispered,“who’sthat?”

He put a finger to his lips. I silently nodded. Vincent got up and threw on a pair of pants while
whispering,“Gotothebathroom.Don’topenthedoor.”

Irantothebathroomdoorinthefarendoftheroom.Vincentwalkedtowardmeashepulledat-shirtover
hishead.“Donotopenthisdoor,”hehissed.

“ButIthoughtyousaid…?”

“IknowwhatIsaid,”hecutmeoffandheldontothewoodenframewithhisfingers,nearlyshuttingit.He
walkedovertoadressernearby.

“Shh…”heputhisfingertohislipsagainashedrewagunfromthedresser.

“Whoisit?”IaskedwhenVincentwasstandingatthedoorandlookingthroughthepeephole.

“Quiet.”

Iheldmybreathashepeeredthroughthepeephole.Vincentsighedandtuckedtheguninbetweenhisshirt
andhispants.

“Yes?”heasked.

Themanintheothersideresponded,“Newtowels,sir.Housekeeping.”

“Justleavethemoutfront,”Vincentkeptaneyeonthemanandwaited.

“It’sagainstourpolicytoleavethingsoutsideourguests’rooms,sir.”

Vincentsighedandunlockedthedoor.“Justleavethemonthebed.”Vincenteyedthemancloselyashe
walkedinsidetheroom.Ihesitatedandstayedjustoutsidethebathroomdoor.

“How are you enjoying your stay here, sir?” the bellhop asked with a glance at me and a turn towards
Vincent.

“Justfine,”hesaid,holdingthedooropen,“areyoudonehere?”Vincenteyedhim,obviouslynottrusting
thebellhop’sintentions.

“Ofcourse,sir,”themanrepliedandnoddedhishead,turningforthedoor.

“Isupposeyou’llwantatip?”Vincentaskedandthebellhophesitated.

“Oh,ofcoursenot,sir.Noneedforthat.”

Vincentshotmealook.Iwonderedwhytherewassomuchtensionintheroom.Thesilencegrew.Icould
almosthearthesink’sfaucetdrippingfromthebathroombehindme.

“Nonsense,”Vincentreachedinhisbackpocket,“youdeserveatip.”

AsVincentmoved,theBellhopreachedinhiscoataswellandslammedthedoorshutwithakickatthe
frame.

“Vincent,watchout!”Iyelledasthemanbroughtoutalargecombatknifefromhispocket.

“FuckingknewI’dseenyoubefore,”Vincentgrowled,grippingtheman’sforearmwhileheheldontohis
gunwithhisotherhand.

Inasmoothmove,Vincentbashedtheassassinbellhop’sheadwiththebackofhisgun.Thebellhopfellto
thefloor.

“Carly,”Vincentaimedthegunattheman’sheadandkickedtheknifeaway.“packyourthings.Wehaveto
getoutofhere.”

Thebellhopgotbackup,rushedforhisknifeandtriedtoslashatVincent,“Don’tyoufuckingmove,you
sonofabitch.Onemorestepandyou’llfindabulletbetweenyoureyes,andyourbrains’llbeallover
thesefuckingwalls.”

“Noneedtobebrash,”themansaidandraisedhishandswiththeknifestillclutchedinhisfingers.

“Dropit,”Vincentcommandedandcockedhisgun.

Thebellhophesitatedandturnedtowardsme.

“IsaidfuckingdropitorI’lldropyou!”

“YouknowI’mnotalone,right?”themancackled,“assoonasyoufireoffthatgun,abouthalfadozen
menwillbestorminginheretotakeyoubothout.”

Vincentshookhishead.Iwalkeduptothemanwithhisbackturnedtowardsme.

“Drop.It.”Vincentsaidoncemore.Thistime,theimpostorletgooftheblade.

“Dotheyknowwe’rehere?”Vincentaskedwithhisgunstilltrainedonthebellhop,“Dotheyknowabout
thisroom?”

“HowshouldIknow,”heanswered.Ibentovertopickuptheknife.

“I’msureyouknow,”Igrabbedhimbythecollarandpressedthecoldsteelofthebladeonhisthroat,
“Andyoujustdon’twanttosharewhatitisyouknow.”

Themanquiveredwiththeknifepressedonhisskin.Idugdeep,drawingbloodandwatchingitslowly
oozedownhisneck.

“Carly,”Vincentsaidwithhisgunstillontheman.

“Putthegundown,”Isaidcalmly,“Youshoot,theyrushin.Thatpart’strue.”

“Goodgirl,”themanchuckled,“Atleastshe’sgotacoolheadItalo.Unlikeyou,sheisn’tasbrash.”

“Shut the fuck up,” I yelled at him and pressed the knife deeper in his skin, leaking droplets of blood,
“Youstillhavetoanswerme.Dotheyknowwhereweare?”

ThemanlookedatVincentandhiseyesdartedtowardsme,“No.No,theydon’tknowwhereyouareor
whatroomyou’rein.That’swhyIhadtocheckifyoutwoaretheoneswe’relookingfor.”

“How’dyouknowitwasus?”Vincenttuckedhisgunawayandwalkedtowardus.

“Redheadedgirl.Aboutfivefeetandeleveninches.Slim.”

Vincentlookedatme,staredatmyhairforasplitsecond,andshookhishead.

“Sevenfeetandtwoinches.Broadshoulders,andacutrunningoverthesideofhisface.Brunette.”

“Andwhatifyouhadthewrongpeople?”Iasked.

Hesmirked.“Wecan’tleaveanywitnesses.Justaskyourboyfriendoverthere,”theassassinnoddedat
VincentandIlookedathim.

“Hecan’ttellthemwhereweare,”Vincentsaid,pacingthecarpetedfloor,“howdidyouevenfindus?”

“Wasn’teasy.”

“Tellme.”Vincentgrowledandsteppeduptotheman’sface.

He sighed and recounted his steps, spilling every little detail. With the blade on his skin and blood
drippingontohisshirt,hetolduseverything.

Apparently,thethreemenwhohadtailedusallthewaytotheairportreallyweretheonlypeoplewho
knewaboutusleavingforadifferentcountry.

Thosethree,alongwiththosewehadgunneddowninthealleywayinsomestreetinChicagowereallthe
witnesseswhoknewaboutwherewewereheaded.

“Butwehadnoideawhereyouweregoingexactly,”hesaidandlookedatVincentandme.

“Howdidanyofyouevenknowwewereattheairport?”Iaskedhim,“Allyourmenwerekilled.”

“All?”hesnortedandsnuffled,“yourmanhereseemstohaveforgottenhowtocleanupafterhimself.”

HelookedatVincentandIturnedmyattentiontowardshim,“What’shetalkingabout?”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Vincentdodgedmyquestionandthrewitrightbackattheman.

“Doyouhaveasoftheart,Italo?Haveyougonesosoftthatyou’driskgettingcaughtandkilled?”

“What’shesaying,Vincent?”Iasked,buthedidn’trespond.Hedidn’tevenlookmeintheeye.Icould
tellthathewashidingsomething.

“Well?”themanaskedandsneeredatVincent.

IlookedatthebellhopandthenturnedmygazebacktoVincentwhoquicklywalkeduptous,grabbedmy
handandlodgedthebladeintotheman’sneck.Hisbloodpouredoutandreddenedhisshirt.

“JesusChrist!”Iexclaimedanddroppedthemanonthefloor.Luckily,thebloodflowdidn’tseemtopour
outontothefloorandwascontainedwhenhewrappedhisfingersaroundhisthroatandputpressureon
thewound.

“Whatthehelldidyoudothatfor?”Iasked,butVincentdidn’tanswer.

“Vincent!”Isternlycalledhim.Hepressedhisindexfingerandthumbonthebridgeofhisnose.

Thebellhopwasstillstrugglingbecausehehadthebladestillstuckinhisthroat.Iwonderedwhetherto
keepitinorpullitout.Ibentdownandtriedtopullitoutofhim.

“Don’tdoit.He’llbleedoutinsecondsifyoudo,”Vincentretortedandturnedaroundtolockthedoor.

“Thenwhatshouldwedo?”

“Helpmecarryhimtothebathroom.”Vincentcommandedandgrabbedthemanbytheshoulders.

Ifollowedhimandtookthemanbythelegs,carryinghimallthewayovertothebathroomwhiletryingto
keepthebloodfromspillingalloverthefloor.

“Nowwhat?”Iaskedaswedumpedhiminthebathtubwhilehebled.

Vincent didn’t answer. Instead, he walked up to the man and said, “I know you’re in serious pain.” He
kneltoverhiminthetubandcontinued,“butyouhavetotellmeifwe’reinanydanger.Blinkoncefor
yes,andtwiceforno.”

Themanblinkedonce.

“Okay.”Vincentglancedatme,thenturnedhisheadtowardstheman.“Aretheremorethantenmenafter
us?”

Heblinkedtwice.

“Morethaneight?”

Heblinkedtwice.

“Less?”

Heblinkedtwice.

“Eightmen?”Vincentaskedandthemanblinkedonce.

“We’llcallinadoctor,”Isaidandheadedoutofthebathroom.Vincentgrabbedmyarmandshookhis
head.Iwatchedinhorrorashegrabbedtheknifeandpulleditout,causingthetrappedbloodtopourout

alloverthemanlikeawaterfallofblackandred.

“Jesus!Vincent,why?”Iasked,buthejustsilentlystoodup.

“Packyourthings,”VincentcalledouttomewhileIstillwatchedthemanbleedout.Helookedhorrified
ofthesightofhisbloodpouringalloverhimself.

“Wecan’tjustleavehimlikethis,”IsaidandwalkedoutofthebathroomtorejoinVincent.

“Carly, he was sent here to kill us both. Do you think he would have shown the same kind of mercy to
us?”

Istayedsilent,butfeltmylipstrembleatthesightofVincent’srage.

“Itriedtobemercifulonce.Andlookwhereitgotus.Nearlydead.Wehavetogo.Now.Packyourthings
andI’llmeetyoudownatthelobby.”

Itriedtoprotest,buthesaid,“We’lltalklater.Getyourbagandpackyourthings.Don’ttalktoanyone.
Don’tevenlookanyoneintheeyes.”

Inoddedandrushedtowardsthecabinet,thenturnedtowardsVincentandsaid,“Staysafe.”

SOON

Carlyfinishedpackingherbagsandwalkedoutthedoortoheaddownstairs,Vincentwalked

overtothelargeclosetinthefarsideoftheroom.Heswungthedoubledoorswideopen,revealinghis
cache of weapons and armor. It was the very same ones he packed the night they left for the
Mediterranean.

Couldn’trisktellingherwherewewereheaded,Vincenthadthoughtwhentheywereonboardtheplane
andflyingofffromtheStates.

Helookedaroundathisweaponsandmadehispick.Heswungasilencer-equippedsubmachinegunover
hisshoulder—theP90.HepickeduptwoGlock19’sfromtheshelfabovehimandinstalledacoupleof
silencersonthebarrelsbeforeslidingtheminhiscoatpocket.Vincentlookedaroundandgrabbedtwoof
hissheathedknivesfromthedrawerandstrappedthemunderneathhispants.Aftertakingasmuchammo
ashecould,heclosedthecabinetdoorsandheadedtowardstheexit.

Withonelastlookaroundtheplace,Vincentranbackuptothecabinetandtookalookathisexplosives.

“Suchashametoletthemgotowaste.”

“N

,whereareyou?”Vincenttookouthisunsilencedanddeadlypistolandsaid,“Comeandgetme.”

He fired off a round in the room. Immediately, he heard the sound of footsteps running towards the
hallway.Heduckedintoacornerandwaitedforthementocomeforhim.

“Ihearditcomefromoverthere,throughthishall!”Vincentheardonemanshoutandheardaseparateset
offootsteps.Withtwosilencedpistolsinhishands,hewaitedforthementorunuptotheroom.Before
long,twomenranpasthim,carryinganassaultrifleandapistolrespectively.Vincentlefthishidingspot

andtookbothofthemout.Theydroppedonthefloorwithtwothumps.

Vincenttuckedthegunsawayandwalkedtowardstheotherendofthehallway,wherehespottedaman
actingsuspicious.Heworeablacksuitandwaswalkingdownthehallcarefullywithonehandinhiscoat
pocket.

“Areyousecurity?”Vincentaskedinnocently.Themanlookedathimfromheadtotoe.

“IthinkIheardanoisecomingfromthere,”hesaid,pointingtoadoor.Whilehespoke,henoticedared
scarrunningdownthebackoftheman’sneck.

Whatkindofbladewasusedtocuthim?Vincentthought.

“Fuck off,” the man growled, and started to walk past Vincent. He then stopped dead in his tracks and
turnedaround,“Waitaminute.Getoverherewithbothyourhandsup.”

Vincentranuptohimwithaknifeinhand.

Heranthedaggerthroughhisneck,slittinghisthroatandspillinghisbloodalloverthehallway.

“He’shere!”hemanagedtoloudlygarbledespitethesevereamountofbloodpumpingfromthegashin
histhroat.

Thesoundoffootstepscameinfrommultipledirections.

“Fuck,”hemutteredunderhisbreath.Twomenranuptohimwithgunsintheirhands.

Oneothermanranupfromtheotherside,andtwocamefromyetanother.Hewasindeepshit.

“Don’tmove,Italo,”oneofthemensaid.Vincentbackedup.Thefivemenaimedtheirgunsathim.

Withasmirkonhisfaceandhishandbehindhisback,Vincentheldacontrollerwithonebuttoninthe
middle.

“Thebosswillwanttoseeyou.”

“No,wehavetokillhimnow.Thoseareourorders.”

“AndIsaywetakehimbacktoValitori.”

As the men argued, Vincent clicked the button. The explosion erupted throughout the room, shaking the
buildinginitscore.Astheexplosionrousedthehotel,firealarmswerepulledandsoon,rainseemedto
pour over them as the smoke alarms were triggered. The men in front of him were thrown off—just
enoughforVincenttoreachhissubmachinegunandfireatthefivemen.Leadandfirepeltedthemwhile
waterpouredalloverthem.Theytrieddesperatelytoaimtheirgunsathim,buthehadthedroponthem.
He’dcaughtthemoffguardandnowsentthemtoearlygraves.

ThewatersprinklersabovekeptrainingoverVincent,drenchinghiminwater.Hehadtohurrydownto
the lobby before anybody caught him holding a weapon with eight dead men in the hotel hallways. He
droppedtheP90,makingsuretowipeofffingerprintsbeforehetosseditinfrontofthemen.

“

FAREWELLFORNOW

Now

incent,”Icalledouttohimassoonashesteppedoutfromthecrowdandwalkedtowardsme,“what
thehellhappenedbackthere?”Ihissedathimbuthesimplygrabbedmywristandledmeoutofthe

hotel.

“There was a large boom. Almost like an earthquake. Then the sprinklers went off. You didn’t have
anythingtodowithanyofthat,didyou?”

Hejustshookhisheadandputafingertohislipsbeforetellingme,“We’lltalklater.First,wehavetoget
yououtofhere.Morewillcome.”

“So,youtookcareofthem?”

“Yes.”Wewalkedoutofthehotelandintotheopenwherefiretrucks,policecars,andambulanceswere
parkedattheentrance.

“Where’syourcar?”Iaskedhim.

“Comenow,”hesaid,duckingbehindthelargecrowd.

“Whatisit?”Iaskedandfollowedhisvision.Ablackcarhadjustpulleduptothescene,followedby
another.Together,thecarsheldtenmen.Theyswungcardoorsopenandenteredthebuilding.

“AretheyValitorimen?”Iasked.Vincentnodded.

“Wehavetogetoutofherequickly,”hesaid,pullingmealong.

“Wherearewegoing?”Iasked.Beforeheanswered,hepulledagunonanearbycarandinconspicuously
aimedatthedriver.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Ihissedathim.Hesignaledforthedrivertogetoutofthecar.Keepingmyvoice
low,Isaid,“Therearecopseverywhere!”

“They’reallwalkingintothebuilding,”Vincentretorted.Themaninsidethecarclimbedout,quivering
fromthesightoftheloadedgunaimedathisface.

“Nowwhat?”Iasked,hoppingintothepassenger’sseat.Vincenttookthedriver’sseat.

“Shit.”

IfollowedhislineofsightandcaughtaglimpseoftheValitorimeneyeingus.

“They’vespottedus,”Vincentsaidandlookedatme,“Changeseatswithme.Youhavetodrive.”

“What?Why?”IaskedandrememberedhowIcouldn’tevengetmydriver’slicensebackintheStates,
“Can’twejustout-drivethem?”

“Justtrustme,”VincentclimbedoverandIscootedtowardsthedriver’sseat,takingthewheel.

“Wheredowego?”Iaskedandlookedaroundforapossibleexit,“Areyouevenarmed?”Iaskedand
placedmyfootonthegaspedal.

“Driveslowly.Theymightnotevennoticeus.”

“Toolateforthat.”Icaughtaglimpseofthemanpointingatus.“Hangon,Vincent.”

He strapped himself in. I floored the pedal, speeding through the traffic and screaming at the top of my
lungswhenInearlysmashedintothefrontofanoncomingtruck.

“They’re after us.” Vincent peered at them from the rearview mirror and cocked his pistol. “Keep it
steady.Igottagetacleanshot.”

Inoddedandtriedtomaintainboththespeedandthecontrolofthecar.

WhileIdrove,Vincentunstrappedhisseatbeltandfiredoffseveralroundsatthemen.Ilookedatthem
throughtherearviewmirrorandsawbulletsbeingpeltedonthecar.

“Fuckit!”Vincentexclaimed,sittingbackinsidethecar,“They’vegotabulletproofwindshield.”

“What do we do?” I asked, driving at full speed and cutting corners as quickly as I could. There were
passersby and bystanders who were obviously in shock at the sight and sound of a gunman firing off
roundsatthecarbehindus.

“Canyoushakethemoff?”heasked.

“Itoldyou,youshouldhavetakenthewheel!”Iexclaimedandswungthecartotheright,cuttingacorner
anddriftingoffthesideoftheroad.

“Holyshit!”Iyelledwithahugegrinonmyface,“Didyouseethat?”Ibouncedupanddowninmychair.

Vincentlookedthroughthesideviewmirror,“Youlostthem.Ican’tbelieveyouactuallylostthem!”

Ilaughedathisbewildermentandkeptongoing,cuttingcornersasIwentanddroveofftolosetheirtail.

“T

HIS

FAR

ENOUGH

,”VincentsaidasheandCarlydrovethroughthestreets,scaringoffpedestriansand

civiliansastheydrovelikemaniacs.

“Alright,”Carlysaid,parkingthecaronthecurb.“Wheretonow?”sheasked.

“Listentome,”hesaid,holdingherhandinhis.“Ithoughtweweresafe.”

“Iknow.It’salright,Vincent.What’simportantisthatwe’rebothalive.”

“Letmefinish,”hesaid,holdingupahandandclosinghiseyestothinkofwhathewouldsay.

“I just realized that the Valitori men—Anton Valitori himself—won’t stop at anything to get both of us
killed.Hewon’tstopuntilwe’redeadrightinfrontofhim.”

Theywereparkedonthecurbandcarswereswoopingaroundthem,honkingtheirhorns,butshedidn’t
care.Shewasintentlylisteningtoeveryword.

“Theonlythingthatwillgetthemoffourtrailisformetoputastoptothem,”Vincenttoldher.

“You-you’resayingthatyou’regoingtokillAnton?BackinAmerica?”sheasked.Shefeltasthoughshe
hadbeenslappedacrosstheface.“Won’twebeinmoredangerifweflyback?Whatiftheyfindoutwe
arrived?Wedon’tknowifanyoftheguardsattheairportsareinonthem.”

Vincent was silent. He chose his words carefully, “There is no ‘we’, Carly.” He sighed and gazed out
overtheroad.

“What?”Carlyblurtedoutandwidenedhereyes.“You’releavingmehere?”Heheldherhand,butshe
pulleditaway.

“IhavetogobacktherealoneandstraightenthingsoutwithAnton.It’sforthebest.IfIbringyouwith
me,”Vincenttookmyhandinhisagainandheldittightly,“theycouldgetyou.Iftheyhaveyou,theycan
hurtme.”

Carlyblinkedtwice,absorbingwhatVincentwassaying,“Butwe’veonlybeentogetherforlessthantwo
weeks.WhatifIloseyou?”sheasked.

Vincentpulledherclosetohim.“IfIstayherewithyouandletthosemenfindus,we’llloseeachother.”

Carlylookeddownathishandashecaressedherwithhisfingers.Shepulledherhandfreeofhisand
wrappedherarmsaroundhim.He’doncewantedherdead,butnowhecouldn’tresisteventhinkingof
placingherindanger.

“I have to go, Carly. I’ll leave you some money to find an apartment somewhere they’ll never think to
look.Meanwhile,I’llflybacktotheStatesandgiveAntonapieceofmymind.”

“Howwillyougetbacktome?”sheasked.

“I’llcomefindyou.Don’tyouworry.”Vincentkissedherontheforeheadandsmiled.

“And,howwillIknowifyou’llevercomeback?”sheasked.

Vincent remained silent. He and Carly sat inside the car, staring at one another. Moments passed. The
silenceinthecargrewdeafening,butthesoundsfromthetrafficoutsideseemedmuffledandsoftened.

Vincentleanedintokissher.HepressedhislipsagainsthersandwrappedhisarmsaroundCarly’swaist.

Afterbreakingthekiss,Vincentwhisperedinherear,“Trustme,I’llcomebackforyou.”

Heleftherasmallpouchonthedashboard,thenkissedheronthecheekandbadehergoodbye.Without
anotherword,heopenedthecardoorandshutitbehindhim.

“Vincent!” Carly called out as tears began to stream down her face. He disappeared in the crowd of

people.

LONG

HAS

BEEN

?I’vebeenhereawhilenow.HasitbeentwomonthssinceVincentandIflewout

fromtheUnitedStatestoFrance?Orhaditbeenthree?Nevertheless,IlostcountofallthetimethatIhad
beenalonehere—abandoned.

Itriedhardnottopanicortolosemymindatthethoughtofbeingleftalonehere.BeforeVincentleft,I
barelyleftthehotelroomwestayedatfortwoweeks.Sincethen,Ihadlearnedwherewereallywere.

“WhyFrance?”

IfIhadknownthatIwasinoneofthemostromanticcountries,Iwouldhavetouredtheparks,visitedthe
monuments, and tasted the cuisine. Somehow, even after knowing completely where I was, something
didn’t feel right about being here alone. I stood in front of the mirror and stared back at my own
reflection,wonderingwhenorifVincentwouldcomebacktome.Whatifhediedsomewhereinbetween
themonthsthathe’sleftme?Thethoughtleftmeshudderingandafraid.

ThemoneyhehadleftmewasdwindlingfastwitheachpassingdayandeachpassingmonththatIhadto
payoffrent.Ihadtogetajob.EvenifIdidn’tneedthemoney,thethoughtofalwaysbeinglockedupin
thisapartmentinthemiddleofEuropealwayssentimagesofVincentcrashingthroughmymind.

“Ihavetogooutmore,”Iconvincedmyselfandsmiledatmyownreflection.“But,whereshouldIstart?”

Iputonmakeupandranmyfingersthroughmynowauburnhair—ahintofredbutwithamixofbrownsin
thereaswell.Itwasn’tmynaturalred,whichwasalotbrighterandalotmorenoticeableeveninlarge
crowds.

Inthemonthsthathadpassed,Ihadalsocometothedecisionthatthehairhadtogo.Havingitcutbya
hair stylist wasn’t something that I expected to do out here in France, but with people chasing me with
gunshiddenintheircloaksandcoats,Ihadnochoice.Itwaseithertolosemyhairortolosemyverylife.

“Good morning,” I walked into the coffee shop by the corner of my apartment and smiled at one of the
ladiesinuniform.

“English?”Iaskedherandshenodded.

“Yes,miss.HowmayIhelpyou?”sheaskedandsmiledpolitely.

“I…Iwaswonderingifyouhaveanyneedfornewwaitresses?”

“Not waitresses, mademoiselle, baristas,” she corrected me but remained smiling at me, “And if you
wouldliketoinquireforwork,youmayspeaktotheowner.”

I nodded and she gestured towards one of the two women behind the counter. I walked up to her and
smiled.Shesmiledbackandpickedupapenandpaper.Amanpushedthroughtheswingingdoorsfrom
thebackandjoinedthewomen.

HebeganspeakinginrapidFrench.Somehow,noneoftheclassesinFrenchfromhighschoolseemedto
havestuckwithme.Ididn’tunderstandawordofwhatcameoutofhismouth.

“Uhm…”Ibeganandheputhispenandpaperdown,“I’mnotheretoorder.DoyouspeakEnglish?”I

askedandfeltnervousatthethoughtofnotbeingabletospeakthecountry’stongue.

“Ah,American,”shesaidandnodded,“howmayIhelpyou?”

“Iwaslookingforajob.Doyouhaveanyopenings?”

“Well,”shepursedherlipsandlookedatthewomanIhadspokenwith,“itjustsohappensthatwehad
quiteabitofadifficultylastweekwithoneofthebaristas,”sheshookherheadandbeganwhatsounded
likecursingatmemories.

“Anyway, that boy had been nothing but trouble. Always spilling drinks all over the floor, getting
customers’orderswrong,andthelistgoeson!”shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.Inoddedatevery
wordshesaid.

“Andnow,hehasnotshownupallweek.Itappearsthatwedohaveanopeningforyou,girl,”shesmiled
atme,“doyouhavearesume?”sheasked.Iflushedred.

“Tobehonest,IjustflewintoFranceacoupleofmonthsago.Ihaven’treallygotanythingwithme.”

“Isee,”shebeganandnodded,“well,here’swhatIliketodohereuhm…?”

“Oh, Carl—” I began and corrected myself, “Annabelle Italo,” I said and tried to look as natural as I
could.

Sheraisedaneyebrowatme,“Italo?AreyoufromItaliathen?Ournextdoorneighbor?”

“Oh,no,no.MygrandfatherwasfromItaly,thenhecametoAmericadecadesago.”Itriedtolooknatural,
notanxious with all the lying that Ihad to do. It wasn’t like I hadany choice in the matter. Back at the
airport,Vincenthadinstructedmetothrowawayallmyidentificationcardsandmyoldpassport.

“Safertotravelwithoutthesewithus,”HehadtoldmeandIdidasheasked,takingupmynewnameand
tossingouttherestthatwasleftbehind.

Shelookedatmecarefullyandsmiled,“You’llstartnextweekonMonday.”

“Thankyou,madame,”Ismiledatherandshenodded.

RAINS

WASHED

OVER

HIM

.Thecloudsaboveraineddownwaterandlightning,furiousandangry.Vincent

lay on his perch on top of one of the tallest buildings by the pier. He knew that he had been gone for
severalmonthsnow.SomanyhadbeenputtoharmbecauseofhimgoingbacktotheStates.

“Thereyouare.”Helaiddownonhisbellyandblinkedawaytherainwaterthatwasbeginningtoflow
overhiseyelids.Thestorm’sthunderwoulddrownoutthesoundofhisriflefiring.

Hehadwaitedforhoursonend,lyinginwait,stillandcalm,andpreparedtotaketheshotassoonasthe
opportunitypresenteditself.

“You’veservedAntonValitoriwell,”hewhisperedtohimselfastheyachtpulleduptotheharbor.Even
Vincentcouldn’thavepredictedthattherewouldbeastorm,butassoonastheraincloudsrolledbyand
thesunwascoveredupbytheirthickness,heknewthatFranciscoAmadoriwouldhavetodockhisboat
bythepierifheknewwhatwasgoodforhim.Vincentsmiledatthesightoftheyachtpullinguptothe

docks.

“Don’tmove,”hesmiledandsqueezedthetrigger,sendingabulletflyingalmosthalfamiletowardsthe
boatandthroughtheglass.Asthewindshieldshatteredandbrokeintoamillionpieces,thebulletfound
its mark; the captain of the boat’s head. Now the yacht was stranded there, almost at the dock but not
quite.

“Now,”hesaid,gettingupfromhisposition,“tohavealittlechatwitholdAmadori.”

Vincent was drenched, cold, and uncomfortable underneath the shadows of the clouds and the pouring
rain,buthewassatisfiedthathehadhispreyrightwherehewantedhim.

RANCISCO

MADORI

WONDERED

why he had been stalled out in the sea, just in front of the pier. As he

lookedoutthewindow,hecouldbarelyseeanythingthroughthemist,rain,andcrashingofthewaves.He
couldseethedocksclearlyenough.Hecouldalsoseethattheyweren’tgettingclosertothem.

“Salvi,”heutteredandoneofhismenwalkeduptohim.Hecarriedasmallassaultriflestrappedover
hischestandstoodfirminfrontofhisboss.

“Youcalled?”

“Findoutwhatthehellhappenedtothecaptain.Why’shestoppedouthereinthefuckingrain?”

“Rightaway,”Salvinoddedandpassedthetwoguardswhostoodbythequarters.

“Headedtothecaptain’squarters?”oneofthemenaskedandhenodded,headingthroughthehallway.

Salviopenedthecaptain’sofficeandgaspedatthesightofhimonthefloor,lyinginapoolofblood.

“Fuck,”heexclaimed,cockinghisgunandturningaround.

“Don’t,”Vincentheldapistol,aimedatSalvi’sface,“move.”

“Italo…”hegrumbled,eyebrowsfurrowedatthesightofthemostwantedmanontheValitori’shitlist.“I
knewitwasyou.OnlyamadmanwouldcometodisturbAmadori.”

“Amadman?”hesaid,smirkingasheaimedthehandgunbetweenhiseyes,“I’dliketothinkweheldeach
otherinmutualrespect.Howmanymen?”

“WhyshouldItellyou?”

“Whyshouldn’tyou?WhatloyaltiesdoyouoweAmadoribesidesthemoneyhepaysyou?”

Thetwomenstaredatoneanotherinsilence.

“Fourmen,”Salvifinallygaveinafterafewmoments,“Fiveifyouincludeme.They’rearmedwithrifles
biggerthanthis,”henoddedatthegunonhischest.

“Then,”VincentkepthisguntrainedonSalviashetooktheriflefromhim,“I’llrelieveyouofthis.”

“Well?”Salvisaid,tauntingVincent,“ifyou’regoingtokillamanwithouttheleastbitofhonor,youbest
doitno—”

Thunderrumbledthroughtheair,mufflingthesoundofgunfireinthecaptain’squarters.

Vincentturnedaroundandpeekedattheothersideoftheship.Hewalkedbrisklybutquietlyandspotted
twomenstandingbythedoorwithriflesintheirhands.

“Fuckit,”Vincentsmiledtohimselfandkickedthedoordown,openingfireonthetwomen.Bothwere
hit.

Whenthetwomenwereflatontheirbacks,twomorecamerunningfromtheinnerhall.Vincentassumed
FranciscoAmadoriwasholedupinthatdirection.

“Don’tmove!”TheyaimedtheirgunsatVincentbuthewasquickeronthedraw.Heunloadedtheentire
cliponthetwomen,sendingtheirbodiesflyingthroughthedoorstheycamefrom.

Whenthesmokecleared,Vincentrushedthroughthedooranddiscardedhisgun,drewhispistolfromhis
coatpocket,andsearchedtheroom.

“VincentItalo.”Amadoriwasstandingwithaknife’sbladeatthethroatofoneofhisprostitutes.

“FranciscoAmadori.”Vincentsteppedcloser,traininghisgunattheman.

“Ijustwanttotalk,DonAmadori,”hesaid,comingcloser.

“Notonemorestep,”hesaid,threateningly,“orIwillcutherthroat.”

“Andwhoisthis?”Vincentaskedandeyedthewomandressedwithtwosmallpiecesofclothcovering
herbody.

“Somewhore.ButIdon’tthinkyou’dappreciatecausingthedeathofaninnocentgirl,”Amadorismirked.

“Perhapsnot.”

“Good,”Franciscosmiledandkeptthebladeatherthroat,“thenyouwilltakethisshipbacktotheport,
you’lltieitdowntothedocks,andyou’llletmewalkoffthepierwithoutanythreattome.”

Vincent raised an eyebrow at him, “All because I won’t let some whore die?” He contemplated the
situation for a second and turned his gaze from Amadori to the girl, “Dreadfully sorry,” he said and
squeezedthetrigger,sendingablazingbulletstraightintoherskull.

“Are you mad, man?!” Amadori bellowed and stepped away from the sight of the dead woman on the
floor.“getawayfromme!”heyelledandflailedhisknifeatVincent.

“Calmdown,”hebegan,takingaseatinthequarters,“LikeIsaid,Ijustwanttotalk.”

Francisconoddedandcalmeddownforasecondbutremainedstanding,“Whatdoyouwant?”

“Iwantyoutodroptheknife,”hesaid,eyesfrozenonthebladeintheman’shand.

“Iwon’tdosuchathing,”hesaid,standinghisground.

Vincentliftedhispistolintheair,“Doyouseethis?Thisisagun.Haveyoueverheardthephrase‘Don’t
bring a knife to a gunfight’? Well, the guy with the knife usually has a bad day afterwards. Just put it
down.Noharmwillcometoyou,”heassuredhim.

Amadorisatdown,inchinghischairawayfromthekiller.

“Good,” Vincent smiled before his expression turned dead serious, “You’re one of Anton Valitori’s
captains.”

“Yes,”Amadorinoddedandsighed,“oneofthefewremaining.”

“The last remaining,” Vincent corrected, smiling devilishly at the man who was quivering in his Italian
brandedshoes.

“Yes…thelastcaptainintheValitorifamily.”

“Thatmustmeanyou’requitevaluabletoDonValitori,”Vincentsaidandcrossedhislegovertheother.

“Itmight…what’sittoyou?”heaskedwithahintofstubbornnessandarroganceinhisvoice.

Vincentwatchedtheoldmanastheboatrockedinthestorm.Hiseyesdriftedtowardsthebladeonthe
table—thesameoneAmadorioriginallytriedtodefendhimselfwith.

Vincent lunged at it and dropped the man on the ground while he pressed the cold blade on his throat,
“No!Please!Yousaidnoharmwillcometome.”

FranciscoAmadoriquiveredandbeggedashelayflatonhisbackwithVincentcrouchedoverhim,“Idid
saythat,butyou’retestingmypatience.”

“Okay.Stop.Justcalmdown,”heliftedhishandsuptohisfaceinhisowndefense.

“WhereisAnton?”VincentgrowledandpressedtheknifeonAmadori’sneck.

“I-Idon’tknowwhereheis!”

“Liar.”

“Iswear.Idon’tknow!Nobodyknows!”

“You’rehislastcaptain,”Vincentletalittlebloodtrickledowntheblade,makingsuretheolddonfeltthe
stingandthepain.

“I…Ican’ttellyou.He’llkillmeifItellyou.”

“Howcouldhekillyouifhe’dalreadybedead?”Vincentlookedthemanintheeyeswithacoldstare.

“He’satthecompound,”

“He’snotatthecompound.I’vecheckedthere.Allmonth,I’vecheckedthere.ThenIstartedgoingupthe
ranks,askingeverybody.”

“Andwhathavetheytoldyou?”

“Thesamebullshityou’retryingtofeedmenow,”VincentdraggedthebladecarefullyacrossFrancisco’s
neck, sliding the cold steel on his throat, “You’re the last one standing. You’re the only one who could
possiblyknow.”

Amadoristaredathim,gazedartingfromoneeyetotheotherone.“Alright,”hesaidwithafinalityinhis
tone,“theDonisstillinBoston.Hehasn’tleftthecitynorhashefledthestate.”

“Thenwheredidhego?Notatthecompound.”

“He’satthecompound.TheValitoricompound.”

“I’vealreadytoldyou,”Vincentpressedthebladeagainsttheman’sskin,rippingthroughitanddrawing
blood,“I’vechecked.Youcanaskhisdeadguards.”

“He’sinthere.Hidinginoneofthehiddenrooms,”

“Hiddenrooms?”Vincenteasedupontheblade.

“Yes,”AmadorinoddedandshookasVincentreleasedhimslightly,“AntonValitorihasroomsunderneath
thecompound—onesthatyoucan’teasilygetinto.”

“AndhowdoIgetinthere?”

Franciscoremainedsilentandblinkedtwice.

“HowdoIgetinside?”Vincentpressedtheknife’sedgebackontheolddon.

“Youcan’t!NotevenIknowhowtogetinside.Inthere,hehashiswifeandchildren,allhiddenaway.He
oncetoldmethathehasenoughfoodandsuppliesintherethatcouldlasthimyears!”

Vincentblinkedhiseyesandfurrowedhisbrows.

“Andbythetimeallhissuppliesareemptiedup,hewouldhavealreadysentenoughmentokillyou.”

“Thentellmehowtogettohim.Itcan’tbethatimpenetrable.”

“Oh, yes it is,” Francisco nodded, “the only way inside that panic room is by entering the Don’s hand
printonahiddenpanelinhisoffice.He’stoldusaboutthisbefore.”

“Damn,”Vincentcursed.

“But,”Amadorieasedhiswayoutofthebladeandtriedtositup,“ifyoureallywanttogettotheDon,
you’regonnahavetodrawhimout.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Ithoughthecouldlastthereforayear.”

“Yes,”Amadorinoddedandgrinnedathim,“buthe’sforgottenonething.”

“What?”

“Oneofhissonsistendingtothefamilybusiness.Ilastgotincontactwithhimyesterdayevening.”

Vincentthoughtlongandhard,wonderinghowhecouldusetheboytodrawthemanoutofhisden.

“Whatyou’vejusttoldmewillhelpputanendtothisfuckingfamily.”

FranciscoAmadorinoddedandsmiled,“YoucanfindtheboyinhisapartmentinBoston.Theaddressis
writteninthatnotebook,”hepointedatthetableasVincentgotup.

“Itrustourbusinesshereisover…”AmadoribrushedoffthedirtonhissuitandsmiledslylyatVincent,
“Noneedforbadbloodbetweenus,Italo.”

“No need for bad blood,” Vincent agreed and nodded, lunging at the man at full force and plunging the
bladedeepintohisguts.Hisbloodpouredoverthecarpetedfloor.

“But,yousworeto…”

“Isworetonoone,”Vincentretrievedthedaggerandslashedhisthroat,lettinghisbloodgushoutofhis
neck.

AstheoldDonlaydyinginhisyacht,Vincenthoppedbackinhissmallmotorboatwiththenotebookin
hand.

“

FINALNAIL

’llseeyoutomorrow,”IwavedElisegoodbye.Shehadbeenoneofthefirstgirlsintheshoptoever
talk to me, let alone be friends with me. She smiled back as she swept the floor with a broom,

brushingawaytheremnantsoftheday’slabor.

The walk home was quite short, without a doubt. I could see the shop from the window south of my
apartmentanditwouldonlytakememeresecondstogetthere.

“Annabelle,”IheardElisecallbackforme,“youforgotsomething!”shesaidandIranbacktotheshop,
crossingthemoderatelybusystreet.

“Whatisit?”Iaskedandshebroughtoutaphonefromherbackpocket.

OnelookatthephoneandIcockedmyheadtotheside,squintingmyeyes,“Butthat’snotmy…”

BeforeIcouldfinishmysentence,Elisetookmyhandandplacedthephoneinmypalm.

“Don’t lose it again,” she looked me dead in the eyes and smiled, “It’s…it’s got really nice pictures
inside.”

Iblinkedtwiceandwonderedwhatshewasgoingonabout.

Withanodandasmile,Eliseturnedtowardstheshopagainandclosedtheglassdoorbehindher.Istared
back down at the phone in my hand and headed for my apartment, briskly making my way through the
smallcrowdofpeopleinthestreetaswellasthecarsontheroad.

“Whatisthis…?”IsaidtomyselfandstudiedthephoneasIclosedmyapartmentdoorbehindme.Itwas
justanordinaryphone—plastic,metal,andsimplemoderntechnology.

“Pictures…?”IsaidaloudasIsatdownattheedgeofmybed.

Iswipedthroughthephonewithmyfingerandfoundmywayintothegallery.Iwasshockedanddismayed
atthesight.

AsIviewedthefirstphoto,Igaspedandnearlydroppedthephone.Itwasofadeadmaninthemiddleof
astreet.Takingacloserlook,IsawthatthereweremoremenonthestreetthanIpresumed.Bodiesall
overwhatappearedtobethestreetsofManhattan.Withmymouthcovered,Iswipedonwards,seeingthe
bodiespiledupontheroad,incars,inrestaurants,inmalls,insomebackalley,andotherpublicplaces.

“Oh my God…” I whispered, looking at the men who wore suits and coats over them, all riddled with
bulletholesorhadstabwoundsormarksofstrangulationaroundtheirnecks.

“Vincent.”

Iputthephonedownandranuptothesmallcomputerinmyapartment.Imanagedtopurchaseoneright
afterVincentleftfortheStates.Isawitasanecessity.

Thecomputerscreenlitup.IimmediatelyopenedupabrowsertoflickontoapagewhereIcouldbrowse
newsstoriesfromallaroundtheworld.IcheckedthelocalnewsinNewYorkandseveralotherstates
aroundit.Thestorieswereallthesame.

“Gangconflictsintensify,”oneofthearticlesreadandotherheadlineswrote,“Fiftydeadinviolentgang
violence,”whichmademeshudderatthethoughtofVincentbeingbehindthetriggerthatputanendtoa
lotofthesemen.

Iscrolledonwardsandbegancopyingthearticles,savingthemtothecomputerandprintingthemout.The
storiesdidn’tseemtoendandalotofthemcovereduniquestorieswithnostorybeingthesame.

Thedeathtollseemedtoriseasmoremendiedintheserviceofanunknowncrimeboss,butIknewwho
hewasandwhowasafterhim.Withthebodycountrisinguptothehundreds,IwonderedwhoVincent
wasworkingwithtoputanendtotheValitorifamily.

“R

IGHT

SCHEDULE

,”Vincentmutteredashestoodonhisperchinfrontofthehospital.

Thecardroveuptotheemergencyroom,followedbyalargeconvoyofotherSUV’sandothersedans.
Vincent counted them all and came up with a number of men who were probably there to protect their
boss.

“TwoSUV’s…threesedans…thatshouldmaketwentytwomen,”Vincentcockedhisrifleandlookedup
at the rain clouds forming above his head. Another storm was about to roll in but he couldn’t take that
chance.Heopenedhissuitcaseandbroughtoutasilencer,installingitontheendofthelongbarreledrifle
inhishands.

“Thereyouare,”VincentcaughtaglimpseofAntonValitoriexitinghiscar,walkinguptotheemergency
roomwithanastoundingnumberofguardssurroundinghim.Tenmenwentinsidewithhimwhileadozen
menwereleftoutsidetostandguard.

“Damnit,”hecouldn’tgetaclearshotofthebossasthementhoroughlysurroundedhim.“Gettingabit
cautious,arewe?”HeshookhisheadatthesightoftheoldAntonwalkinginsidetheemergencyroomand
outofhisrange.

“Gotta thin the crowd,” he set his sights on the scattered suited men on the streets, covering traffic and
controllingthecrowdthatwasapproachingthehospital.

Theystoodattheentrancelikeablackbarricadeofmen,shovingfriendsofotherpatientsoutofsightand
forcingthemtoheadinthroughadifferententrance.

“Twelvemen,”Vincentsaidaloudasthestormcloudsabovehimbegantopourouttheirwrath.Heaimed
hissightsatoneofthemenonthefarsideofthegroup,distancedfromalltheothers.Withonesqueezeof

histrigger,hefellflatontheground.Twomenranuptothesitewhiletheothersheldtheirweaponsin
theirhands.Oneofthementriedtorunintothehospital.

“Notsofast,”Vincentsmirkedandreleasedanotherbullet,sendingalongpieceofshrapnelstraightinto
theman’schestandstoppinghimonthestairs.

Thementookcoverbehindtheircarsandlookedupandaroundthestreets.Theycouldn’tgetaclearsight
ofwherethegunfirewascomingfrom.Vincenttookaimatthetwomenwhowerelookingattheirinjured
friend.

“Hewon’tlastlong,boys.”Vincentpulledthetriggertwice,downingtwomoremenintheprocess.Eight
menstartedfiringathimwithsilencedguns.

“Fuck,”Vincentcursedandshotdownasmanymenashecouldwithoutbeingseenbytheothers.Before
long,Vincentwasnearlyfinishedwiththeroundofbulletsinhismagazine.

Onlyonemanwasleftstandingonthegroundbelow.Withoutamomenttolose,thelastmanscrambled
fortheentrance.Vincentwassurprisedathisspeed.Hemanagedtoreachthedoorandyellatthemen
inside.

“Fuckingcoward.”Vincentshothim.Themanfellonhisfaceinfrontoftheothers.

Vincent peered down his scope and saw that the men inside the emergency room were barricading the
doorsandthewindowswithbedsandotherfurniture.

“Won’thelpyou,”hesaidandshothislastbulletatoneofthemeninside.Itpiercedthewindow,blowing
shardsofglassinward.

THE

RAIN

begantopourheavily,brewingintowhatwouldbecomeastorm,Vincentwentdowntohis

crow’snest.Leavinghisgunbehind,hegrabbedhispistol,aknife,andsomethingspecialforthemen.

“Gottobeanotherway,”Vincentmutteredashewatchedthementakeawaythedeadbodyandcontinue
barricadingtheglassentrance.

“Locked themselves inside, most likely,” Vincent figured. He saw several people moving about in the
mainentranceofthehospital,“Theymovedthepatientsoutoftheirownbeds.”

Hesawmenandwomeninhospitalgarbsinwheelchairsandonmobilebeds.

“They’refucked,”hesaidand,unseenbythemeninsuits,Vincentranuptothebackalley.Hestepped
overoneofthedeadmenandenteredadarkalleywhereheunscrewedaventilationgratefromthesideof
thebuilding.

“W

HAT

’

GOING

onoutthere?”AntonValitoribarkedattheninemenintheroom.Hepacedthetiledfloor

inthehospitalroomandwatchedhissonlyingonthebed,allwrappedupinmedicaltapeandstrapped
withtubes.Antonstudiedthebruisesandcutsonhisson’sfaceasheslept.

Valitori watched as his men continued to force all the other patients to vacate the emergency room and

barricadeallentrances.

“Howarewegoingtogetthehelloutofherenow,youidiots?!”Antonbellowedandwalkeduptohis
men.

“We’re going to call for help,” one of them replied while the rest continued to place hospital beds and
furnituretobartheentrances.“We’lljusthavetowaitthisstormoutandsittight.”

“Why?”Antongrabbedthemanbythecollar,“There’samadmanoutthere,tryingtokillmeandmyson.
Callforhelp.Now!”

“There’s—there’snoreceptioninhere,sir.Thestorm’sblockingoutthesignal.”

Antontossedthemanasideanddrewhisowngunfromhiscoatpocket.Hereturnedtohisson’ssideand
caressedhisforehead.

“Papa’s here, my boy…papa’s here. Don’t be afraid,” he said as his son began to rouse amidst the
confusionandchaos.

“What…what’sgoingon?”

“Antonio…”Hesmiledathisson,“justrest…we’lltakecareofthings.”

Theyoungmannoddedandwincedatthepain.“Onemoment,Iwasdrivingdowntheroadandheaded
backtothecompound…then…Ihavenoideawhathappenednext.”

“Hush now,” Anton smiled at his son and tightly gripped his pistol, keeping it behind him. No need to
maketheboyworried.“We’llgetyououtofheresoon.”

“What’sgoingon?”heaskedandlookedaroundatthementotingriflesandpistolsastheystoodguardat
thebarricadedentrances.

“Justasmallproblemwe’retakingcareof…Noneedtoworryyourself.”

“Wait!” Antonio grabbed his father’s arm as he was about to turn around, “A man came to see me this
afternoon.Hesaidthathewasafriendofyours.”

Antonwentpale,appearingasthoughhehadseenaghost.Hemovedclosertohissonandasked,“What
elsedidhesay?Didhehurtyou?”

“No…no,heactuallyjustgavemesomething.”

Antonwatchedashissonbroughtoutaboxfromunderneathhiscovers.“Hetoldmenottoletthenurses
anddoctorsseeit…hesaiditwasfor…”

“What?Whatdidhesay?”Antonaskedandsteppedclosertohisson,eyeingtheboxinhishands.

“Itwasforyouandme,”heopenedtheparcel.Antonpeeredintothebox.

“Whatelsedidhesay?”Antontookthepackagefromhissonandbroughtouttwogasmasksfromthebox.

“Nothingmore.”

Antoneyedhissonandthenturnedhisattentiontowardshisguards.

“Bomb!”oneofthemenyelledwhenhecaughtsightofagreenexplosiverolloutoftheventilationshaft.

“Getdown!”themenyelled.Theyallranforcover.Buttherewasnoexplosion,onlyahissingnoisethat
camefromthedevice.

“Gas!”Antongaspedandwatchedtheyellowhazetakehismen.Hehandedhissononeofthemasksand
wrappedoneofthemasksaroundhisownface.

Thegastookhismen,onebyone.Theyfelltothegroundandfiredofftheirroundsattheventilationshaft
buttonosuccess.

Whenthefiringstoppedandthelastmanfell,Antonflailedhisgunaroundtheopenareaandwaitedfor
Vincenttocomeout.Thegasmaskandcloudedairmadeithardforhimtosee,causinghimtojerkhisgun
thiswayandthatwhilepanicthreatenedtotakeholdofhim.

“Show yourself, you son of a bitch! Trying to kill me and my boy like this,” he waved his gun around
beforereturninghisaimtowardtheventilationshaft.Soon,Antonandhissonwaitedasthegascleared
andwentstraightupthevents.

“Idon’tthinkhehadamaskon.”Antonsaidandwalkedovertotheopenvent.Heaimedhisgunatthe
entrypointandscannedtheinsidesofthehole.

“Shit!” he jumped back but it was too late. Vincent had his fingers wrapped around Anton’s pistol. He
snatchedthegunawayfromhimandbashedAntononthesideoftheheadwithitbeforekickingAnton
backwards.

Anton fell on his back as Vincent climbed into emergency room from the vent. Clad in a suit and a gas
mask,stoodoverAntonandaimedtwogunsathim.

“Well?”Antonasked,“Whatareyouwaitingfor?Doit!Killamaninfrontofhisownson!”

VincentlookedoveratAntonio,quiveringandinchingawayasbesthecouldwithallthestrapsandtubes
abouthim.AiminghisgunatAnton,Vincentunstrappedhisgasmask.

“It’sbeengoodservingyou,”heinformedhimandtightenedhisfingeronthetrigger.

Ashotrangout.

“Agh!” Vincent staggered backward into the wall and hit the ground hard but never lost his grip on the
pistol.Antonioheldapistolinhishand,strugglingtoholditupdespitehisweakness.

“Don’thurthim!”Antonbegged,butVincenthadalreadypulledthetriggertwice.Thetwoshotshitthe
youngmaninthechestandhead.

“No!Myboy!”Antonrushedtohissideandtriedtograbthepistoloutofhishand.

“No sudden moves now,” Vincent got back on his feet despite a gunshot wound in his guts which was
leakingoutbloodfast.

“Whatmorecanamando,”Antonasked,droppingthegunonthefloor,“whenhissonliesdead?”

HewatchedAntoniostruggleforalastbreathandthenslipaway.Vincentlimpedforwardwhileputting
pressureonhiswound.

“Ithadtobedone,”hesaidandaimedhisgunatAnton.

“Yes...”hesaid,watchinghisson,“yes,ithadtobedone.”

HehurledhisowngasmaskatVincent,strikinghimintheforehead.Antonrushedoutoftheroom.Every
barricadewashurledoutofthewaysohecouldsqueezethroughtheopeninghehadcreated.

“Nowheretorun,Anton,”Vincentyelledout,chasingafterhisoldDon,“nowheretohide.”

Vincentfiredoffashot,hittinghiminthekneecaps.

“Fuck!” Anton exclaimed and limped onwards, dragging his right leg with him. He turned a corner and
cursedatthesightofthestairwell.

“Anton,it’stimetoputanendtoallthis,”Vincentcalledfromtheothersideofthehallway,pressinghis
handonhiswoundwithahandkerchief.

“ThatwillbethedayIdie!”

“Itwillbe,”VincentraisedhisgunatAntonandfiredoffmoreshots.TheoldDonwasalreadyintothe
stairwellandupthemetalsteps,rushingasfastashecouldawayfromthemadman.

“Jesus!Whenwillthisend?”Vincentgrowled,hurryingafterAnton.Inthestairwell,helookedupatthe
oldmanclimbingthestairs.Vincentheavedasighandranupaswell,keepingthepressureonhisopen
woundandfeelinghimselfgrowweakerwitheverystep.

He couldn’t get a clear shot, but Vincent aimed his pistol at the top of the stairwell anyway, knowing
Antonwouldmakehiswayup.

“Giveitarest,Valitori.There’snopointinrunning,”hecalled.

Antonknewhewasright.Hestoodattheverytopofthestairwell,facedthedoor.Therewasnowhere
elsetogobutout.Vincentwasonhistail,armedandthirstyforhisblood.

“Just…juststop,Anton.”Vincentwasrightbehindhim,standingatthelandingofthelastsetofstairs.

“IfIquit,whatsortofmanwouldIbe?”

“Amanwhohaskilledsomany.”

“Andwhatareyou?”

VincentremainedsilentasAntonswungthelargedooropenandlimpedoutsidetotherooftop.

“Why,Vincent?”Antonleanedononeofthelargeshaftsontherooftop,nexttotheedgeofthebuilding.
Heheavedasighandgaspedforairwhilehepressedhiskneewithhishands,“Why’dyouturnonmelike
this?Haven’tIgivenyoueverythingyoucouldhaveaskedfor?”

Vincentstoodinfrontofhim,bleedingoutandleakingcrimsonfluidsfromhisgut.Hestruggledtocatch
hisbreathashewatchedhisoldbossleaningbacktoeasethepressureonhisleg.

“Ifitwasn’tforme,you’dbeoutthere,mendingandmakingshoesforyourparents!Whatsortoflifeis
that,Vincent?Notalifethatwillmakeyourich,Isay.”

Vincent shook his head. “No amount of money would ever make me happier than to live with actual

parents.”

“Pa-parents?Youthinkyourfatherlovedyou?”theoldmanchuckledandshookhisheadatVincent,“You
thinkyourwhoreofamotherlovedyou?”

Vincentgrittedhisteeth,fingersclutchingtheguntightly.

“Iftheytrulydidloveyou,theywouldhaveprotectedyou.”

“Fromwhat?Peoplelikeyou?”

“Yes.Frompeoplelikeme,”Antonsmiledawickedgrin.

“Whatgoodisthisconversation?”Antoncontinued,“mymenarealldead.Myfirstboyisdead.Mywife
isstillwithmydaughteratthecompound.You’llprobablykillthem,too.”

“Youthinkofmetooviciously.Iwouldn’ttouchahairontheirheads.Idon’thateyourchildren.”

“Isthatwhatyouwerethinkingwhenyouputabulletinmyboy?!”hegrowled,clenchinghisfists.

“Hetriedtokillme.”

“Hewasmyboy!”Vincentremainedsilent.“Myonlyboy…”Antonshookwithgrief.

“Andforwhat?”heasked,“Forsomebroadwithasetoftits?Youturnedonme,turnedonthemanwho
gaveyoupower,allforsomefuckingwhore?!”

“Easy.”VincentraisedhisgunandaimeditatAnton.Hesimplychuckledashestoodattheedgeofthe
building.

“Andhereheis.Thekillerwhosinglehandedlytookdownanentirefamilyofcriminals,cometotakethe
headoffthebeast.”

Vincentdidn’tflinch.Hedidn’tblink.

“Well,”Antonstoodonbothlegs,standingattheedgeoftherooftopwithhishandsathissides,“Finish
thejob,Italo.”

Vincentlookedthemanintheeyes.Memoriesfromhischildhood;alltheyearsofsufferingandpainthat
hehadtoendurefromthehandsofthismanwereallcomingbacktohim.

The life he had lived throughout these past decades was a life of violence, pain, loneliness, and death.
Now,hefinallystoodfacetofacewiththemanwhostarteditall—themanwhohadscarredhimforlife.
VincentraisedhisgunlevelwithAnton’seyesandpulledthetrigger.

Click.Click.Click. Anton waited with his eyes shut tight and his body frozen. He opened his eyes and
watchedthetiredhitmanuselesslysqueezethetrigger.

“Lookslikeyou’realldry,”Antonshookhisheadandanevilgrinbegantoformonhisface.

“Good,”Vincentdroppedthegunonthegroundandwalkeduptohisoldboss.HegrabbedAntonbythe
collarofhisshirt,lookedhimintheeyes,andtossedhimovertheledge.Antonflailedhisarmsthrough
theairthroughfifteenfloorsbeforehittingthegroundbelow.

Vincentwatched,waitingfortheoldmantofalltotheground.Justashewasabouttomakecontactwith

the concrete below, Vincent turned around and heard the sound of the impact nearly shaking the entire
buildingtoitscore.

COMINGHOME

hesoundofgunfireandthesightofdeadmenwasallthatVincentcouldrememberofthelifehehad

beenliving.Thereweretimes,though,thathewasabletobedsomeofthemostbeautifulwomenhehad
evermet,butnoneofthatseemedtomatterwhenhewatchedhisoldDonfalltohisdeath.

The rain calmed from a proud and powerful storm into a light drizzle over Vincent’s shoulders. As the
raindrops fell upon Anton’s lifeless body, Vincent limped down the stairs. The pain from the gunshot
woundwasbeginningtoprovemorecriticalthanhehadinitiallythought.Hetriedwithallhisstrengthto
navigatethestairs,butwithallhisstrengthexhausted,hefellonhisface.

With his body limp and broken, he had lost so much blood from his side that he couldn’t go on much
farther.Helaiddown,turnedonhisback,andlookedupatthegreyskiesabovehim.Raindropsfelllike
smallpelletsofsoftkissesonhischeek.

“Carly,”hewhisperedandsmiledtotheheavensashisbloodcontinuedtooozefromhisbody.“You’re
safenow,”hemutteredunderhisbreathandsmiled.Hehadheronhismindnowandforever.Thesightof
herwouldneverfadeaway—norwouldthesmellofherhairandthetouchofherskin.

Vincentclosedhiseyes,feelinghimselfsoftlydriftaway.HewatchedCarlyfadeawayfromhismind,but
hetriedtoreachouttoher.Hisvisionbecameblurryandhecouldnotlifthisarmsup.Hewatchedasthe
womanhelovedgotfartherfromhimwitheachpassingbreath.

He whispered her name again but the words did not come out. Slowly, ever so quietly, as the rain
continuedtopouroverhisbody,hedriftedintoadeepslumber.

WAS

thedeadofthenight.Iawokeinacoldsweat,gaspingforairandthrowingmysheetoffmybody.

“Vincent,”Igaspedandstruggledtocatchmybreath.Ilookedaroundmyapartmentbedroomandflicked
onthelightstosurveythescene.Isawnoonethere.Isighedinbothdisappointmentandrelief—reliefin
the fact that none of my neighbors had broken in as I had thought and disappointment that I had spent
anothernightwithoutVincentreturningtome.

“Whattimeisit?”Imoanedandsquintedattheclockwhichwasonthefarthersideoftheroom.Itread
thatitwasonlyfourinthemorning.Iyawnedandstretched,wipingthesleepfrommyeyesaswell.Itwas
fartooearlyformetoriseandshine,evenbeforethesunwasabovemyhead.

Nevertheless,IfoundmyselfwantingtoturnonthecomputertoreadthenewsasIdideverymorning.I
pluggedthepowercordinandswitchedthedeviceon.ThecomputerbootedupandIwasonthedesktop.

“Whatwasthat?”Ijumpedup,startledbythesoundthatcamefromthekitchen.IrememberedhowOscar
would sometimes jump up and about in the kitchen in an attempt to raid the pantry. Oscar’s not here
anymore,Ithoughttomyselfandgrabbedaknifefromamongtheotherutensilsonthetablewhichsatin
themiddleoftheroom.

Iclutchedittightlyandcreptintothekitchen,carefulnottobecaughtorseen.AsImademywayintothe
kitchen,Iquicklyflickedonthelightsandpointedtheknifeatwhoeverwasinside.

Nobody.

“Strange,”Imutteredandloweredtheknife.Therewasnosightofanintruder.Nosightofanyonehiding
behindanyofthekitchenislandcounters,andtherewasnowhereelseforanyonetohide.Icreptalongthe
floor,headingtowardsthewindow,andslowlysliditopen.

“Nobody,”Isaidtomyselfandshutthewindow,sealingittothewindowsill.Iwalkedbacktowardsthe
computerandsatinfrontofittoreadthearticlesonthesamewebsitethatIhadvisitedforthelastfew
weeks.

Thensomethingcaughtmyeye.

“Crimebossdead,bodyflungfrombuilding”thearticle’sheadlineread.Astonished,Icoveredmymouth.

“Strange,”thesoundofafamiliarvoicecamefrombehindme,“Ididn’tthinkI’dfindyouthiseasily.”

Vincentstoodbehindme,donnedinatornsuitandall,butalive.Hesmiledatme.Iroseupfrommyseat.

“Is…isthatreallyyou?”Iasked.Helimpedtowardsme,smilingwithhishandsonhissides.

“Vincent!”Iexclaimedandrushedintohisarms,buryingmyfaceinhischest.

Heheldmeclose.Icouldhearhimwince.

“What’swrong?Areyoualright?”

Vincentnoddedandsmiledweakly,“Doctorspatchedmeup…gotoutoftherebeforethecopsgottome.”

Mylipstrembledandmyheartbeattoofast.“So…”Ibegan,holdinghimclosetome.“Isitallover?”

Vincentheldmeatarm’slength,lookingatmefromheadtotoe.Henoddedandleanedintopresshislips
against mine. His softness and warmth made me feel content. It made me feel whole. I placed my arms
overhisneckandpulledhiminclosetokisshimback.Withhisarmsaroundme,Vincentheldmywaist.

Heleanedbackandlookedmeintheeyes,“Youcanstoprunning,”hekissedmeontheforehead,“andI
canstopchasingyou.”

We stood there, in the middle of the room. He kissed me while practically tearing my clothes off. He
kissedeveryinchofmeuntilmybodyachedwithdesperationforme.

“Promiseme,Vincent,”Iwhisperedashebegankissingmelowerandlower.“Promiseme,”Irepeated
witheverykissheplacedonmybodyuntilhereachedaspotthatsilencedme.

Vincenttookmyhandsinhisandlookedupatmewiththosegorgeousdarkeyesofhisthatmadememelt

inside,andforonce,IknewthatIwassafe.

“Youcanstoprunningnow.”

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

Avalikesitshortandsteamy.(Books-she'stalkingaboutbooks!)

AvariceRoseisanaward-winningnovelistwholivesinthesnowywhiteNorthwithherfurbaby,TyriontheSamoyed.Shehasbeenwriting
sinceshecouldfirstholdapen,andherhearttrulybelongstoromance.Ifyou'relookingforhot,steamyromancereads,thenlooknofurther.

ForAva,there isnothingbetter thancurling upinfront ofthe fireinthe middleofwinter withparchment andquill,writing hernextsteamy
romancenovel.Okay,maybenotquiteparchmentandquill,butyougettheidea.

Elves,barbarians,sorcerers,andstableboys-Avalovesthemallequally,andyouwillfallinlovewiththemtoothroughherevocativeromance
books.

BesuretofollowheronAmazontobenotifiedofhernewreleases.

https://www.amazon.com/author/avaricerose

Document Outline

Just another day
A Night That Was
Elusive
Crossing Paths
The Morning After
The Hit
Beachside Hide and Seek
Hunters Hunted
Out of My Head
A Turn of Events
Repressed Memories
Run For It
A Visit
Farewell for Now
Final Nail
Coming Home
About the Author

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