Page 47

The minute he says, “I haven’t found—” My gun will be narrowed right into the middle of his eyes, and the bullet will be lodged in his skull next.
If he calls my bluff regarding not killing him where he stands, then that fucking sucks for him because I don’t make ideal threats without having something to back it with.
Just like Victor.
We promised each other his death, and hewilldie. It’s set and stone, like a laceration on a hand tipped over for a blood oath. We want it, we get it. End of story.
After putting the vehicle in park, I reached over, grabbing for my 9mm handgun. I would have grabbed my shotgun, but I don’t want to startle him. Not yet.
I swing open the door, a gust of wind uppercutting me in the face. There's no joy to the cold, but it does take the heat from my chest, and cools it off, easing my impulsive actions, readying myself to tap on the trigger if Jaxy boy doesn't come through.
I said I’ll find him, and that’s precisely what I did. The best way to get to someone is to catch them off guard—it is easier to catch their fumbles and hesitations.
My boots scrape against the wood chips and rocks as I walk up to the house. I tuck the gun inside my wool coat as I approach the fragmented steps.
I skate my eyes around, taking notice of every little detail I see. I tuck my hands into my coat as I round the steps, then stand at the door.
I don’t need to wait, and I won't knock lightly.
Bang, bang, bang.
Three fisted hard knocks should get him perked up.
First there’s nothing, then the vibration of footsteps appears, the echo beckoning closer and closer and the grumble of him sounding out. “Jesus fucking Christ...?”
The door swings open, presenting the same man as before, only now he doesn't wear a tuxedo but black cargos and a shit green shirt. His umber skin pales, his mouth parts like the reaper appeared to claim his soul. It's the reaction I expected; he didn’t think I would find him. I don’t allow him to offer me in. I stuff my fist into my pockets while I step my boot into the foyer, making way in as he moves back with the dumbfounded expression.
“How did you find me?”
“I told you I would.” I turn facing him, my thumb knocking against the metal residing in the wool coat. “It wasn’t very difficult.” I take a brief look around his home, then turn back to him. “I won't waste any time with formalities. Did you get me what I needed?”
He nods with a deadpan expression. “Of course I did.” He moves forward, kicking past the crumbled paper on the floor, heading to the circular table placed a few feet beside the gas stove. Papers are spread all over the table along with cigarette buds. He ruffles through it for a second before pulling up a long white paper with drawings on it. “Here’s what we’ll need to get the kids. It was hard outlining it, but I did the best I could with what I knew. We need—”
“You keep sayingwe. I don’t remember involving you any further than this.” I cut him off as I steadied my eyes on him.
Jax raises his chin slightly. “I need to be there.” He closes the paper.
I glance at the sheet, then back at him, my thumb knocking harder into the steel. “Why?”
Instead of tucking the paper under his arm or ripping it to shreds, he hands it to me.Smart man.“I want you to trust me. I’m not here to cross you. I know how you operate,” he says.
He only knows half of what I can do, but I’ll let him entertain himself with that idea.
I extend my hand, and he places it on top. “It’s good that you have an understanding. Because it would be another tragedy for your daughter to be fatherless.”
I can tell that I pinched a nerve from the slight wince. “Does this mean that you’ll help me?”
Yes. We are. But he doesn’t need to know that. Even if I would’ve killed him right here, I would've made it my mission to find her, regardless.
He’ll know only what I tell him. Need to know the basis and all that. “First things first.” I roll the paper up and fold it into a square small enough to fit into my pocket.
“I’ll see myself out.” I slip it in, then I step toward the door. I’m done with the conversation and over being in here.
Without saying anything more, I continue walking, until I hear multiple steps and creaks behind me. I halt and slowly crook my neck to the side.
Jax has gathered his coat and already put it on. My brows furrow deep. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m coming with you.”