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Birds chirped, and something splashed in the river.

“I think the animals heard your sexy cries, so they’re fucking too.”

She turned to my neck and giggled, “Adorable perverts.”

After a moment to catch our breaths, I rolled over beside her and held her hand as we both looked up at the blue sky. This was the life. Inside of this beautiful cocoon was just me and her. The outside world couldn’t penetrate it. I wanted to stay like this forever. No worries, no vendetta to complete.

My phone rang, and I reached for my shorts.It was the number of a man who gave me a second chance at life.

I kissed her forehead and sat up. “I need to take this.”

“Go ahead. I’m going to admire the view.” She gathered her clothes and got dressed.

“How’s it going, Slash?” I asked, wondering why he was calling me now.

He’d kept a low profile ever since he came back to life after faking his death to get The Trogyn off his back. Slash still had contacts within the crime organization, but due to its size and secrecy, it was hard to identify the top players who made the big decisions. Slash had been a member of The Trogyn when my friends and I witnessed their crime. Instead of killing us, he let us go, because we had reminded him of his younger brothers, who died being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Slash had become a trusted friend to us.

Because of Slash, I tried to remember that not all the bad guys were “bad.” Circumstances determine how we operate in this world. Compassion is hidden somewhere deep inside of every person, but we have to find it on our own.

“Lots going on.” I looked over at Kiera, who had wandered over to the papaya trees. “Is everything okay?”

“Heard you were looking for ugly red shoes. Got something you should look into. One factory is in Brazil, one in Texas, and another in Florida. The warehouse in Providence is the smallest.”

I wasn’t sure what to think about the timing. If Kiera hadn’t been here with me, it would have been perfect. But I didn’t want to risk doing anything that would put her in danger. I could send her back to Providence and stay a few days to research. She’d ask me questions, but I didn’t want to lie to her. She didn’t need to know these dark details.

I could have my men investigate, but this was too important to me. Red Venom was the final snake I had to destroy. He wasn’t just a threat to me but to everyone.

“What’s the address for Brazilian location?”

CHAPTERFIFTY-ONE

KIERA

That next evening, he showed me around the villages and nearby towns. By the time we got back to the house, I was exhausted.

“I’ve got to make a stop by the BaMBu office. You hang out here, and I’ll be right back.”

I had a packed day tomorrow with visiting the office and taking a plane to visit Rio de Janeiro. I’d never been there and was excited to explore.

“We can watch a movie later.”

“Okay.” He kissed my forehead and left.

After a long shower, I perused his house, which was nestled in the woods on a hill overlooking a valley. There were neighbors around, but not close. When I looked out the window, I saw the town’s lights in the distance. The location was private and yet close to everything. Settling in bed, I texted my friends.

Kiera:Guess what?

Audri:Mission accomplished?

My best friend knew me too well.

Kiera:Party pooper.

Audri:Really? Was just a guess! Do tell! (Wine emoji)

Michelle:We want all the deets.

Natalie: So . . .