Page 8 of A Past Too Broken (Bloodstained Love #1)

Three Months After Kidnapping

T he early spring air is damp from recent rain.

Looking up at the sky, I study the darkening clouds overhead. I can only hope the weather gods are on my side and I don’t have to worry about shooting in the rain.

There are two different vantage points I can set up in, but only one would provide decent cover from impending rain. It’s also the one with the less than ideal line of sight.

Fuck it. A little rain never hurt anyone, no matter what Reggie says.

Mind made up, I use the keycard Hollis made for me and sent via Molly to gain rooftop access and begin the ascent up the stairs.

I consider myself in good shape—you have to be in order to get the job done and then get out of dodge—but climbing thirteen flights of stairs is not my idea of a good time. Especially not when I have to carry my baby up as well.

Another reason I don’t mind sitting out in the rain is thanks to the custom-built sniper rifle I paid a pretty penny for a few years ago. It’s the best long-range weapon I’ve ever used and holds up well despite the hell I put it through. That doesn’t mean I enjoy carrying it up and down fucking stairs.

Finally on the roof of the building across the street from my mark’s office, I cross the space from the door to the ledge I already mapped out a few days ago.

Stopping in my tracks at the sight of the box sitting on the ledge right where I want to set up the rifle, I stare at it. Approaching with caution, I stare at the pack of cigarettes.

While rationally it can be explained away as being left by an employee who works in one of the offices downstairs, something tells me it’s not. Especially since there’s a note taped to the front of the box.

With a quiet sigh, I pick the package up, thankful I always wear leather gloves on a job, and read the note.

Don’t say I never did anything for you - M

Rolling my eyes, I remove the note, shove it in my pocket, then toss the pack of smokes off to the side to deal with later. I don’t have time or brainpower to figure out whatever game Min’s playing now.

Part of me wants to toss the cigarettes off the roof, but I can’t afford to be discovered because of them randomly falling from the sky. The other part is grateful I no longer need to make a stop on the way home. How Min figured out which brand I prefer is something I’d rather not think about, though it does prompt me to remove my phone from my pocket after I set up and send a text.

ZAY

I need a favor

MOLLY

You still owe me from the previous one.

ZAY

So I’ll owe you two, or a big one, whatever.

MOLLY

Don’t have to ask me twice. What’s up?

ZAY

I need you to put your stalking skills to work

MOLLY

It’s not stalking if they like it, but sure

I snort at that but quickly lay out what I want from him. He doesn’t respond by the time I need to settle in behind the rifle, but that’s fine. I’m not in any rush to show Min that if he wants to play games… Well, he’ll get what he wished for.