Page 112 of Dark Breaker

We quickly retreat to the log cabin in question. I keep my handgun pointed upward, holding it next to my right shoulder and ready to aim and fire at a moment’s notice.

I creep toward the two-story log cabin. Curtains cover the windows so I can’t see inside. Someone could be watching from behind them and I wouldn’t know it.

I reach the front door. It’s unlocked.

I give Cateno a tense glance, then nod. I open the door.

It’s late evening now and it’s quite dim inside, what with all the curtains closed. The corners of the room are completely immersed in darkness. A wooden staircase leads to the second floor, and around it I see the outlines of old furniture.

I hold the pistol in front of me now, gripping it with both hands. I sweep it back and forth as I cover the left side of the room, while Cateno does the same on the right. We clear out all the corners.

Then I head upstairs, dreading what I’ll find. I can’t get the image of Gina’s dead body out of my mind. If I find Rosa like that, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it.

But the second floor proves empty as well, furnished only by a rickety bed situated next to a curtained window. The blankets are frayed and covered in mice droppings. It’s obvious someone hasn’t slept in it in a long time.

Rosa’s not here. Maybe I was wrong.

“Boss,” Cateno says quietly. He beckons toward the ceiling, where the handle of a trapdoor hangs down.

I grab the handle with one hand and pull. The trapdoor opens, and a ladder staircase unfolds along with it. Cateno keeps his pistol pointed at the opening the whole time.

It’s completely dark up there and I’m wishing I brought a flashlight. Keeping my gun pointed into the blackness, I start the climb.

When I reach the top, a pistol presses into my temple from the side. The hammer cocks.

“Drop the gun,” an emotionless voice commands.

I drop it.

“Your friend, too,” the voice orders.

I glance over my shoulder at Cateno. “Drop your gun.”

Cateno obeys.

The pistol moves away from my head, then a boot slams into my face, hitting me right on my previously injured cheek, and I’m sent tumbling backward.

I hit the floor and the wind is knocked out of me.

Cateno hovers over me. “Boss, boss!”

He spins toward the attic just as an armed figure emerges. The attacker fires three times and my loyal man collapses to the floor beside me.

Carlo strides down the stairs victoriously. He keeps his gun trained on me every step of the way. I notice he has an obviously swollen lower lip, as if he’s been punched or bitten…

“What have you done to her?” I demand.

He merely stares at me with dead eyes.

When he reaches the floor, he backs away from me, giving me room, and then gestures with the weapon. “Get up.”

I stand, still feeling a bit groggy from the kick to my head. My cheek is throbbing worse than ever. Stars fill my vision, and it takes me a moment to get my balance once I’m back on my feet.

“Go downstairs,” Carlo orders.

I consider jumping him, but he’s too far from me, and I won’t make it without taking a bullet or three. So I walk downstairs.

When I reach the main floor I glance at him questioningly.