Page 95 of Defending You

Either they’d lead Bartlett, Alyssa, and the whole team back to Cici, or Asher’s split-second decision had been wrong, and…and maybe Cici would be lost forever.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

The tension in the warehouse office grew until it felt like a living, breathing presence.

Cici didn’t dare move, fearing any activity might ignite the men who silently squared off against each other.

“Time’s up.” Gagnon slapped his hand on the desk, sending a zing of fear down Cici’s spine. “Track down those idiots.”

“I’m sure they’re still looking?—”

“I’m not sure of anything.” He lifted his cell phone, turning it over in his manicured hands. “And don’t even think about double-crossing me.”

Cici’s gaze bounced from Gagnon to Souza, whose jaw tightened. “I’ve done everything you’ve asked.”

“Men like you always think they’re smarter than they are.” Gagnon set down the phone and leaned back against the desk. “Tell me, how is your little brother doing? Alfonzo, isn’t it?”

Every line in Souza’s body went rigid. “What did you say?” The words were whispered, carrying a threat.

“Doing time, isn’t he? Went in as a juvenile at sixteen. Should get out in another year if he keeps his nose clean.” Gagnon’s tone was conversational, as if discussing the weather. “You’ve visitedhim every single week since he went in. Rain or shine, there you are, playing the devoted big brother.”

Gagnon wielded information like a weapon, cutting straight to what mattered most.

Souza’s hands curled into fists. “You leave my brother out of this.”

“A touching display of family loyalty.” Gagnon’s smile held no warmth. “It would be such a shame if something happened to young Alfonzo. Prison can be a dangerous place, especially for someone so young and vulnerable.”

“You son of a?—”

“Careful.” The word was smooth as butter. “I have contacts inside that facility who could be persuaded to arrange an accident. A slip in the shower, perhaps. Or maybe a disagreement with another inmate that turns fatal.”

Souza took a step forward, his face contorting with rage. “Or I could just kill you right now.”

If evil had a voice, it would sound like Gagnon’s laugh. “And then my dead-man’s switch activates, and your boss goes down. You might have a couple of days, a week at most. Maybe you could run. Of course, poor Alfonzo’s trapped. When your boss learns you screwed up—and trust me, he’ll know who to blame—he’ll take you out, and probably your baby brother, too.” Gagnon’s lips rose with malicious amusement. “I guess your choices aren’t very good. A better option—you could just do as I say and not screw it up.”

Cici held her breath, watching Souza’s internal war play out across his features—fury battling with fear, loyalty warring with self-preservation.

Finally, he turned toward the door. “I’ll find them.”

“And my property.” Gagnon’s voice followed him. “And keep me informed.”

Souza’s head dipped and rose, and then he disappeared out the door, his footsteps clanking on the metal staircase.

A moment later, a heavy door slammed far away, the sound echoing through the warehouse, leaving her trapped with a monster.

He tapped on his cell phone, then lifted it to speak. “It’s me. Are you close?”

Who was he talking to? She couldn’t hear the answer coming from the other end of his call.

“Good, good. I doubt I’ll need you, but better safe… Yes, outside and in. Don’t disappoint me.” He tossed the phone on the desk.

He’d called in reinforcements? Why? Clearly, he didn’t trust Souza and the other two to complete the job, but who did he fear? Or…or maybe the new thugs would take out the old ones. But who’d take out the new ones? Did Gagnon intend to kill everybody he used?

“Ah, the beauty of leverage.” Gagnon smiled, smoothing his suit jacket with practiced ease. “That’s why it’s better not to have anyone you care about, Miss Wright. Love is a liability.”

The casual cruelty in his voice made her sick. She pressed her back harder against the filing cabinet, wishing she could disappear into the cold metal. “You’re horrible.”

“I’m practical.” He paced, hands clasped behind his back. “Sentiment makes people weak. Predictable. Souza will do whatever I ask because he cares about his brother.”