Page 16 of Devious Corruption

“I told you, if they want it back they can come get it.”

“Hold on.” I mute my phone and frown at my brothers. “He said if you want it, you have to go get it.”

“Right, so he can kill us.” Joey shakes his head. “We’re not falling for that shit.”

“Why would he kill you? So what you have a gun that’s sold on the black market. Why would he kill you for that?”

“Because, Max, he’s not going to like other people selling in his area.”

I roll my eyes. “So tell him you aren’t selling it. Tell him you bought it for yourself?”

“And you think he’d believe us?” Joey pushes. “No, you go get it from him. He won’t hurt you; he knows you, you’re friends with his sister.”

“Seriously, Max. It’s dangerous for us, but he won’t hurt you.” Keith presses.

“Will you at least tell me where you got it so I can tell him. It would make it easier.”

“Max.” Lev demands attention.

“We’ll figure out what you’re going to tell him.” Joey waves at the phone. “Just tell him you’ll meet him. No, no, tell him we will all three of us, then you go.”

“Lev.” I shove down the urge to demand he stop being a complete asshole and find a sweet tone. “Where can we meet you?”

If I don’t say they’ll be alone, he might not get as pissy when they don’t show.

“My place. Two hours.”

I check the time. Serafina is coming in for the night hours in an hour.

“Okay, two hours. We’ll be there.”

“Good.” The line goes dead before I can ask him where exactly his place is.

A moment later my phone vibrates again, this time with a text from him.

Two hours.With a pin for the location of where to meet him.

“See, no problem.” Keith smiles.

“Yeah. Just get it and we’ll meet you right after.” Keith sighs, digging out his phone and tapping away. “I’ll let them know we can meet tonight.”

“Meet who?” I ask, but they’re already headed to the door.

“Thanks, Max. Text us when you’re done.” Keith waves as he leaves the store.

A gust of wind blows through the door as he shuts it and knocks over a book that’s standing up on a display. I pick it up, noticing the title as I prop it back up.

Knocking on Hell’s Door.

A shiver runs through me.

Nothing could be truer.

The location Lev sent me is dead center in the middle of the city. A looming skyscraper glaring down at the rest of us. As I step into the lobby, I’m greeted by a man in a suit that looks like it costs more than my monthly rent.

“Can I help you, ma’am.” He’s pleasant with his question, but there’s suspicion in his eyes.

How does he know I don’t live here?