Page 83 of Faded Gray Lines

One of Brody’s more trustworthysicariosshook his head and stepped out of my way. “No. Thiscabrónis reallyestupdio. We got him first thing this morning in the parking deck outside his office. He couldn’t have made it easier.”

“How bad is he?”

“You said not to fuck him up, so just a few punches. Maybe a rib or two. He’s a rich asshole, so I may have gotten in a couple for myself.”

I slapped him on the back. “Good man.”

Kicking the door open, I stood back just to admire his handiwork. Finn Donovan looked like he’d gone a few rounds with a mountain lion and lost.

As with most of our holding tanks, this one was bare and cold. That was by design. The accommodations our guests found themselves in were minimalistic at best. The only luxuries we allowed were sight and sound. Mainly because solitary confinement needed to be absorbed in all its torturous glory, and that would be inhibited by a blindfold. Plus, gags just ruined all the screaming, and that was the best part.

All that surrounded me when I walked in were four concrete walls and a dusty tarp covered floor. Oh, and one wide-eyed rich fuck tied to a metal chair right in the middle.

His hands were bound behind him, and his ankles were tied together so tightly, if I took his shoes off, I wouldn’t be surprised to find them purple. Donovan wheezed from his cracked ribs, and a busted lip left dried blood caked over a dark bruise forming on his chin.

All in all, I was pleased with how he looked. My fists itched to get started, but business always took precedence over personal vendetta. My boots clicked against the hard floor beneath the tarp, and he slowly raised his chin. Our eyes connected, and I smiled the moment he recognized me.

The chair wobbled as he jerked against his restraints. “Help!” he screamed, his voice hoarse. “Somebody, help me!”

I made a complete circle around him. “Finley, that’s a little disrespectful, don’t you think?”

“Disrespectful?” he heaved, spittle dribbling from the cracked corners of his mouth. “You people kidnapped me! You beat me, and I’m supposed to be nice? Fuck you!”

I smiled, enjoying his prolonged his torture. He expected me to pull out my gun, so knocking him off-balance with conversation amused the fuck out of me. “You people? See, that’s the type of hate that pulls communities like ours apart, Finley. I’m kind of offended.”

He jerked on his bindings again. “Let me go.”

“I believe in honesty, Finley, so I’m going to give it to you straight.” Grabbing the back of his chair, I got right in his face and smiled. “That’s not going to happen.”

“What do you want from me?”

“That was an interesting little party you threw last night. I learned a lot considering I wasn’t on the guest list, as you were so kind to point out. However, I felt like we didn’t have a chance to get to know each other. You know, one-on-one.” I motioned between us then slapped a firm hand against his cheek. “Man to shitbag.”

“I’ll tell you anything. What do you want to know?”

It took five minutes for him to cave. I wanted to put a bullet in his head just because I hated weakness, but I held back.

“What the fuck is with your obsession with Leighton? And while we’re on the subject, what’s your connection with Alex Atwood and Emilio Reyes?” Lifting a boot, I stepped onto the chair, crushing his balls. Finn let out a tortured howl, so I pressed a little harder. “Before you answer, I want you to know how much I hate being lied to.”

“Leighton is my stepdaughter,” he wheezed. “Is it so hard to believe I’ve missed her? I’m sure you would agree she’s grown into a beautiful woman.”

Even with his ball sack flattened, the asshole still managed to disrespect Leighton. I fought to control my disgust. “What about Atwood?”

“Alex is just a generous campaign donor for my wife. I don’t know the other guy you mentioned.” Letting out a relieved breath, he smiled.

After all this, the motherfucker was smiling. He wouldn’t be for long.

Removing my foot, I pushed his chair back a few feet. “You like to play games, huh? I’ve got one for you. It’s called Musical Dicks.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out my phone and queued up the infamous video, turning the volume up as loud as it would go. Wearing my own smile, I flipped it around and let the show begin.

Finn watched the whole thing without a flicker of emotion. I didn’t expect him to break down in tears, but he seemed almost irritated.

I shoved my phone in his face. “What’s wrong with you? That’s your wife with another man.”

“Is that supposed to shock me?” he asked, his tone flat. “You think you’re telling me something I don’t already know?”

“You’re okay with this?”

His mouth curved in a smile. “I’ve had my share of...extra.”