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Danny leaned against the brick wall of his apartment building and checked his watch for the fifth time. Christopher was twenty-five minutes late. The waiting didn’t help Danny’s pondering about Artus inviting him on this job. It had been too easy. More than likely, this job was less about a task that needed to be completed and more about finding out what was behind Danny’s reappearance in Gregory Heber’s life.

He heard Christopher’s car and its double exhausts before he saw it. When it screeched to a halt in front of him, he pushed lazily off the wall.

“Nice ride,” he said after Christopher got out of the car and rested his arms on top of it.

“Thanks. Cost me close to two hundred K by the time I was finished fitting her out. Jump in.”

The leather was noticeably nicer than in Danny’s car, but the rest of the sporty interior was overdone for his own taste.

Christopher looked at him sideways, awaiting the fawning that never came. “You should hear the stereo.”

“I heard it when you were driving up the road.”

Christopher laughed at Danny’s smug look. “Let me guess, you prefer listening to the Carpenters with the bass turned down and a mellow treble?”

“I like to protect my hearing. So where we headed?”

“You’ll see when we get there.” Christopher pressed his foot on the gas, and they took off into traffic. “You should see her when I open her up.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve taken her over two hundred miles per hour.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah,” Christopher said. “I love this car. It gives me what I need, you know? —No, you probably don’t. No offense.”

“None taken.”

“And being behind bars wouldn’t help. That must have taken some of the stuffing out of you. I hope it hasn’t made you too soft.”

“I like to think I’m sharper than ever these days.”

“We’ll see about that now, won’t we?”

“I’m confident I can do the job you need.”

“What if I needed you to kill someone?”

“Is that what this job is?” Danny had considered what he might be asked to do on this job. He still hadn’t decided how he’d handle the more delicate situations if they arose. He wasn’t against backing out if it was what was required.

“No. Gregory said you won’t do it. I was just checking if that still stood.”

“It does. I never killed for him. That’s not my skillset.”

“It doesn’t take skill to kill someone.”

“I won’t do it. If that won’t work for Artus, then you can drop me off right here.”

“It’s unfortunate, but not a dealbreaker. My dad doesn’t like his guys to have lines they won’t cross for him. But if your other skills are substantial, maybe it won’t matter.”

“I guess you’ll be the judge of that. So, this job we’re doing, why didn’t he send someone besides you?”

“Are you kidding? I asked for it. I love this stuff. I wish I could do more. There’s nothing quite like the feel of a man’s nose breaking under your fist to get your blood pumping.” Christopher weaved in and out of traffic. “It helps me focus when I’m stuck in the office. Desk work doesn’t suit me.”

“You play the part well. From what I’ve seen, you fit right in as a businessman. Are you putting that on for the benefit of others?”

“ Certain others. Don’t get me wrong. I was ready to step up and become that man. I’m good for the job. But I won’t deny what’s inside. I’ve got the best of both worlds. And running Heber Industries has other benefits as well.” The corner of his mouth lifted in a lewd smile. “Like Jael. I’ve wanted a piece of that for a while.”

Danny’s hand twitched into a fist, but he flexed it open. Punching the smile off Christopher’s face wouldn’t help anyone right now. “Oh, yeah?”

“The ones you have to work for are always the tastiest. I’m enjoying the chase. It’s a nice change. As you can imagine, women throw themselves at me. I don’t mind a challenge once in a while. And it’s only right that the woman I marry gives me a good run for my money.”

“Yeah.” It was hard for Danny not to say more.

“You must get a bit of that too. You’re not a bad-looking guy. And you might not be rich, but you’ve got that bad-boy look that girls go crazy over.”

Christopher was the last person he wanted to be honest to about the subject. “I haven’t really noticed.”

“Fine, you want to play coy? Play coy. I’ve got no problem owning it. But I’ll tell you what, once Jael gives in to what she really wants, it will be that much sweeter.”

Danny couldn’t help himself. “And what is it you think she really wants?”

“You don’t know? You’ve spent more time around her than I have.”

“I had other things on my mind.”

“She’s followed Daddy around her whole life, but she’s almost thirty. It’s time for a real man to take control. No offense to Gregory. He’s raised her well, but now it’s my turn.”

“If she’s a grown woman, wouldn’t it be better for her to take control of her own life?”

“Please. A woman like that doesn’t know how. She plays like she does. That’s the hard-to-get attitude. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a chauvinist pig. I know there are a lot of ladies out there who can look after themselves, but Jael is not one of them.”

“It looked to me like she’s been doing fine on her own with her foundation.”

“What—Vita Nova?” The time he took to give Danny an incredulous gape nearly had them running up the backend of the car in front. After slamming on the brakes and swearing at the driver who couldn’t hear him, Christopher said, “That’s a joke, right? What am I saying? It’s clear you’re clueless. I hope you’re better on the job. What you have to understand is that Vita Nova is a hobby to make Jael feel better about herself.”

“From what I saw, she’s quite passionate about it.”

Christopher lifted an eyebrow. “Passionate? I’ve never seen Jael passionate about anything. Mark my words. Before the end of the year, she’ll get bored and give it up.”

“That’s not how it sounded when I spoke to her.”

“Trust me. I’ve known a lot of women like her.”

“Is that so?” Danny couldn’t keep the jagged edges out of his voice. If Christopher noticed, he didn’t act like it.

“Our families have been friends for a long time. I haven’t had much to do with her over the years, but I know the type.”

Danny decided it was time to change the subject before he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. “How long have your dad and Gregory been friends?”

“Since college.”

“They were in college together? With that age gap?”

“Gregory wasn’t a student at the time. My dad was.”

“I’m surprised I never crossed paths with you when I was working for Gregory before.”

“By the time you and I were around, they were in different leagues. No offense to Gregory, but he doesn’t have the same killer instinct that my dad has. If you ask me, that’s why Gregory got out of the business. He couldn’t cut it. He’s done well with Heber Industries, though. Not everyone is made for the underworld. But you seem pretty keen to get back into the game.”

“Work is work, as far as I’m concerned.”

“Until you get caught.”

“That’s what I get for going out on my own,” Danny said.

“Hard lesson to learn. It makes a difference when you have the covering of someone powerful. ”

It was the first thing Christopher had said that Danny agreed with. Although the “someone powerful” Danny was thinking of was very different. “I appreciate you guys letting me have this chance. I recognize what a rare gift it is.”

“My dad trusts Gregory. But don’t expect to sit at our table anytime soon.”

“Got it.”

Christopher was silent for a few minutes, then he said, “So, uh…I heard the old man has you babysitting.”

“I wouldn’t call it babysitting. He wants me to see what I can dig up.”

“If she knew, she’d have your head.”

“She does know,” Danny said matter-of-factly, hoping Christopher would drop it.

“She’s playing you, man.”

“Actually, I think she’s resigned to it. She knows Gregory doesn’t approve.”

“Exactly. She knows he doesn’t like it, but she keeps pushing ahead anyway. Don’t let her fool you.”

“You think she’s hiding something?”

“That’s not the point. If Gregory wants the foundation dismantled, it’s not that hard to find a way. If he’d give me control already, I could do it in an afternoon.”

“He won’t let you touch it?”

“I think he wants to take credit when it crumbles.”

“Is that what you would do if Gregory did hand it over to you? You’d end it?”

“Don’t know. Haven’t decided yet. It makes me uncomfortable, but if it gets me on Jael’s good side?—”

“Helping battered women makes you uncomfortable.”

“Allegedly battered. You know how women can be. They make stuff up to get what they want.”

“Maybe some do, but what about the ones who don’t? Shouldn’t they get help?”

“In a perfect world. But in this world, you have to decide whose side you’re on.”

“I’m not convinced that the best outcome for anyone is the demise of Vita Nova.”

Christopher stopped at a red light and looked at Danny with delight. “You have a thing for her. Don’t you?”

“No,” Danny said a little too adamantly. He was saying it to himself as much as to Christopher. He couldn’t afford to get attached.

“Come on. I can see it on your face. I don’t know why I didn’t notice before. That’s not why you’re back, is it? To hook up with her? Man, you must be hating me right now, knowing she’s mine.”

“I used to have a thing for her. Not anymore.”

“I bet you did. The boss’s daughter. You two ever…” He bit his bottom lip suggestively.

“No.”

“Didn’t look twice at you, am I right? You’re not really her type. I never saw much of her in those days. What was she like?”

“Not much different. There’s always been something melancholy about her. Like she knew too much of the world.”

Christopher snorted. “Listen to you, all profound. I doubt she thinks too deeply about it. What about Gregory? What was he like?”

“He had an edge about him he’s lost.”

“No kidding. Softer in some places but harder in others.”

“I guess your interactions with him have been different from mine.”

“I shouldn’t be surprised that he’s holding tight to his company, poor guy.” Christopher shook his head. “Chances are he’s going senile. He’s too belligerent not to be.”

“Is that what you were arguing over the other day at the office?”

“How do you know about that?”

“It’s my job to know things. Sounded like things were tense.”

“It’s not any of your business,” Christopher said.

“I don’t mean to pry.”

“Don’t you?”

“I’m curious.”

Christopher looked at him sideways. “You should know curiosity will get you killed in this business.”

“I’m not allowed to ask a genuine question?”

“Sounds more like you’re digging for something.”

“Just putting the pieces together. Heber’s not connected to any criminal activity. And while no one can prove it, I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone paying attention that Jabin Enterprises is dubious at best. It makes sense that you’d be looking at using your power as CEO to further your interests. I know I would.”

“Good business is good business.”

“It’s impressive what your dad has built.”

“He’s taught me everything I know. That’s why Gregory wanted me for the job. I don’t suppose he’s talked to you about it.”

“Not really.”

“He hasn’t said anything?”

That’s when everything crystalized for Danny. He wasn’t here to help; he was here to feed Christopher intel on Gregory and probably Jael. That was an angle he could work with.

“We haven’t had a lot of time together, but we were close a decade ago. We could be close again.”

“You’re loyal to him. That’s admirable.”

Danny shrugged. “He’s been good to me, and I appreciate it. I’m not going to bite the hand that feeds me, but I go where the most desirable work is. Where I’m most valued.”

“That’s smart. My dad likes smart, and so do I. But can you be discreet?”

“When it’s called for.”

“Then we may have a job for you.”

“I thought that’s what this was.”

“That’s not what this is. But you already knew that. We have a lot of work in progress. You could move things along. It would speak volumes to those who hear it.”

“You just tell me which wheels need greasing.”

“Gregory, for one.”

“I don’t think he’d listen to me about business matters. I couldn’t get him off your back if that’s what you’re asking. I’ve always been useful for the more hands-on assignments.”

“What about Jael?”

“What about her?”

“She likes you—I mean, in a friend zone sort of way.”

“Friend zone.”

“Yeah, you know, when a guy likes a girl, but she only wants to be friends.”

“I know what it means.”

“I see the way she is when you two talk. She’s comfortable with you. I’d go so far as to say she trusts you to a degree. Talk me up to her. Tell her all my attributes. Why I would be a perfect catch— Actually, better yet, tell her you saw me talking to Molly Springwood.”

“Who’s that?”

“Daughter of a politician. She and Jael don’t get along. Say we looked very familiar with each other.”

“That wouldn’t work on Jael.”

“It works on everyone.”

Danny felt like he was in the schoolyard. “If you think it will work, I’m willing to give it a try, but what if she considers you to be in the friend zone?”

“I’m not friend material. Women only burn for me. Jael does too. You just need to help her see it. Butter her up. Make the process smoother for when she’s forced to rely on me for her wellbeing.”

Every muscle in Danny’s body tightened. “Why would she be forced to rely on you?”

“Time stops for no man. One day, Gregory Heber will be no more. I want the transition to be an easy one for her.”

“I’ll do what I can, but we’re not as close as you seem to think.” His voice was clipped.

“All I’m asking is for you to try. Your future with my family depends on it. It won’t be long and you won’t have Gregory to rely on anymore, either.”

“I get the distinct impression that wouldn’t bother you too much,” Danny said.

“I’m pragmatic, and your time is up.” They pulled up outside an aging two-story house with broken shutters. It was a bad part of town in the outer suburbs of the city. “Are you in or out?”

“I’m in. Definitely in. But if this is the place, it’s probably time you told me what we’re doing.”

“You’re not doing anything besides keeping your mouth shut and backing me up. There’s a guy here named Burger who has made things uncomfortable for my dad. I’m here to make sure he stops doing that.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

“And this is what keeps you sharp? Scratches that itch? Seems a menial task for you.”

“I don’t mind lowering myself to something like this. Helps me get out the aggression that’s been building.”

“I take it you keep this side of yourself from Jael?”

“You say that like you think she’s the perfect little angel. Trust me, she’s as soiled as they come. That’s why I know we’ll get along so well together. But yes, it would be better not to mention it.”

Christopher opened the glove box and pulled out a gun, handing it over. “Only use it if you have to. We want this guy to live another day.”

“I told you, I don’t kill people.”

“You never know what will happen in the moment, though, right? Now, when we get to the door. I’ll stay out of sight. Burger knows me, but he doesn’t know you. You knock and call out a pizza delivery or something. I’ll do the rest.”

“Anything else I need to know?”

“No.” He got out, and Danny followed, tucking the gun where it wouldn’t be seen.

When they climbed onto the rotting porch, Christopher stood with his back to the peeling paint, and Danny pulled open the ripped screen door before knocking. “Uber Eats,” he called out, then knocked again. “You want me to leave it on the step?”

“Hang on,” came a rough voice from inside. “I didn’t order anything.”

When the door opened, revealing a heavyset guy in his late thirties with stringy hair and a lazy eye, Christopher sprang into the door. He pressed the muzzle of his gun into Burger’s forehead and forced him backward.

“Hey, Burger,” Christopher said. “You miss me?”

Burger continued to stagger backward until he bumped against the wall. His eyes flicked between Danny and Christopher.

“I—I didn’t do it,” he stuttered. “W—whatever you think I did. I don’t know what they told you, but they’re lying.”

“What who told me?” Christopher pushed the gun harder against Burger’s temple so his head twisted to the side. “And how do you know they’re lying if you don’t know what they said?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything.”

A blur of movement shot out of the nearby living room and down the hall.

“You,” Christopher nodded to Danny. “Go get ’em.”

Danny sprinted down the hall, letting his instincts carry. It was an easy inclination to follow. He’d been confident coming here that he still had the skills to do the job, but it was unnerving to find it so close to the surface.