Page 54 of Lamb

Okay, maybe he wasn’t the only one.

“What is it, Donnie?” I paused, giving him enough time to process the question and try to formulate an answer. Press him too hard, too quick… and something was getting smashed.

“Man here. For you.”

I nodded once. “Send 'em in.”

Donnie stepped aside, and I realized he meant literally here. As in, right outside the door. But that wasn’t the curious part…

I kept my expression neutral, gesturing to the chair in front of my desk. “It’s been a long time. How can I help you, John?”

He was sweating. His knee bouncing up and down while his right hand tugged at his collar. Obvious signs of distress, mixed with a touch of guilt and desperation. “I need a favor.”

I clasped my hands together and leaned forward. “As in a consultation? A patient giving you trouble?”

He shook his head. “This is, ah, more of a personal matter.”

“Are you ill, John? Please tell me it’s nothing serious.”

“No, nothing like that.” He glanced from side to side, like he was afraid he was being watched. He was, of course. Bugs wouldn’t have it any other way. “It has to do with my finances.”

Itskedmy tongue, and he shrank back in his seat. “Now, John, we both know I am not in the business of dishing out loans.”

“No… but someone mentioned you were in the business of… something else.”

“Someone and something…? You’re going to have to be more specific than that.” I quirked a brow.

“Liketaking someone out. Like making sure they can’t talk,” he said cryptically.

“Once again, I need specifics, John. Or else stop wasting my time. Someone who? And what is it you’re afraid of them saying?”

“A colleague. A student?—”

“You want me to murder a kid for you?” I lifted a palm to my chest and did my best to appear offended. When really I was just fucking with him. Enjoying the way he cowered in on himself. In my office. In my facility. In my city.

“No! He’s a resident. An adult,” John was quick to clarify.

“Right, okay then, what did this adult do to warrant you wanting to off him?”

“He’s blackmailing me. Threatening me, threatening everything I’ve worked for.”

“I see… and what does he want?”

“Money.”

“So give it to him.” I shrugged. “I don’t see the problem, John. Pay him to keep his mouth shut and I’m sure this will all blow over without us having to resort to cold-blooded murder.”

“I did! I have been!” John was yelling now, up on his feet and pacing in front of my desk. “He just keeps asking for more. It’s been months. It’s not gonna end, Adrian. I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. It’s never gonna end.”

“I see. You’re right. That is a problem.” I nodded.

“Okay! So you get it now. I don’t have any other choice.”

“And you’re sure it’s him. This student of yours?”

John raked an agitated hand through his hair. “It couldn’t be anyone else. No one else knows about me… about what I… about my preferences. No one except him… and you. But you aren’t?—”

“I’m not what, John?” I grunted, daring him to give me a reason. Just one fucking reason to jump across this desk and wrap my hands around his throat.