Page 43 of Malicious Claim

"Good," I murmured. "Move them fast. I want no delay."

"Understood."

I hung up and took a deep breath. Everything was right on track.

It was time to deal with Dan.

He was sitting in a chair, his wrists bound, the fight already taken from him. I stepped into the dark room and let the door swing shut behind me.

"Makros, listen–"

I backhanded him before he could get another word out. His head jerked to the side, blood welling in the corner of his mouth.

He glared at me, but there was no fear in his eyes. Annoying.

I dropped to a crouch in front of him, propping my elbows on my knees. "So, Dan," I said conversationally. "What's an agent doing at my club?"

His jaw flexed.

I asked. "Come on now. Let's not waste each other's time. You were watching Vanessa, yes? But not for the ambassador."

He exhaled through his nose, saying nothing.

"Who sent you?" I asked, voice turning sharp.

No answer.

I sighed and straightened, reaching for my gun.

Dan's eyes flickered to the weapon, but still, he said nothing.

I pressed the barrel against his temple. "I'll give you one chance, Dan. Tell me who you work for, and maybe, maybe I’ll let you walk out of here."

He licked the blood from his lips, gaze defiant. "Go to hell."

I smiled, slow and pleased. "Wrong answer."

I pulled the trigger.

The gunshot echoed in the small room, the sharp scent of gunpowder mixing with the metallic tang of blood.

Dan slumped forward, dead before he hit the floor.

I exhaled, adjusting my cuffs as I turned to Stefanos. "Get rid of the body."

He nodded, already dragging Dan's corpse away.

With Dan's body being disposed of, I straightened my suit and left the room.

By the time I returned to the main floor of the club, the search had escalated.

The music had lost some of its volume.

Then I saw him.

The ambassador stood near the bar, the phone clutched tightly in his hand. I slowed down, watching him press the phone to his ear, his free hand holding tight to the bar counter as if steadying himself.

"Vanessa?" he breathed. The word was tight with emotion.