Page 53 of Massacre Monday

All I need is my queen.

The Warricks are the first to leave. Then, with one last handshake, Mr. Burberry departs with a broad smile of victory.

President Harvey pauses until they’re escorted down the hall while I stay in my seat. When my father motions for the door, I turn back to the man in charge.

“About the second term of our agreement?” I ask him.

“What second term?” My father whips his eyes to mine.

Harvey clears his throat. “Your son and I are working on a deal. If you’ll just wait outside, Mr. Cardell, it shouldn’t take long. Thank you for your patience.” His voice is as smooth as the top of his head, commanding, but endearing.

Dad looks at me with an eyebrow raised. I understand he hates not knowing everything, but this is something I need to do on my own.

The thick walnut door opens wide, and a large man strolls in with his rough gait and crooked nose. He seems even less intimidated than me with his air of nonchalance. But he runs a hand through his longer black hair and along his scruffy jawline before granting me a broad smile, causing the tattoos on his neck to shift like the creatures have come to life.

As my father turns to go, the two men lock eyes, gazes dead. Their shoulders stiffen with recognition, but neither opens their mouths to speak. It’s like they’re seeing ghosts.

Do they know each other?

Dad shifts his attention to me, then makes up his mind about something and leaves, closing the door behind him.

Maximillian Freidenberg reconsiders me, the smile dropping from his face. My clenched fists sweat with anxiety. Is he about to go back on his decision?

But the startled look warms to something else. An understanding, maybe. Like he’s perceiving a reflection of himself. Maybe he sees a little of himself in me. The way he’d fought for what he wanted once, too.

So, in two strides, he places his arm over my shoulders and gives me a pat on the back.

“Let’s do this.”

Once the orders have been smeared with our pricked finger blood, Max steps out of the room, casting another wary glance at my father, who’s waiting in the hall just outside.

I almost exhale. Almost… Pen is mine on paper. But not yet in reality. Not until I finish the job and hand them over a body. That’s how this works. Seal the pact in blood. Provide an offering toBonakanosin order to gain myreward.

I’ll play their game…

Just long enough to flip the board.

President Harvey stands and taps on the scrolls laid before him, indicating I should sit again. This time, I’m less comfortable. The road ahead of me is made of sharp curves, I know, but my girl is worth every cut.

“Senator Kier Frances has signed the papers regarding your sister, Olivia, or…if not her, your sixteen-year-old sister, Alice.”

The thought makes me want to grab the crystal clock on the desk and throw it through a window, but I hold it together. “He’s already married.” I only make the statement because I want to see exactly how the president will address that concern.

“Your assignment is to take care of that problem. I have promised the senator we would get it done. He was…disappointedthat your father didn’t contribute to his re-election campaign.”

My jaw clenches. This is how it works.I’mthe repayment plan. “So I eliminate his wife to soothe his bruised ego, while my sister is the consolation prize. All because my dad wouldn’t write a check.” I know it’s not just for that reason. It’s because Xavier Cardell wouldn’tobey.

And for that, I don’t blame him.

Harvey’s palms showcase the layers of orders and appointments decorated in crimson life force in front of him. With a small glance at an antelope figure shaped from a purple jewel, he peaks his fingers just under his chin and continues with a narrowing stare. There’s a shift in his demeanor until I’m suddenlyafraidof him, or what he may be capable of.

“Perhaps if we had somethingonhim, we could please the senator while also keeping his plans at bay. He very much enjoys younger women. The younger the better.” He says it as if divulging an important secret, one only meant for me or maybe for someone else listening in this room who I’m not aware of.

Just as quickly as it left, his kind, commanding nature returns as he straightens in his seat with a subtle smile. “The senator will require a pretty face and impeccable reputation to stand beside him during his grieving period after his wife is gone. His suggestion was to have an intern by his side throughout. Then, when enough mourning time passes, make his announcement of marriage.”

“To my sister, Olivia.”

“You understand assignments are carried out. Failure to do so could result in dire consequences we both wouldn’t want. Your father has been reluctant to agree to the appointment, but it’s beyond time for your sister to fulfill this role.”