Page 117 of Mercenary

I shake my head. “I promised Kylie I’d protect you. And I damn well meant it. But that doesn’t mean we have a future together . . .” There, I said it. Except, to my surprise, she simply smiles at me.

“So you’re my protector. That’s it?”

“I’m a mercenary, baby. A hired killer. You’ve seen me in action. There’s no denying what I do or who I am.”

She rolls her top teeth over her bottom lip. “It’d help if I understood why. Is Hayden’s organization legitimate?”

“He discussed TORC with you?”

“Just that your organization gets rid of rodents and pesky insects, like an exterminator does.”

“It’s not bugs we’re after.” Fuck, Hayden’s been talking?

“Um . . . I get that. I just need something more to go on. The only way to truly protect me is to share the truth with me.”

“Fine. But Madelyn, don’t make the same mistake Kylie’s made. Keep quiet about what I’m about to confide with you. If Hayden believes you’re a risk . . .”

“I will. But after everything that’s happened, I deserve the truth.”

“Governments aren’t equipped to deal with this new wave of terrorists threatening countries around the world. Radicals with a twisted view of the world. Highly secretive organizations, growing in strength and numbers. Sleeper cells are cropping up all over the place, which leaves governments scrambling to predict when and where these radicals will strike next.”

“Was Franco DiCapitano one of them?”

“No. But he was an extension of them. We’re after his business partner, a man named Novák. DiCapitano was just another traitor looking to make a quick profit by becoming bed partners with a radical leader with a terrorist agenda. We were so close to understanding and then . . .”

The implication is clear. . . . and then Kylie ruined everything.

She bites her lip, filling in the blanks.

“The rules of warfare have changed,” I continue, “Groups like Novák’s don’t care who they hurt or how many people get killed.”

“So is TORC a military organization? Are you working for the US government?”

“Not exactly. We’re funded by the government . . . several governments. TORC’s one of many private security contractors. We work off the grid. Out of the public eye. Spying on these assholes and trying to determine their next move. Sometimes we terminate them, like I did outside the diner. In a democratic society, you’ve been raised to believe in justice. The right to a fair trial, the right to representation. Human rights. Morals. The average person would be appalled by our actions. Not understanding that what we do is for their protection. What TORC does is necessary.”

“You’re a spy? A soldier?”

“A mercenary. Hired to find information. Paid to terminate.

“So TORC is privately run?”

“Yes. Hayden sets the rules. We follow them. Period.”

“And Kylie broke the rules,” she says quietly.

“For your own peace of mind, I hope she finds a way to make amends with Hayden.”

She nestles up against me, suddenly sad. So much has happened. So much is still up in the air.

“Your sister can take care of herself.”

“And us?”

I don’t answer and let my silence do my dirty work.

“I’m part of this world now. Whether or not I like it. Whether or not you like it. Still, thank you for telling me the truth.”

Fuck. FUCK.