Page 74 of Monstrosity

I run, pouring everything into closing the distance.

Can't let him escape. Can't fail my family.

The remaining guard turns, weapon rising.

I don't slow, trusting instinct and armor.

His shots go wide—panic fire.

Mine don't.

He drops, and suddenly it's just me and Bembe at the water's edge.

"Rio!" He's not smiling now. "Let's discuss this like civilized men."

"Civilized?" I advance on him. "You threatened my woman. My children. Where's the civilization in that?"

"Business," he says, backing toward the boat. "Nothing personal."

"Everything's personal when it comes to family."

He lunges for the boat.

I tackle him, both of us crashing into the shallow water.

We grapple, fighting for dominance.

He's stronger than he looks, desperate.

But I'm angrier.

I get position, raining down punches.

His nose breaks, blood mixing with seawater.

He bucks, trying to throw me off, hand scrambling for something.

Gun.

I grab his wrist, slamming it against the dock until he releases the weapon.

Then I wrap my hands around his throat, ready to end this.

"Wait!" he gasps. "Flora! I know about Flora!"

Everything stops.

"What?" My grip loosens slightly.

"Your wife," he coughs out. "I know who really ordered the hit. It wasn't us!"

I laugh, dark and bitter. "Really? That's what you're going with? The mysterious puppet master defense?"

"No! Listen! We were hired. Contracted. Someone wanted her dead and used us to do it!"

"Bullshit." I tighten my grip again. "You think I'm fucking stupid, Bembe? You think I haven't heard every desperate lie from men about to die? 'It wasn't me, it was orders.' 'Someone else made me do it.' Same old song."

"I have proof!" He's clawing at my hands now, face turning purple. "In my office! Documents! Recordings!"