Page 154 of Ravaged Soul

Staring down at the city, I find myself contemplating the vast wealth and power of the career criminal who has aligned himself with our cause. Blaine’s thugs have sealed off all accessible routes behind a wall of armed muscle.

Only one way in.

And one way out.

After two days of silence, part of me doubted whether Gunnar Slaughter would agree to a meet. The lack of response was deafening. Particularly given Gael’s very real threat against us all. But when his text confirmation finally arrived, our plan was set in motion.

We’re here to drive a new bargain with the devil. Off the record and most definitely beyond the legal confines of Sabre’s operations. None of this is by the book, and if it goes wrong, we will certainly all hang for it.

“Do you think he’ll show?” I whisper to Warner.

“I’d say it’s unlikely.”

“The Hunter wants his brother, and he knows that Axel is with us. Won’t that incentivise him to come?”

“This isn’t on his terms,” Warner disagrees.

“How so?”

“We’re in Madden’s territory, and even if we’re not here in a professional capacity, we still represent Sabre to him. The Hunter may not believe that we’ll keep this meeting quiet.”

“I think curiosity will win out.” I watch the foreboding night for signs of life.

“Perhaps you’re right. But something tells me that Gunnar Slaughter isn’t the type of man to do anything he hasn’t orchestrated personally.”

“Then let’s hope you’re wrong.”

Like me, Warner studies the eerily quiet street. Here in the outskirts, we’re far from Central London’s chaos. This residential area provides the perfect protection for Blaine’s empty bolthole. Despite not being used in years, the old townhouse remained untouched by the authorities.

When I glance over my shoulder, the display of overt force behind us is enough to set my teeth on edge. Each member of our entourage is armed and ready for anything. Even Raye and Spyder, though neither are thrilled to be working beside Sabre agents.

It seems all battle lines have dissolved in the wake of the brewing storm. If Gael’s out for revenge, no one will be left untouched. Sabre or not. Agent or criminal. We’ve all worked to bring the cartel’s operation down, even from opposing sides. Now we’re all under threat.

“If The Hunter does show up, he won’t walk into a certain trap.” I eye the array of guns holstered in plain sight. “We have to come in peace.”

“This is as peaceful as it gets when meeting an internationally wanted criminal bounty hunter.”

“Warner… he’s our one shot at locating Gracie before Gael has her killed.”

“And we have no guarantee that he’ll help at all.” He heaves an aggrieved sigh. “So excuse me for being cautious.”

At the sound of Axel’s voice echoing behind us, Warner tenses up. He’s been a wall of carved tension ever since the extent of his teammate’s deceit was revealed. Honestly, it’s rare to see him so speechless.

Warner’s the fixer, the steady ship, the glue that binds this dysfunctional family unit together. Without him balancing out the competing forces in this team, I doubt it would exist at all. Now it feels like we’re all teetering dangerously close to an irrecoverable precipice.

“You have to talk to Axel sometime.” I try to remain diplomatic.

“Leave it, Em.”

“It’s been days. You won’t even look at him.”

“How I choose to manage this team is my decision. Not yours.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Drop it.”

His clipped rejection slaps me in the face. I swallow the ball in my throat then turn to peer up at Warner properly, trying to see past his Sabre-approved mask of professionalism.