Page 236 of Shadowman

The Ivory thrusts out his hand impatiently, and Johansson hands him the collar. The Ivory leans in, grinning as he grazes his index finger over Dr. Love’s throat.

“You wanna end up like the last asshole who put something around my neck?” Love hisses a quiet threat.

“Oh, please, Lemuel. I’m not going toscaryou like Uncle Stephen did,” The Ivory hums, wrapping the collar around Dr. Love’s throat. “No, no. The plans I have for you are much morepermanent.” Once the collar is secured in place, The Ivory whispers, “You should’ve killed me when you had the chance.”

Moving back, he pats Love on the cheek. “Bring him to the tombs. Lemuel’s had enough luxury in this mansion for one lifetime.”

Kent storms over, grabbing Dr. Love.

“You boys can sleep anywhere you like tonight,” he says to Trevel and me. “There are plenty of empty rooms now, but that will change very soon. Feel free to roam, but remember, one step outside and it’s lights out.”

Striding away from us, he pulls the walkie off of his belt again, holding it up to his face. “Whoever brings me Felix Darcey gets an extra million. Still breathing is the only stipulation.” He peeks over his shoulder at Dr. Love. “Oh, and make sure he has both of his hands… I want to take one myself. Call it agiftfor someone special.”

He sneers in Love’s direction while he’s being dragged out of the room, hollering and cursing The Ivory’s name. But The Ivory is already gone, presumably off to go threaten another room full of people.

Jesus, what the fuck am I doing here??

Deadly collars, threats, gunshots, missing people, a dark mansion… revenge.

It’s all too much.

Once The Ivory is gone, Johansson awkwardly scuttles off, followed by the young guy, who gives us a sympathetic smile and wave on his way out. “Goodnight, Trevel. Goodnight, Byron.”

He’s gone before I can even react. Not that I can processanythingright now. I’m too busy stressing over being potentially paralyzed at any moment.

“Who… who’s that?” I ask, stunned and jittery, distracting myself from the urge to fuss with the collar.

“Yari,” Trevel says, waiting a beat before creeping to the doorway. “Ivory’s assistant.” He peeks around the corner, then motions for me. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” I follow him reluctantly, because part of me doesn’t want to move.

I just want to sit in this room, maybe stare at the fire for a few hours in silence while I contemplate my bleak existence.

“We have to go check on Darcey,” he whispers. “Clearly, they haven’t found him yet…”

Oh, shit. He’s right.

The Ivory’s looking for him…

Together, we head for the stairs. It’s good… I need to keep moving. I feel like if I stop, even for a second, I might fall apart.

I hate relying on people, because people suck and they can’t be trusted. But in this moment, I’m desperate for some solace from the chaos. I’m craving some fuckingpeace, even if it’s fleeting.

I think… I just need his arms around me again.

On the second floor, we head to the end of the wing. To Dr. Love’sformerbedroom. We race through the door and come to a full stop.

Fuck…My stomach drops.

“Well… That’s not good.” Trevel sighs, wandering up to the bed where I left Felix Darcey tied up, now empty.

Nothing but a belt and some rope left behind.

He’s gone.

“Fucking little rat chewed himself free,” Trevel scoffs, picking up the belt before tossing it down.

“Great.” I rub my eyes. “Fucking perfect.”