Page 93 of Shattered

Sweat was beading on her face now; her erratic breathing pulsed. “Please don’t kill me,” Dahlia whispered. I had expected more from the infamous Dahlia, more of a fight, more bravery, but she was one of the rambling types.

“You’re not a physical abuser of these women,” I said, nodding to Melissa, “but you mistreat them, don’t you? Tricking them into contracts that they’ll never be able to fulfill. Telling them they’ll live their wildest dreams when all they end up doing is being your doled out sex slaves. Sexually used, then physically abused by the club members. The staff, too. And you turn a blind eye.”

“I never did such a thing,” she snapped, “Mel, tell him it’s not true!”

I put the cord around her neck, making it tight enough that she gulped down a dry ball of air. A large drop of sweat dripped down her brow. “I can find a way to go around my rules. Make an exception for you. It would be easy to include an emotionally abusive madam that neglects her workers. Some would consider you just as bad as the others.”

Her eyes widened, locking onto the flat bulbs of my mask. “You’re him,” she gasped. “The Angel.” She shook her head frantically. “You’ve been the one killing those men.”

“And I will kill you too unless you follow my demands.” I motioned to Melissa. “If she goes free, you’ll be safe. Follow her, or do anything to harm these women, and I’ll make sure you never breathe again.”

“The Adlers will come after you,” she hissed, suddenly finding courage. “They’ll make sure you pay for this.”

“I don’t think they will,” I said, tilting my head. “You don’t seem like a good client for them anymore. You haven’t been able to make adequate payments to them, have you?”

She couldn’t answer that, her speech stuttering out. I pocketed the cord.

I leaned down and held her shoulders in my hands. “I’m saving this one for you, Dahlia,” I whispered. “Remember that this cord will always be with me, waiting for your neck.”

I left Melissa and Dahlia in the office, exiting the building first. I removed my mask, waiting for Melissa to unshackle her ex-boss. I was eager to see what it was like to murder such a major criminal as Dahlia, but Melissa had reminded me that I had my rules to follow.

For now, I wouldn’t kill Dahlia. Melissa deserved as much.