Page 12 of Cruel Love

“There will be dozens of agents between you and her,” he argues. “Probably more.”

“That’s why we need you,” I say. “Lilah and I won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary… just like you did.”

Fox looks down and swallows. “I’m not that guy anymore.”

I glance at Dani in the corner behind him. We make eye contact for a brief second before she looks away, but I catch the objection behind her long lashes.

Fox stands taller and crosses his arms. “If your goal is killing agents then you’re recruiting the wrong person,” he says. “But I know someone who might be willing to lend a hand.”

“Who?” Lilah asks.

“Luka Lutrova,” he answers.

She scoffs. “Surprise, surprise. Fox Fitzpatrick is bosom buddies with the Russian mob.”

“He’s your best shot,” he says. “He has the resources you need to finish this quickly. It’s a personal fight for him, too.”

I nod. “You really think he’d help us?”

He pauses with downcast eyes, like a tired animal trapped in a cage. “Only if I go with you. He’s not exactly trusting.”

“Wait,” Caleb says. “You’re friends with a Russian mobster?”

Fox tilts his head. “Friend is kind of a strong word.”

“Does he call you comrade?”

“Yes.”

“We are so fucked.” She runs her fingers over her scalp and exhales. “Okay… I’m not letting you go alone with these people, Fox. I’m going with you.”

Boxcar looks up from his chair. “Uh... Cal? Don’t you think we should talk about that first?”

“There’s nothing to talk about, Boxcar,” she says.

“I emphatically disagree.”

Caleb looks at me. “How are you on weapons?”

“A little light,” I answer.

“You can take what you need from the back room of my shop,” she says. “Got plenty for everyone.”

Boxcar leans forward. “Caleb.”

She ignores him and looks at Fox. “What do you think?”

He nods. “Should be more than enough for getting us across the country. Once we’re in the air, we’re on our own until we reach Lutrova…”

“Does that mean you’re in?” I ask him.

He takes a breath. “I’ll escort you through Moscow,” he says. “Get you in touch with Luka and we’ll go from there.”

“Fox.”

He turns to the corner and Dani stares back at him with wide, broken eyes.

“What are you doing?” she asks.

---