Page 141 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

“So, you’re dirty,” Nicky states, his comment directed toward Alec.

“If by dirty, you mean I work for Enzo? Yes. But I think you both know I’m not a bad man, nor a bad cop.”

“I don’t know shit right now,” I state in frustration, my head shaking as I try to piece together what little info I have. “Somebody needs to tell me what the fuck is happening. What is Luc doing here?”

“Parting gift,” Enzo explains. “You’re right, Nick. He shouldn’t get to walk. Consider this my thank you to both of you.”

“Thank you for what?”

“Alec and I have worked together for a very long time. While we may operate on different sides of the law, we have an understanding. Our roles, while vastly different, serve a purpose in this world. And the world needs balance. Men like Yuri… men who hurt women, children… sell them? It crosses a line, upsets the balance. He is an evil that should be eradicated. And worst of all? He is a man of no honor.” Enzo pulls a sleek metal cigarette case from within his jacket. Popping it open, he removes one and places it between his lips before extending the case toward us. Nicky and I decline, prompting Enzo to tuck it away. Quickly lighting his cigarette, he continues on in his explanation.

“I’ve been around for a long time, boys. Honor was once a staple among bosses but has since become a rare quality. You two, while young, have always operated within the confines of respect. You maintain order, you care for your own, you show strength in knowing when to strike and when to grant mercy. You love your women and recognize they should be cherished. Your men respect you. I’m almost sad to see you bow out of the game. You two brought a great deal of promise to the future generation.”

“So, it’s still true?” I look to Alec. “We’re free and clear?”

“One hundred percent. Once you walk out of this building, as long as you uphold our terms, you’ve got a clean slate.”

“And him?” I gesture to Lucian.

“I told you,” Alec responds. “As of midnight, the Devoreauxs ceased to exist. Elliot, his wife, and Luc's siblings have already been gifted new identities and are on their way to their new lives. His parents were informed their children’s placements would be different from theirs. It was also explained that to protect them as they transition into WitSec, there would be no permitted contact in the first year. You do your due diligence in disposing of the body, this will never blow back on you.”

Lucian’s muffled sobs fill the space as he begins violently thrashing in the chair. Alec walks toward him, cocking his fist back and landing a punch to Luc’s jaw. His head lolls to the side, clearly disoriented.

“So,” Enzo interjects, “if you have no further questions, I will bid you farewell.”

“Wait!” I call out, delaying his leave. “Years ago, when Yuri was hell-bent on coming for me, why’d you stop it? Why’d you protect me?”

“Initially? Nick paid me.” Enzo shrugs.

“What?!” I rear back, mouth agape as my head swivels to Nicky in disbelief. Nick shifts his weight beneath him, his eyes avoiding my gaze.

Enzo nods, continuing on. “Fifteen percent of his entire operation to issue the protection order. But as time went on?” Enzo claps his hand on my shoulder, his gaze shifting between myself and Nick. “I saw so much of myself in you two. I’ve enjoyed watching you both grow. As much as I’m going to miss you, I’m happy you both are out. The potential you two possess is too great to be wasted in this life.” A warm smile graces his features. “Also, you never gave me up. On top of everything else, you’re both loyal to the end. Maverick, Nick… while I hope you never need me, just know you have an ally for life. You ever need anything, you say the word.” And with that parting sentiment, Enzo offers a final nod before ascending the staircase.

I stand stunned in silence, my mind replaying Enzo’s words on a continuous loop. Slowly lifting my head, I find Nicky standing off to the side, and it’s as though I’m viewing him with fresh eyes.

“What?” he asks, shifting uneasily.

“You paid to protect me. After everything that went down. Why would you do that?”

“You did it for me,” he responds.

“I picked up a contract. You handed over a portion of your business. It is not the same. Why, Nick?”

He sighs, running his fingers through his hair as he paces in front of me. “Because this is us, Mav.” He spins to face me. “It’s what we do. We scream, we fight, we occasionally shoot each other… but we’re brothers. We can pull this ‘I hate you’ shit all we want, we can pretend any truce is all because of J… but whenever we needed it, whenever it’s counted, we’ve been there for each other. That means something to me.”

Before I’m even able to really register what’s happening, I act. My arm juts forward, pulling that fucker in for a massive hug as I tighten my grip around him. He reciprocates, squeezing me back with equally suffocating force. For the first time since I lost Bentley, the hole in my chest feels a little bit smaller.

Kellerman clears his throat, calling us back to attention. “Alright boys, before you start braiding one another’s hair I just want to make sure we understand one another. He—” Alec gestures to Lucian, still tied to the chair “—can never be found. I can’t protect you if he is.”

“Honestly, Alec,” Nick speaks, “while I appreciate the gesture, offing that piece of shit in the presence of a federal agent is a little brazen even for me. No offense.”

“None taken. Maverick? How about you?”

I snort, crossing my arms in front of my chest. “I’m young, Alec. Not stupid. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Honestly, I do. But Nick’s right. Some lines just aren’t worth crossing.”

I watch as Lucian visibly relaxes. I would love nothing more than to put a bullet between his eyes, but I can’t trust we’re not on camera right now, and I don’t need to climb out from under one thumb just to fall prey to another. I’m in the clear, nothing keeping me from starting my life with Jones. It’s not worth risking.

“I get it. I’d be hesitant as well. Last chance.” Alec gestures toward Luc. “You sure you don’t want to take what’s owed to you?”

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