Page 44 of Monstrous Urges

“I assume congratulations are in order? On a successful hunt?”

I glance down at my suit. “What gave it away?”

Kenzo’s lips curl almost imperceptibly at the corners…which is the closest thing to a smile he’s probably capable of…but he doesn’t say anything. He just folds his muscled arms over his chest and rolls his neck. The sleeves of his black dress shirt pull up, giving a flash of his irezumi style sleeve tattoo on one corded arm, near the wrist.

“What are you doing here, Kenzo,” I growl, the bantering tone gone from my voice.

“We’ve known each other for some time, Drazen,” he murmurs. “And I’d like to think that the times when we’ve collaborated have been mutually profitable and advantageous.”

“If you feel a hug coming on, I’d ask that you kindly restrain yourself,” I mutter.

“I heard a rumor, Drazen. One involving you recently finding a target that’s evaded you for some time.” His eyebrows raise. “A woman.”

My face stays neutral. But inside, something vicious snarls deep in my chest.

“And where might you have heard such a rumor, Mr. Mori,” I say quietly.

Kenzo lifts a single shoulder. “I have many little birds who sing all sorts of songs into my ears.”

My expression hardens. “Well, please tell your little birds that if they continue to fly into my yard, and I happen to catch them, I’ll tear their wings off and grind them into Chicken McNuggets.” I keep my gaze steady. “We’re not enemies, Kenzo, because I’ve always kept my nose out of your shit, and you’ve kept yours out of mine. Should the latter change, I can promise you, the former will as well.”

“Who’s the woman, Drazen.”

My jaw tightens. “Just walk away, Kenzo.”

“Was that a final warning?”

I shake my head. “No. Your final warning was thirty seconds ago. That was a direct order.”

“I don’t work for you.”

“No, you don’t. Which is the only reason he hasn’t blown your head off yet.”

I nod past him to where Milos, my unofficial number two, is leveling a gun at the back of Kenzo’s skull.

Kenzo doesn’t even blink or flinch.

“I’m not so sure that’s the only reason.” He rolls his neck again. “We’re still not enemies, Drazen. Let’s make sure it stays that way.”

With a final curt nod, he turns and strolls past Milos. “You might want to check your weapon.”

Milos scowls in confusion. I watch as Kenzo disappears down the alley and then vanishes from sight.

“The fuck is that supposed to mean?” Milos mutters.

“Check your magazine.”

Milos’ brow furrows as he slides out the clip of his gun. “Mother fucker,” he mutters. It’s empty.

He goes to empty the chamber. Nothing ejects.

“How the fuck?” Milos growls. “This has been on my hip for the last two hours, and I loaded it myself.”

“Kenzo,” I mutter dryly. “That’s how.”

Milos turns to follow my gaze down the now-empty alleyway. “You want me to have someone follow him?”

“I can probably think of bigger wastes of our time, but it would take me a minute,” I mutter, shaking my head. My eyes slide from the end of the alley to Milos. “No. But find out what he’s up to. I want to know why he’s sniffing around.”

---