Page 111 of Magnetic God

Ace’s gaze narrows. “To realize that you’re betraying your best friend and the Brotherhood?”

Zhang nods. “Yes.”

He’s just sealed his fate by admitting the truth.

I face him and say, “There will be no special meeting called for this, Zhang. We’re going to end this right here, right now.”

“Are you? Tell me, Henderson, have you heard from your wife lately? What is it you call her? Your angel?”

He says the word full of mockery, making my blood boil.

“Sullivan, why don’t you show your son-in-law what’s on your phone.”

Sullivan lifts his phone, holding it so I can see the screen. My sweet angel stares back at me, a gag in her mouth and tears in her eyes. Her fucking mother is behind her, a gun in hand.

“I want to talk to her,” I say, my throat tight with emotion.

Zhang says, “Let her speak to him.”

Hannah’s mother yanks the gag from her mouth and says, “Make it quick.”

“Angel, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. She was waiting for me at the hotel. I’m sorry, Brooks.”

“No. No, Angel. I’m sorry.”

Panic wells deep inside of me.

What in the fuck am I supposed to do?

Zhang says, “Well, now that you’ve spoken to her, it’s time for you to hear what I have to say. Clearly, I’m going to overtake Blanc and gain control of the Brotherhood. There will be those who wish to fight us, but we’ll be able to ease their fears, especially once Grant Carter joins us.”

“Grant?”

Zhang nods. “He’s next in line to become an Elite Member. As the Head of the Brotherhood, I will continue that tradition, of course.”

Ace asks, “So you’re going to kill Blanc?”

“Oh, no. Not me. You and Henderson are going to kill him.” He points to the phone. “We have your wife, and in a few moments, we will have Mrs. Moretti, too.”

Ace lunges forward. “If you touch a hair on her head?—”

“Careful, Moretti. Don’t say anything that can’t be taken back. Now, do we have an understanding?”

The walls feel like they’re closing in on me. How can this be happening? I’ve finally found my angel, and now this bastard is threatening her. I’m not a fool, either. If I agree to help him, she may still die.

No, this ends now.

I’m about to reply when Hannah’s mother screams. There’s a loud pop and then her mother falls down. A man in all black steps into the frame, putting his hand on Hannah’s shoulder. She trembles as more tears stream down her face. A black hood and a black mask cover his face, making it impossible to tell who it is. But I know who he is. It’s the fucker who killed DeLeon and Smith. The same fucker who threatened Hannah when he sent me a letter. Gabriel. And now he’s there with her.

“Good evening, gentlemen. Did you think you could start the party without me?”

Zhang moves closer to the camera. “You’re the man who killed DeLeon.”

“And Smith. And several others.” There’s a deep chuckle. “I imagine I’ll be adding more to the list before too long.”

“How dare you threaten Henderson’s wife like that!”

---