Page 62 of Unhinged

“How many are on our side?” I question.

His jaw clenches. “Fifteen.”

I pause. “Fuck. How are we supposed to overthrow Ileana with only fifteen men?”

Thiago shrugs. “We’ll have to make do with what we have.”

He’s right. We have little choice. Even with Damien Vasquez’s backing, it’ll be tough to overthrow Ileana. But we can’t back down now. The auction is at eight o’clock tonight, and if we don’t move during it, Alice and her friends will be lost to us.

“Matias is convinced?” I confirm as I know he had trouble winning his brother over. The guy is fucked in the head far more than I ever have been.

Thiago nods. “He is.”

I exhale, relieved. Matias may be unpredictable, but he’s strong and loyal. I’m glad to have him on our side.

“But we need more men,” I say, running my hand through my hair. “We can’t take down an entire army with just fifteen.”

“Maybe we don’t have to take down an army,” Thiago suggests.

I know what he’s going to say. Cut the head of the snake. Go in with stealth. Kill Ileana, and the rest will have to fall in line. I fear trying to get that close to Ileana suddenly will alert her of my intentions. She knows me better than anyone, even if I’ve tried to make it difficult for her to read me.

“I can try,” I finally concede, looking into Thiago’s eyes. “But it won’t be easy. She knows me better than anyone.”

Thiago’s jaw clenches. “We might not survive this,” he mutters.

I meet his gaze and nod. “It’s a real possibility.”

“Is Vasquez still on our side? Can’t he provide backup?” Thiago suggests.

“He’s a non-committal bastard, but I’ll ask.” I’ve had one conversation with him since our meeting, and he backpedaled a bit when I asked about support. “I’ll give him a call now.” I pull my cell phone out of my pocket and dial his number.

It rings three times before he answers. “Taren, what now?” he demands.

“Tonight. I need backup. Can you provide it?” I demand.

There’s a few moments of silence. “You’re going to kill Ileana tonight?”

I grind my teeth. “Yes, but we’ve only got fifteen men on our side. I need more backup. I’ve got a plan, but it involves your men.”

He chuckles. “Of course it does.”

“You can’t expect to get something for free. If you want The Red Queen gone, then you help me.”

He sighs. “Fine, what do you need?”

“The auction starts at eight o’clock tonight. I need you to arrive half an hour early and start shooting outside. When I go to check it out, you’ll make a show of disarming me and taking me back into the auctioncaptured.”

“Right, and then what?” Damien presses.

“Then, your men will put me and Ileana in a cell together. There are cells at the auction house for the assets. Once I’m in there with her, I’ll murder her. Just make sure you shake the bitch down for any hidden weapons.”

Damien laughs. “I must admit, I thought you were a madman, but that’s one of the best plans I’ve heard. I’m with you.”

“Good,” I reply.

I end the call, looking at Thiago, who had been quietly listening in. His expression is unreadable. “Well?” Thiago asks, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Damien’s in,” I confirm, a flicker of relief passing through me. “His men will stage a distraction at the auction and capture me and Ileana, putting us both in a cell together.”

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