Page 192 of Brutal Savage

“His—his name is Jerry. His father is Isaac.”

Blood floods my veins. He sent his people to our property. After our weapons. If he comes after my wife too, I’ll rip him to pieces.

“Jerry is a crazy motherfucker!” the kid continues. “He runs the Eight crew with his pops.”

“That’s very good.” Konstantin peers over at me. “You know them, yes?”

I nod, dropping the rifle and removing my phone to call Elara.

“We find them and we kill them together. We in agreement?” Konstantin wants blood as much as I do now.

“Yes.” I nod once, dialing Elara’s number, needing to know she’s okay.

“Please! Please just let me go. Don’t wanna die, man.” The kid trembles, fear filling his eyes.

“No, no.” Konstantin shakes his head. “We don’t kill you.”

“Oh? You have a better suggestion,” I ask just as her phone rings.

“We send a message, my friend.” He grins, and before the kid knows what’s happening, Kirill is holding him down while Konstantin is chopping off his finger.

“Ahhh!” His scream is deafening.

Moving away, I wait for her to answer, but her phone just rings and rings.

“Come on, baby. Pick up the phone.”

I glance back and there’s blood oozing from the kid’s hand.

“Now, you will go back to your boss and tell him Konstantin Marinov is coming for him. Yes?”

But the kid’s screaming only gets louder.

“Did you hear what I said? Or should I take another finger?”

“N-n-n-no please…I—I—I will tell him. Just don’t. Please!” he chokes out.

“That’s very good. You’re a good boy. I bet you make Mama proud. Let me help you up.” He yanks the boy to his feet and straightens out his t-shirt, pulling it down at the hem.

The guy’s eyes widen with terror as he holds on to his bloody hand, waiting for further instructions.

“Now you may go.” Konstantin pats him on the cheek. “Better find something to tie that hand with, or you will bleed out before you send our message.”

As the kid runs toward one of the SUVs, Konstantin chuckles wryly, peering over at me. “Did the wife answer yet?”

I shake my head, something heavy hitting my stomach. “We’re going to the house.”

“Pashli.” Konstantin waves over his brother.

I jump into my car and turn it on in a split second, speeding down the road. She has to be safe. I can’t lose her.

I won’t.

As I continue toward the house, I call one of the men stationed at the front of my home. As soon as he answers, relief hits me. It means they didn’t attack the house.

“Sir?”

“Is everything okay over there? Did anyone come?”

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