Page 93 of Hell and High Water

“It was a hit, honey. A hit I gladly took on because when I found out who the hit was, I nearly shat a brick. What luck! The man who left me to die, set up for me to get vengeance on. And get paid to do it!”

I gape at her, indignation and hate blazing in my chest.

“You’re a murderer.”

“I am a hit-woman, you silly girl. Even if I hadn’t had a vendetta, I would have taken the job. But this one? I knew I couldn't resist. You see, I’m not the type to let things go. Ever.”

“I get it. You're a force to be reckoned with. You're a woman scorned! Boo-hoo!” I shout, slamming my hand on the table. “Been there. Done that. And currently planning my retaliation!”

Alaya looks taken aback for a second, shocked.

“Should I add you to my list?” I finish, staring her down.

“My, my. You do have a backbone, girl. I'll give you that. I even kind of like you. Especially that mouth you got on you.”

“Don't you fucking start with me,” I clap back, taking another step forward.

She taps the handle of her gun in her holster. “Don’t you think for a second that you can intimidate me. And do not step to me, girl. Or I will step back.” The murderous look in her eyes gives me pause.

“Fuck you. You’re insane.”

“Oh, no, sweetie. I’m many things, but not that. He was, though. Your old man.”

“There’s nothing you can say to justify any of this!”

“Oh, really?” She grins, a wild look in her eyes. “Who the fuck do you think hired me to kill him?”

It stops me dead in my tracks, my rant dying on my lips.

“You’re saying… he hired you to kill him?”

“Look, I don't really get it myself. I’m sure he had his reasons. And I didn’t find out until after the fact.”

“Get out.”

“Just like that? I showed you your father's hideout. This is the place he died. I’ve searched it top to bottom, but I haven’t found anything. Hopefully, you can.”

“Why are you helping me?” I growl, clenching my fists at my sides. I've had it up to here with this bitch.

“I'm helping you because I have unfinished business like you, and I know how that can be. I never found out who killed my daddy, either. Haunted me for years. Figured I owed you that much.”

“And what, I owe you now?”

“Nah. We’re even. But if you find out anything about the Sinful and who they are, I would be much obliged if you passed it along to me.”

“Why would I tell you if I did find out?”

“Because at least one of them wanted to own you, manipulate you. You said so yourself. Not to mention your little friends. And one of them wanted your aunt shot and knew how to contact me to get it done. Suspicious?”

“What isn’t,” I grumble. “I’m not saying I don’t believe you. But don’t count on my reaching out.” I stand my ground, hoping she’ll be the first to leave.

“I’ll be around, either way.” She winks, turning and striding toward the door.

I swallow hard, fighting back tears in my eyes.

Not because I'm losing my shit, but because I'm so fucking angry.

Alaya pauses in the doorway, looking back at me. “Tell Gavin I said ‘Hi’.”

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