Page 24 of The Vicious Defender

"Sir, maybe it was a mistake. Maybe the boys thought it would be too risky," Saul offers.

"They should have known better than that," I snarl, my anger growing by the second.

"Padron, we should go. The boys will be back any minute," Saul says.

"No. We're staying. We're not leaving until they return."

"Padron, I really don't think that's a good idea," Saul argues.

"Don't tell me what to do," I hiss, glaring at him.

Saul lowers his head, and I turn my attention back to the monitor, scanning the feed for signs of the boys. After a few minutes, the camera comes back online, and I can see the boys making their way back to the van.

"There they are," Saul says, his relief obvious.

I watch as the boys approach, their expressions solemn.

"Well?" I ask, as the two boys climb into the van.

"Mission accomplished," Phoenix answers.

"Good. And you left no trace behind?" I question.

"None," he replies, and I can tell from his demeanor that the boy is lying.

"We did everything as instructed," Heath says, backing up his friend.

"Is that so?" I ask, my tone skeptical.

"Yes, sir," Heath responds.

"Fine. But if you're lying, there will be consequences," I warn.

"We're not lying," Phoenix insists.

"If that's true, then why was the camera feed offline for several minutes?" I demand.

"That wasn't us," Heath insists.

"I'm not buying it," I growl, pulling out my gun and aiming it at Phoenix.

"Whoa, hold on. There's no need for that," Phoenix says, putting his hands up.

"Tell me the truth. Now," I bark, the muzzle of the gun inches from his face.

"Uncle, please. Just let us explain," Heath begs.

"No more talking. More action," I hiss, cocking the gun. "Now go back in there. Bring me the kid's right hand, and I'll let it go."

"You're joking," Phoenix mutters.

"Do it," I order.

"Xavier, please," Heath begs, his eyes pleading.

"No. You do it, or I'll shoot," I state, my voice leaving no room for argument.

"Fuck," Phoenix swears, and I can tell he knows the jig is up.

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