Page 74 of Marked

“Jimmy’s next, right?” I watch the shop fade into the sideview mirror.

“Tonight, little bird. We check in on him tonight.”

“If you go after him, you know his cousin has to retaliate.” Jeff, the voice of reason.

“I have no fight with Jacob. If he wants to try and find me later, he’s welcome to. I’ve gotten pretty good at hiding.” Leaning back in the recliner, I stretch out my legs. The last few days have been intense. And once Jeff stops trying to play mother hen and gives me the information I need, tonight’s going to be just as bad.

“Okay, you’ve been warned.”

“You think he should get a pass because he’s related to some big mob boss?” It’s an accusation, but Jeff’s never tried warning me off a kill before.

“Fuck no.” He lets out a heavy sigh. “You already have to keep the locals off your back. Even with the help we all give, it’s hard. To add the fucking Mafia to that, it could make your job harder.”

I laugh.

“You’d feel better if I asked Jacob’s permission first? Isn’t that how they do things? Go up their chain and get Daddy to say yes first?” I’ve probably watched too many movies.

“Would you do that?”

“Fuck no.” No laughter now. “I don’t ask permission.”

“Okay. Okay.” There’s tapping on the other end of the line. “I have it.” Another sigh. “It’s nasty, Zack. The shit that’s in this club. It’s horrific.”

“It’s a hardcore BDSM club, right?” I’ve been to plenty of those in my time. My line of work doesn’t really give me time for date nights. A trip to a local club where I can find someone who wants exactly what I can offer has always served me well.

“No, not really. In those clubs, consent means something. Not here.”

“Is it pay to play?” I pinch the bridge of my nose. Monsters lurk everywhere, and the more I take out, the more I find.

“Yeah. But you can bring your own girl, they don’t make you purchase one or anything like that. I’m going to send you the location and the passcodes for tonight. It changes twice a night. These codes will work after eight.”

“Any sort of security I need to be worried about?”

“Just the usual bouncer types. The four-digit code gets you into the building, the six-digit code gets you in the elevator. Once you’re in there, you’re fine.”

“Really? It’s that easy?”

“These people are comfortable in their depravity, Zack. They have everyone in their pockets—police, politicians, local and federal. They think they’re bullet proof.”

I grunt.

“Not from me.”

“That’s true.” He laughs.

“How’d you get these codes if they change so often?”

There’s a long pause.

“Jeff.” I push the recliner forward, dropping my feet to the floor. “What.”

“We’ve been watching this place for a while. Like I said, it’snasty shit in there.” Another pause. “Try to control the urge to take out everyone you see, yes? Deal with your guy. Later, the club will be dealt with.”

“I make no promises, but I’ll do my best.” A clanking from the kitchen draws my attention. Harley’s been in there a while, making lunch. “If anyone touches her, though–”

“That goes without saying.” He cuts me off. “I’ll get those codes sent over within the hour. I’m also going to send you the contact information on Jacob Blackwood. Just in case you decide to reach out.”

“Thanks.” I end the call on my way to the kitchen, freezing at the swinging door when I hear a sniffle.

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