Page 27 of Lost in Life

Chapter 14

Zayn

T

Order has been sent for C.

Reading the text, I slip the new device from my pocket, grumbling as I go through the bullshit process of unlocking it. It’s about the same size as my phone, the only thing convenient about it.

Why I can’t just get the link sent to my phone like before is beyond me. All these extra steps are so pointless.

Glaring at the screen, I wait for it to read my fingerprint, scan my eyes, and then prompt me to enter my password.

The device opens up to a secure server, a message notification popping up.

T

secure link

Despite the frustration over all the hoops to get to the information, a genuine smile breaks out on my face. For the first time in a long time, my chest lightens as I click the link and Carver’s face fills my screen.

The promise of retribution is finally here. It might have taken nearly two decades since that night, and over a decade since I joined the ranks of the underbelly of society in my hunt for revenge. But it’s all worth it as I cantastemy justice. Kate’s justice.

“It’s fucking bullshit.” I groan, running my fingers through my hair.

Parker hums beside me, tipping his glass toward the bartender in a silent request for a refill. I watch as the man pours more amber liquid into Parker’s glass. Our eyes meet as he moves to help the next patron and I don’t miss the way his gaze drags down my body and back up.

Maybe I should let off some steam.

I shake my head, the thought turning my stomach.

I need to be focused on Kate’s murderer, not getting my dick sucked or fucking the bartender in the bathroom.

He bites his lip and turns toward his next customer, saving me from having to decline the silent offer.

Groaning again, I sip at my whiskey and let my mind wander back to my failure. I had every intention of taking the knowledge of Kate’s attacker to the grave with me, but I’m lost.

“Why don’t you tell me what happened?” Parker offers.

Spinning the glass in my hands, I chew the inside of my cheek before slowly nodding my head. “Okay.” I take another swig of the liquid courage and lay it all out. All the pain, all the shameful truths.

When I finish, I finally look toward Parker, finding him lost in thought. Unable to muster the strength to press for his thoughts, I tip my head back and swallow the remaining liquor.

“You know…” Parker’s voice trails off.

I glance at him, the edges of my vision hazy from the alcohol. My eyes narrow as I study his face. There’s something almost…excited in his expression.

He meets my gaze with a smirk. “I think I might have an answer to your problem.”

My confusion deepens as I try to make sense of his words.

Chuckling at my expression, he takes a sip of his drink, setting it back down and placing a firm hand on my shoulder. “You want revenge? You want him dead?” I nod my head, my pulse quickening at the thought. “There’s something I haven’t told you about me, Zayn. I think it’s time I do. I just have one question.”

My eyes narrow as I try to follow. “Okay.” I say slowly.

Parker’s grin widens. “How do you feel about assassins?”

That conversation was a pivotal moment in my life. One I didn’t expect. After he explained to me what the fuck he was talking about, I learned that my friend was part of a secret society of killers. The society I’m now part of, orwaspart of.

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