Page 95 of Shephard

Russ whistled. “The Russians will stop at nothing to get him back.”

“But the organization doesn’t want that to happen.”

“No, we do not.”

“Mmm… Then it’s time for me to go hunting. Perhaps you should find a way through your sources to send a message.”

“I don’t know if anyone is left alive who will care.”

“Bullshit, Russ,” Shephard stated. “There are always people lurking in the shadows willing to sell another person’s soul. You know that as well as I do.” His expression was now one of amusement. He was setting up the other person on the end of the line. But from what I could tell, Russ had been his handler within this organization Shephard had worked for.

What was really going on here?

“Okay. I’ll see what I can do. You’re sure you’re up for this?”

“Oh, more than willing and ready. I assure you I’ll enjoy myself.”

“O-kay. I’ll let the bosses know. Just… Well, I don’t need to say it. You need to let the past go.”

Shephard laughed as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “I’m not that man any longer, Russ. And I don’t make mistakes anymore. Don’t worry, my friend. I’m looking forward to this. I need to know if you made a connection.”

“Fine. Then all protocols apply.”

“Understood.” Shephard held out the phone after the call ended, slowly shifting his gaze in my direction.

“What are you up to?” I asked, cocking my head and lifting my eyebrows.

“Catching a rat.”

“Isn’t that dangerous luring Boris here?”

“My guess is he’s already here.”

A sudden shiver coursed through me. “What mistakes?”

I sensed he knew I was going to ask the question. Very gently he pushed me from his lap, moving to a standing position. He fixed his jeans as I backed away, grabbing the tee shirt and tossing it in my direction.

“I need a drink for this.”

The fact he was going to share one of the most painful experiences of his life with me couldn’t have shocked me more. He remained quiet as we moved to the living room. He stoked the fire before refilling our drinks. I knew better than to push him at this point.

This was something he had to do and I felt honored, so much so it brought back memories of being in the service. Although my stories were mostly fulfilling.

He stood with one arm on the hearth, staring into the fire. “We were taught never to get emotional about our targets. You understand that better than most. I never did. I couldn’t care less. Half the time I had no clue who they were other than their name and location. That was fine with me. Boris had just been on my radar, our last meeting eventful, our confrontation brutal.”

I settled back against the couch, Pepper joining me a few seconds later. And still, I remained quiet.

“I was off my game, physically exhausted and recovering from the man’s brutality. He was being processed, threatening everyone around him. I turned off from the world for about a week, heading to Switzerland for rest and relaxation. Notby choice. When I returned, I was handed the mission of eliminating a man I did know about. He was considered the most notorious and savage leader in the world. He rivaled Boris in levels of torture. I hunted him for more than two weeks, finally securing his location. I set it up, waiting for days in a cold, drab building after almost being killed twice.”

His laugh was full of bitterness. Meanwhile, I was having difficulty breathing.

“Anyway, I was to eliminate more than one target that night using explosives. Everything went according to plans even though I almost didn’t get out of the country alive. After that, I was sent home for an undisclosed period of time. It was too hot overseas, even with my anonymity.”

“And?” I had to ask after he continuously shook his head.

“And I received a call the mission had gone askew.”

“How so?”

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