Page 54 of Maximus

Sokolov looked at the post and then back at him. “What?”

“There is this method of killing the Vikings used for those who had no honor. You know, like men who beat defenseless women. Men who traffic children, who protect the scum of the earth, and kill indiscriminately. Men like you.”

“Fuck you.” Sokolov spat at him again.

Max wiped the blood-tinged spit from his face and lunged forward so quickly that Sokolov didn’t realize what was happening. He made a deep cut in the man’s abdomen with the box cutter. “It’s time to take a walk.”

An hour later,Max walked out of the office to see Malice leaning against the white van. “Took you long enough.”

Max entered the van, and Malice slid into the driver’s seat. “He was stubborn in death.” Max cocked his head to the left. “And now I know why the Vikings used those methods.”

“Ah … dare I ask?” Malice said as he pulled away from the curb.

Max shrugged. “Probably not.”

“Copy. You sure there was no camera action last night?” Malice asked. “There are three very dead men scattered around this area, and I don’t like pictures.”

Max glanced over at him. “I disabled all cameras in the area before the party last night. The only one working was above the door to Elena’s office, and I will eliminate that footage.”

“Dude, just how good are you with those electronics?” Mal asked as they started their journey out of Sochi.

“I’m the best.” It was a simple statement that held the truth. No one had ever matched his ability with any system, and no one would. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, dialing Archangel.

“Go.”

“It’s done.”

Archangel’s relieved sigh came over the line. “Status of operatives?”

“Malice and I are en route to our stand-down position. Once we’re under the cover of darkness, we’ll move to the safe house.”

“Affirmative. Check in when you make contact, and I’ll send the aircraft to retrieve you.”

“Elena will be with me. She accepts your offer of employment.”

“Good. Bring her home.”

“Affirmative.”

“Max?”

“Sir?”

“Did you send a message?” Archangel asked.

“A very ancient one. But one that is clearly visible.”

“And this is your last mission?”

“Affirmative, sir. My last mission.”

“Thank you for your service in this capacity, but thank God you’re done with that portion of your life experience.”

Max laughed. That was what he’d called going through the assassin’s training when he’d told his father and Archangel he wanted to do it. Strange the man would remember that over the years. “Maximus is clear.”

Malice looked over at him. “Your last mission?”

“As a Shadow, yes.”

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