Page 42 of Rugger: The Huntress

“She was onto him.”

His features pulled backward. The bleakness of his face and the hesitancy holding his words hostage concerned me.

“Who is she?”

“Nobody you need to worry about. Keep the deposit. Forget Eric existed. The job is done. That settles it.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“I’m telling you it is. I’m also telling you to leave well enough alone.”

“She’s good.”

“She is.”

“And, she owes me.”

“Owes you?” Killian chuckled, shuffling in his seat.

“She does. That was mine. She took something of mine.”

“I’ll deposit the remaining balance in your account tonight. No sweat.”

“You’re invested– personally,” I accused him.

“My entire family. So, dead it.”

“It doesn’t work like that. Spill.”

“Nah,” Killian told me as he shook his head.

“Keep the money. Tell me who she is.”

“This has little to do with tonight.”

Finally, he understood.

“Very little. I admire her work.”

Sitting back, he rounded his finger in the air. The bartender nodded, understanding whatever mutual code they shared. Within seconds, she was strutting over with a flight of shots in her hand. It wasn’t until she rounded the bar that I completely understood Kofi’s logic. She was perfect.Almost.

He tossed back the first two shots and pushed the last two in my direction. I waved my hand, insisting he continued. I’d had enough to drink for the night and wanted a clear head while discussingher. Every detail mattered.

“The Chemist.”

I pressed my back up against the seat behind me as the revelation hit me in the center of my chest.

“That’s not a tree you want to bark up.”

“She’s left me no choice.”

“I can’t say I blame you. The wedding you declined the invitation to, promising to never mix business with pleasure– that was my first time seeing them. All in one fucking place. I wanted every last one of them motherfuckers –except Rather. She’s sis.”

“She’s the– she’s–”

“Yes. Kofi’s supposed to be wife. But, Priest had already locked her down, unknowingly.”

“Respect.” I nodded.

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