Page 142 of Corrupt Game

The fresh air felt refreshing, and I suddenly had more energy. “We can pick up the pace.”

Rossi ghosted out of the building, gun up, and stopped, eyeing Erin.

“Let’s make sure that we’re long gone before they figure it out,”I said.

“Why not have her go in one direction and we’ll go the other. Then they’ll be looking for us in two different directions.” Ian protested.

“No, she comes with us. We might not be able to save both sisters, but we need to be able to save this one. She’s the reason that the baby is alive and safe.” I moved slowly but steadily in the direction of the trees where she said the truck was parked.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, but we can fight about it later.” Ian had a strange look on his face.

We made it to the car, and Rossi helped me and Ian in. “Get in the front seat where I can keep an eye on you.”

Erin got in the front seat.

Chapter 54 Ian

The rest of the drive was spent in silence until we pulled up at the farm.

When we arrived, Lucas came out to stand in front of the barn. His expression didn’t give me any indication of his thoughts.

Lucas was probably pissed, but I had a way to deal with that. A present for Collette.

“Who is that with you, Holdt?” He came over to the car, eyeing Erin carefully.

“She came with us after helping deal with Sergi.” I wasn’t sure that I should mention who she was or not.

Lucas frowned at me. “You seem to have a bad habit of taking things that aren’t yours, Holdt.”

“Luckily, I have an offer for you. Five million dollars. I want Edmond Kelly to have the last party of his life.”

Lukas raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a half-smile. “Five million, huh? That’s tempting… but you do know what happened to the last poor bastard who threw a party for Kelly, don’t you?”

I nodded, my jaw tightening. “I’ve heard the stories. That’s why I’m asking you. You’re not ‘some poor bastard.’ You’ve got the connections, the charm. If anyone can pull it off, it’s you. And you have a way in, and you’re all set up for it.”

Lukas rubbed his jaw, thinking. Finally, he sighed. “And why, exactly, does this party matter so much to you now that she’s out?”

I hesitated. I hadn’t planned on sharing more than necessary, but the clock was ticking, and Collette needed help now.

“Because Collette’s hurt,” I said finally. “He carved words on her back and sent me the recording of him doing it. She needs medical attention. She needs payback too, and this is the best gift I can give her while she recovers.”

Lukas nodded and waited.

“Ten million,” I said, cutting through the silence. “You make it bigger. Flashier. A party Edmond Kelly won’t forget. And there’s one more thing—I want a hat from the party. Or gloves. Something unmistakable of his, so Collette knows he’s dead and can never hurt her again.”

Lukas tilted his head, giving me a level look. “Payable on delivery?”

“Yes.” My tone left no room for argument.

He studied me for a long moment, then finally shrugged, a sly grin creeping across his face. “Alright, Ian Holdt. Ten million, and I’ll throw Kelly the party of his life. You’ll get your hat.”

“Deal.”

A few hours later back to Dubin. There was a lot of pressure on the police in the area, and Lucas didn’t want that kind of scrutiny on his little farmhouse.

They’d made sure that we could all travel safely before they put us on the plane. Colette was drowsy from the painkillers she’d been given, and I held her as we travelled. Rossi hovered over both of us.

She wasn’t awake enough to understand the words I murmured. “Hold on, love. I’ll see he pays for this and noone ever hurts you again. You’re mine, and I’ll see that you’re healed and there’s nothing of him on your body to remind you of what happened.”

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