Page 28 of Wild Reckoning

“I got all sweaty from that incredible mouth of yours.” He nuzzled Stewart. “I’m putting in an order for a case of lube, damn it.”

Stewart chuckled, feeling so content he dozed off in Killian’s sweaty arms.

* * * *

Alonso crouched behind a thick bush, the scent of damp earth and pine filling his nostrils as he peered through the needled branches. The early afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows across the lawn. It was decent fall weather—cool, but not freezing—and the air was still. Smoke wafted lazily from the chimney, twisting upward, taunting him. The people inside had no idea how badly he needed to get in there.

How much was on the line.

He shifted his weight, the fallen leaves crunching underfoot despite his attempt to be silent. His stomach twisted with anxiety as his eyes darted from window to window, trying to catch a glimpse of movement inside. He’d been there earlier in the day, only to discover it wasn’t Frank living there but two guys and a kid. Alonso had shown up hoping to catch his uncle asleep, an easy in-and-out job, but now...

The glow of sunlight illuminated the curtains, and he saw someone walk past, a tall man, holding the kid. He ground his teeth, frustration building. These people were an obstacle, and time was running out. Breaking in with occupants was a risk he couldn’t take. But he couldn’t wait forever.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he fumbled for it, almost dropping it in his haste. He silenced the device and pressed it to his ear, his pulse quickening as he glanced around.

“What?” Alonso hadn’t bothered looking to see who was calling since he was too busy trying to silence the phone. He tapped his jacket pocket to ensure the gun hadn’t fallen out.

He wasn’t a killer, but desperation just might turn him into one.

“Alonso?” Frank’s voice came through, wary.

Jesus fucking Christ. The guy had the worst timing. “Yeah?”

“What were you doing at the old house?” his uncle asked, suspicion evident in his tone. “I didn’t ask you to do any work there.”

Shit. The people must’ve called Frank after he’d left. Alonso took a deep breath, forcing himself to think. “Uh, yeah, I know. I was just…driving by and noticed a few shingles looked loose. Thought I’d come by and check it out for you. Didn’t want you to end up with a leak or anything.” He tried to inject some casual concern into his voice, praying Frank would buy it, though the excuse sounded lame even to him.

His uncle sighed. “I didn’t ask you to do that.”

Same pissy old man. That was one of many reasons they’d never gotten along. Nothing Alonso did made his uncle happy.

“I know.” He forced a smile, even though no one could see it. “But I figured it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? Besides, I had some time to kill.”

Frank didn’t answer for a moment then finally grunted. “I’ll come by and take a look myself. I don’t want you bothering them.”

“Got it.” His voice was tight. “I’ll leave them be.”

Alonso hung up, shoving the phone back into his pocket, frustration bubbling inside him. If he couldn’t get in there soon, he was screwed. There had to be a way to get them out, just for a few hours. Maybe he could—

His phone buzzed again, and he pulled it out, glancing at the screen.

Tetlow. Great. Just what he didn’t need. Reeling in his irritation, Alonso swiped to answer. “Yeah?”

“Did you get it?” Tetlow’s voice was sharp, impatient. The bastard hadn’t even shown up this morning like they’d planned, leaving Alonso to do the job himself. Now the guy acted as if their previous conversation had never taken place.

“Not yet. It wasn’t Frank inside. He rented out the place.”

“Seriously?” Tetlow’s voice rose, incredulous. “You’re telling me you’ve had all day and you still haven’t gotten it because of some fucking renters?”

“I’m working on it,” Alonso replied, his eyes darting back to the house. “I can’t just waltz in there with people inside.”

There was a pause, and then Tetlow’s voice came back, cold and threatening. “You know what’ll happen if you don’t get it, Alonso. He won’t just come after me. He’ll come after you, too. And I don’t think you’ll like what he’ll do when he finds out you fucked this up. After all, you’re the one who chose to use Frank’s old house.”

The threat settled like ice in Alonso’s veins. He knew Tetlow was scared, knew his boss was just passing on the fear he felt from the real power behind all of this. But that didn’t mean the threat wasn’t genuine. Tetlow would make good on it if it came down to it.

Alonso hadn’t a single doubt.

“I’ll figure it out. I just need some time.”

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