Page 109 of Knights Game

As if the girls are sending a message from their grave that they don’t want to be buried for the rest of eternity in the metal coffin.

“He’ll be here in the next hour to take care of the rest.”

I nod and pull the rubber gloves off, throwing them in the bin outside the warehouse.

“No, Luca,” Roman says stopping me. “Pass them here.”

I pause, eyes widening at my slip up, fuck me that was a stupid mistake. Which just goes to show how wrecked I am.

“I’m fucked.” Levi pulls off his own gloves. “I think that smell will stay with me forever.”

“And the sight. Sick fuckers.” I spit onto the floor, convinced I can taste it. “You got a smoke?” I ask Levi.

“Yeah, in my suit jacket.” He steps past me and looks over his shoulder to see why I haven’t fallen into step.

“I’ll wait here,” I reply, walking to the edge of the building and leaning against the wall, not giving a shit at how filthy it is. Roman leans next to me. “Did you find anything out?”

“Sokolov’s are ignoring my calls.”

“I wonder why.” I snort. “Do you think he was in on it?” I nod towards the warehouse where Levi grabs the smokes.

“No,” Roman says. “Not seeing Duchess’ reaction, and I don’t think even your cousin would go this low knowing her history.”

“True.” I rub at my temples. “You look like shit. When was the last time you slept?”

“At this point, I’ve no fucking idea.” I slowly let my body sink to the floor as a wave of dizziness overwhelms me. I lean my head against the cold wall closing my eyes as the world tilts and my vision blurs, the dusting of darkness creeping in at the edges.

I will not pass out.

I will not fucking pass out.

“When did you last eat?”

“Last night.”

“Drink?”

“Erm…Coffee this morning.”

“Fucking hell, Luca.” He pushes off the wall and goes inside.

I hear the crunching of shoes and peel my eyes open to see Levi sinking down next to me passing me a smoke.

I take it, leaning forward for him to light it. I breathe in deeply and let the light-headedness and headrush wash over me. Leaning against the wall, I close my eyes as I exhale the smoke.

“Why would the Russians set you up?” Levi asks.

“That’s what I can’t work out,” I reply honestly. “We haven’t got any beef with the Russians, what do they have to gain by fucking me over? Who gave you the information?”

“Duchess.”

“And where did she find out about it?”

“A contact.”

“A contact. Helpful. I bet you’re glad you came to gatecrash,” I say with a smirk. We sit in comfortable silence, both of us thinking.

“For the record, I know about your little conversations with Layla, the threats. She’s out of this now, the game’s changed.”

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