Page 19 of Judgment Day

“Just like that?” Nik asked. “He’ll return her to me in exchange for nothing at all? I call bullshit.”

“You’re right,” Vlad told him. “The Leader doesn’t do anything for free.”

And this was what they’d all been waiting on. What did the Leader of the Russian Soldiers want from them? He’d been so eager to help them. Volunteering before they could think to ask. Now, they would find out why he’d done so.

“What the fuck does he want?” Nik asked.

“You,” Vlad told him.

Kris stood up. “Fuck that. We’ll handle it ourselves,” Kris told Vlad. “Tell your boss he can go fuck himself.”

“And fuck his Soldiers too,” Julien added, standing up. “Who the hell does he think he is? A collector of killers? He’s got you. He’s got Dean. He tried to get Garrett back. Now, he wants Nik. Is he going to try to collect us all?”

“The truth is,” Vlad started. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Also, you can stop cursing me out. I’m the messenger. This wasn’t my idea. I wasn’t even supposed to tell you that part.”

“Why did you tell us?” Garrett asked.

“Because you should know. Because you should have a backup plan. Don’t put all your trust in this deal. Don’t...”

A loud bang sounded at the end of the table. Before Scar looked, he already knew it was Nik. Indeed, it was. He’d punched the table, was still punching the table. Julien rushed to Nik’s side.

“Don’t!” Kris warned Julien, yet, his gaze was on his brother. “Leave him alone.”

Julien stood with his arms outstretched, reaching for Nik, but his eyes were on Kris.

“Sit down, Julien,” Arson said. “He can punch this table as much as he likes. It’s okay.”

Julien slowly backed away from Nik. But the concern for Nik didn’t leave Julien’s eyes. Arson pulled his chair back for him to sit down. Though she said she didn’t care for Julien, the little things she sometimes did proved she cared. Julien was too busy listening to her words to notice her actions.

Right now, they were all noticing Nik’s actions. He punched the table repeatedly before flopping down in his chair. Nik’s hair had come loose and was now shielding his face as he stared down into his lap, chest heaving. Scar clenched his hands into fists. There was absolutely nothing he could do for his brother. Kris slowly sat back down in his seat and faced the screen.

“Will the leader take me instead?” Kris asked.

Shit.

“No,” Nik muttered, voice low. “It has to be me.”

“I’ll take your place,” Kris volunteered.

Nik raised his head to stare at his twin. “You’ve done enough, brother. I’ll do this. I’ll join the Soldiers if the Leader frees Letisha.”

“No,” Garrett said. “Neither of you will be joining the Soldiers.” Garrett faced the screen. “You have absolutely no idea when Zian and the Leader will meet?” Garrett asked Vlad.

“None,” Vlad replied. “I know it won’t be anytime too soon.”

“How do you know that?” Garrett asked.

“He told me to tell you all he’d have news for you by next month. Therefore, sometime this month is when he’ll meet with Zian. That’s all I know. Actually, this is my last time meeting with you all about this.”

“Why?” Garrett and Nik asked at the same time.

“I’m no longer on this case. Dean will be the Soldier working with you all on this case.”

“Why?” Garrett asked again.

“Not that it’s any of your business. But, I have something to take care of.”

“Does it have anything to do with your sister?” Garrett continued prodding.

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