Page 33 of The Boss

“Greg. Leandro was also murdered.”

He hadn’t been expecting that. “Oh, God. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. You think the same people killed all three. Right?”

Exhaling, I held the glass to my head. “I do. That’s why Willow is here.”

He would eventually find out I’d lied to him, but right now, what he was discovering was far too painful to add onto the shit he’d be forced to deal with.

“Keep my niece safe. No matter what you need to do, keep her safe.”

The anguish from keeping him partially in the dark wasn’t something that would go away any time soon. “Don’t worry, my friend. I will protect her with my life. Now, I need to ask you a difficult question.”

“What isn’t difficult right now? Just ask me.”

“What do you really know about your nephew? Have you kept in touch with him? Are you aware of his activities, his job description?”

Gregory laughed, but I sensed anger in his tone. “What the fuck are you getting at?”

It was time to remove the kid gloves. “Is there a chance he hasn’t been working as a foreign diplomat for quite a while?”

“You asshole.”

“Learning about Shane’s activities recently is vital to determining who placed a target on your brother’s head. I know you’re angry with me and perhaps you have every right to be, but this is my world. Not yours. If you know anything that might help, it’s best you tell me.”

“Why does that sound like a threat, myfriend?”

“It’s not a threat. But a promise that whoever killed my brother will face my wrath. Do you understand?”

“Oh, I get it. You’ve pinned this on my nephew because you’ve lost touch with your dangerous organization. Well, don’t bring my family into this. My brother and his wife are dead. I blame you.”

Blame was something I was used to.

He ended the call as I’d known he would. In a world where monsters were often considered heroes, the common man, one with no ruthless intentions the underdog, he’d proven that the two worlds couldn’t mix. I’d lost a friend over accepting the position I’d been born into.

It was painful but necessary.

My loyalty had to remain with my family.

No matter the circumstances.

No matter the danger.

No matter the lies.

I would soon need to lay down the gauntlet. As soon as I did, it would be time to see how many cockroaches crawled out of the darkness.

One thing was certain. I’d enjoy crushing them.

However, I’d made a pledge to protect Willow and I intended on keeping it.

Even if it meant crossing the line.

CHAPTER 10

Willow

Bastard.

Asshole.

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