Page 9 of The Boss

His or her capture was certainly on everyone’s high priority list.

The call I’d received had been expected.

Eros was a man I considered a mentor, also a respected adoptive member of our family. He’d been my father’s best friend for as long as I could remember. He was also a consummate and accomplished corporate leader, traveling the world constantly. If anyone knew more about the Stalker, he would.

“Eros.”

“Dimitrios. I was terribly saddened and angry to learn of Leandro’s death. I’ve spoken to your father, offering my help in any way.”

“Thank you. I’m certain both he and my mother will appreciate it.”

“And you need my help,” Eros continued. “The Stalker is widely known and feared.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“Why did he set his sights on the family?”

I rubbed my jaw. “That’s what I’ve been trying to determine. What do you know about him?”

“As you might imagine, his uncanny ability to perform his occupation under the most difficult circumstances has given him quite a reputation. He seems to be the master at keeping his identity a secret. However, there are many theories and some are fascinating.”

The lilt in Eros’ voice indicated he’d weeded through the bullshit finding some answers. “Don’t keep me in suspense.”

He laughed. “You never enjoyed a riddle.”

“Not when my brother is lying in the morgue.”

“Understood. As you might imagine, what I was told could be nothing more than hearsay.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I’d double check the facts before I ripped out the Stalker’s throat.

“Shane Winters. His cover is as a foreign diplomat, which allows him access to various venues and high-powered targets.”

As soon as he mentioned the assassin’s name, I had a flashback to another time and another place, a location where I’d lived a dream.

Or maybe a lie.

“Where is this Shane from?”

“From what I’ve heard, America.”

Fuck. While the name wasn’t necessarily unusual, all points led to a direction I didn’t want to believe.

“I very much appreciate you digging into this.”

Eros sighed. “When is the funeral?”

“Yet to be determined. I’ll know more after my parents return. I’ll give you a call.”

“Please do. I’d like to be there to pay my respects.”

“It will be good to see you.”

“Yes.Eiríni mazí sas.”

Peace be with you, a statement he’d made so often over the years. There would be no peace until I had answers.

Until I tasted blood.

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