Page 86 of Queens and Monsters

Our long-range rifles were the best money could buy. With the attached magazine, we could fire off ten rounds. Two to three rounds per second, and we’d be long gone before anyone could identify us. Diego and I didn’t need the red dot sights the Russians used when they invaded the Ruiz home.

Hell no.

We were both deadly accurate from 500 yards or less.

If I were to guess, the men we were watching had just received word of Herrera’s yacht. They were all talkingabout something they deemed important, too important to thoroughly assess their surroundings.

Without a word, Diego and I waited as they made their way toward a car parked behind the Russian club. My heart beat steadily in my chest as the rush of adrenaline filled my veins. I tapped my finger on the console as a countdown.

As soon as I tapped the third tap, we opened our doors and began shooting. Even Myshkin’s guards didn’t have time to react. Within seven seconds, we were back inside the car, and I had the motor running. I tossed my phone to Diego. “Call Jano. Tell him it’s done. We’ll meet at the capo’s. If this doesn’t bring Herrera out of hiding, I don’t know what will.”

“Unless he’s already dead,” Diego said.

“That would be the best news.”

Armando, one of the capo’s guards met us in the garage. “You can go to Mr. Luciano’s to clean up before going up to the penthouse.”

For a second, I looked at Jano, Diego, and Felipe, before surveying myself. Five days with little sleep and less hygiene had taken their toll. “That’s a good plan.”

After a hot shower and clean clothes, I walked out into Dante’s living room to find Camila sitting on the sofa. “Did I wake you?”

She shook her head. “How’s married life?”

“I’m fucking hoping I can fly back west tonight and find out.”

“I’m not sure what’s been going on, but to say it’s been tense around here is an understatement.”

I sighed. “You better ask your husband about that.”

“I would, but he left a few hours ago for San Diego.”

I stood straighter. “Why?”

Camila’s green eyes opened wide. “I was hoping you knew.”

“I need to get upstairs and talk to the capo.”

Camila nodded. “I have my card. I’ll take you up.”

When the elevator doors closed, Camila smiled. “Tell Jasmine I miss having her around.”

“Will do,” I replied with a nod.

The doors opened to the capo’s entryway. Armando stood guard outside of Dario’s office. As I approached, I heard my brother’s voice.

“…fuck weren’t we informed?”

“You had a job to do. You did it.”

I turned the corner as Jano’s voice got louder. “We should have been called.”

“And then Myshkin would still be a threat.”

Entering, I saw the capo standing on the other side of the desk. His suit coat and tie were gone. My brother’s hair was still wet, and he had on fresh clothes. Our phones lay on the capo’s desk.

Jano’s dark stare met mine. “Fuck.”

“Qué pasa?”I turned to the capo.

---