Page 82 of Jolt's Vengeance

Paulie's chest heaves as he struggles against the hooks, desperate to escape the creepy little fuckers crawling over his skin.

I can see the moment something clicks in his eyes.

"Wait, wait!" he gasps. "I remember now. Serpent, he... he had someone watching your club."

My blood runs cold.

Watching us?

How long?

What did they see?

Paulie continues, words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "They wanted to see who left, who stayed behind. How many people were actually here, and..." He swallows hard. "And if they could get onto your grounds."

Fuck.

My fists clench at my sides.

This wasn't just about the car wash.

This was reconnaissance.

They're planning something big, and we've been blind to it this whole time.

Damon's voice cuts through the tension like a knife.

"Take two off him," he orders Widow, his tone brooking no argument.

Widow nods, his weathered hands moving with surprising gentleness as he plucks two spiders from Paulie's sweat-slicked skin.

The crunch as he crushes them under his boot echoes in the room, making my stomach turn.

Paulie's eyes lock onto Damon's, desperation clear in every line of his face. "I promise it wasn't personal," he pleads, his voice hoarse. "I was only a paid man doing what I needed to. Surely you can see that."

I watch Damon carefully, trying to gauge his reaction.

His face is a mask, giving nothing away.

After what feels like an eternity, he nods slowly.

"I can see that," Damon says, his voice deceptively calm.

My chest tightens as I recognize that tone.

It's the one he uses right before all hell breaks loose.

"But I also see how fast you flip." His eyes narrow dangerously. "So why should I keep you alive?"

The question hangs in the air, heavy as lead.

I find myself holding my breath, waiting for Paulie's response.

This could go south real quick if he doesn't play his cards right.

Paulie licks his lips nervously, his eyes darting between Damon and the remaining spiders on his skin.

When he speaks, his voice is low but steady. "Because I'm the kind of man who will do anything for the people I'm loyal to."

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