Page 569 of Lodestar

That was the beginning of the end.

We returned to business as usual, then I came across this Sparrow called Bogdan Belyaev who I learned sourced the women they ran as sex slaves in the Baltics. That fella, Kuznetsov, dealt with the logistics of getting them over here. Which was when I learned there were two Kuznetsov guys. A father and son. Ateam.

That’s how I know these assholes were in this together. How I knew the Brotherhood was as bad as the Sparrows.

So, I went on the hunt for more information. Spoke with a cop on the take in Cincinnati. He told me that it’s known among ‘certain’ officers Belyaev and Kuznetsov Jr. perished in car crashes,buttheir death certificates showed they both died of heart attacks at the same fucking time of day as the other.

I brought it up to her; she dismissed it. I shouldn’t have pushed, but I was angry, and fool that I was, I didn’t let up until it was too late.

I might be wrong, but I’m tying up loose ends just in case.

Do not trust a CIA operative by the name of Temperance Black.

Do not trust the United Brotherhood.

My motel room is as up-to-date as I can make it. However, I’ve tried to keep most things Brotherhood-related out of there. What I have, you can find in the envelope attached.

I hope you can do what I couldn’t—take down the Brothers and the Sparrows—our world will surely be a better place without them.

We never met, Star, but a seeker of answers knows a fellow soul even from afar.

I’m a Satan’s Sinner to my core—so if God can’t help you get the job done, maybe the man downstairs can.

Wishing you success in your investigation,

Bear

When D stopped reading,she turned to me, saw my clenched hands, and rumbled, “You can leave Temper with me.”

“Sweet fuck, I cantastethat stench.” Conor coughed around a splutter as he pinched his nose and strode deeper into the container. “She’s awake,” he rasped, surprising me by grabbing the plastic bag and tearing into it. When his booted foot landed on Temper’s throat, D and I shared a glance. “Black,” Conor greeted, sounding only partially nasal.

The stenchwasgetting stronger with every passing moment.

Sluggishly, Temper slapped at his feet, her body wriggling in an attempt to escape.

“The moment I met you,” Conor ground out, loading more pressure on her throat, “I knew you were trouble. As for the moment I heard of the Brotherhood, I knew they were asswipes, pretending their shit didn’t stink, pretentious and self-righteous.Nothing worse than someone claiming they’re perfect when they make pond scum seem saintly.”

“N-Not! Wrong woman. Wrong. Woman,” she croaked.

He released her then snagged her hair in his fist and dragged her over to a chair.

This time, the look D and I shared was bemused.

“Damn, this is hot,” she whispered.

“You should have seen him torture that Byrne guy.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “He’s yours. I can only drool from afar.”

Though I snorted, I didn’t argue.

She was fucking right.

Hewasmine.

All goddamn mine.

As Temper shrieked and cried out, Conor hauled her onto the chair. By that point, she was a shaking mess.

---