Page 117 of The Devil We Know

Then Camilla asks, “Do you know where Darius is?”

The man swallows and then nods, and Jessica says, “Then you can either lead us to him, or you can fucking die here.”

“I'll take you,” he replies quickly.

Camilla puts her weapons away and then pulls zip ties out of her jacket pocket. She yanks his arms behind him, none too gently, securing the zip ties with such vigor that I'm sure she's cutting off all blood supply to his hands.

Not that any of us give a fuck.

She leans in over him and says, “Don't be a fucking asshole.”

He looks back at her wide-eyed, shakes his head, and says, “I know the drill.”

She steps away from him, and he raises his head to indicate a door to the left. “It's this way.”

“Well, let's go then,” Camilla replies.

The man turns, walking off in that direction with the three women close behind him.

They disappear through the doorway, and I give up my hiding space, following behind them slowly, knowing they can totally handle themselves in any situation, I’m happy going in as a beast in the shadows.

48

A Sliver of Revenge

Jessica

When I first sawthat ginger-looking dude, I did a double-take. It was my own immature idiocy that had me cursing out loud when I realized who it was. And then, of course, they spotted me, and it was too late for me to make a break for it.

So, I did the only thing I could think of.

I played nice and friendly.

Which, given my current reputation, was a mistake because, if nothing else, the likes of Finn McDonald knows who I am, thetype of industry I now work in, and the reputation I have at this point in my life.

And that would be someone not to be trifled with.

Unfortunately, I was correct in the assumption he would have an inkling who I am now, and he immediately called me out on my bullshit.

Now, I can’t say that I was totally surprised by his big revelation about that one time we fucked.

The fact that I didn’t remember it was a good indication that something was amiss, but by then, it was too late to do anything about it, and if nothing else, it gave me options I wouldn’t have had otherwise, given he connected me with my first Hollywood manager. Without his connections, I still would’ve been at the mercy of my father until I eventually managed to make a life of my own. Taking the Hollywood route set me on a fast track, even if some methods were less than above board.

But still, for him to so callously want to give me a detailed explanation of his obviously premeditated assault of me.

Fuck that.

I had spotted Carolina lurking in the shadows while he was running his mouth. Knowing her opinion of his type of people, I figured it was safe to give her an opening to get a jab in.

I was mildly surprised that she so joyfully stabbed his friend in the throat, but I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked by anything at this point.

Camilla screeching in when she did was a nice bonus.

Since she knows most of the people in this building, she has been most gleefully making her way through it. I never thought I’d meet anyone who could out-crazy Antoinette and Lilith, but Camilla just may do that.

I’m a little disgruntled having to follow this shitbag rather than stab him in the throat, but knowing there’s a method to the madness, I follow along as necessary.

I’m sure I’ll be given the chance just as soon as we have everything secure, but the urge to say fuck this entire mission and end his miserable life right now is strong.

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