Page 92 of Preacher

“That’s a discussion for another day.” He glanced down at his watch and asked, “When can we expect our guest?”

The words had barely left his mouth when one of the guards stepped forward and announced, “There is a car at the gate.”

“Let them in.”

He nodded, then disappeared from view.

I heard Vasili’s car pull up, and my chest tightened. I was so nervous I felt like I could crawl out of my own skin, but I reminded myself that I wasn’t alone. Hudson and my boys were right there within reach, and they wouldn’t let anything happen to me. Vasili pounded on the door, and I drew in one final calming breath.

I walked over and opened the door slowly. Vasili stood on the front step in his tailored suit and slicked back hair. His chin was tilted upward like he owned the world, and he had a smug smile painted across his face. His eyes skirted over me, and his smile turned sinister as he said, “Tabitha. So good to see you again.”

“I wish I could say the same about you.”

“Oh, come now. I thought this would be a cordial visit.”

“Not so much.”

“I understand. It can be difficult to submit, but you will submit. And I’m looking quite forward to it.” He stepped closer. “I’ll take my time reminding you of your place.”

Even with his vile words, I didn’t flinch. I didn’t cower. I simply stepped back and opened the door wider, revealing Sokolov and his guards. Vasili froze on the threshold, his smile faltering, and his eyes darted from me to the three men next to me.

“What is this?” he spat, his voice rising. “You trying to scare me,moya kroshka? Because it’s not working.”

Sokolov kept his eyes trained on Vasili as he replied, “I know… I know everything.”

“What do you mean?” The color drained from Vasili’s face. “There’s nothing to know.”

“I don’t play games, Vasili. You know this.”

Vasili’s face grew red, and before I realized what he was doing, he’d reached into his pocket and pulled out a small handgun. He aimed it at me, and every guard and every Fury brother stepped out of hiding. Panic filled his eyes as he gasped, “There’s been a mistake.”

“I don’t make mistakes. You know this.” Sokolov took a step forward and calmly said, “Put the gun down.”

“Why? I’m as good as dead either way.” He glared at me as he said, “At least this way I can take her with me.”

“And then, I would do the same to your wife and your boys and boys’ wives and their children. Surely you don’t want that.”

“You don’t understand.” Vasili didn’t move. “Those exchanges were just a test run. I wanted to make sure they were legit before…”

“Don’t,” Sokolov interrupted. “I’ve heard enough of your lies.”

I was starting to worry that he was actually going to shoot me when Seven stepped up behind him and placed the barrel of his gun at Vasili’s head. “Drop it, asshole.”

Defeat washed over Vasili as he lowered his weapon and begged, “You have to listen to me. I can explain everything.”

Showing no signs of sympathy, Sokolov ordered, “Take him.”

The guards grabbed Vasili, and when they started down the steps, he started shouting out rambles about betrayal and lies. But his voice grew quiet as they shoved him into the backseat of their SUV.

And just like that, the man who’d haunted my past disappeared like a bad memory.

I stood by the window, arms wrapped around myself, staring off into the distance. I wanted to feel victorious. I wanted to feel like this nightmare was finally over. But all I felt was tired.

So damn tired.

I thought I could collapse with exhaustion when I felt Hudson step behind me and slip his arms around my waist, pulling me close. I leaned back against him, feeling his strength and peace wash over me. He lowered his mouth to my ear and whispered, “It’s over. He’s not coming back.”

“Thank God for that.” The adrenaline was still humming through me, but the fear had started to loosen its grip. I leaned my head back so I could see him. “I need a hot bath and a drink.”

---