Page 23 of The Death Dealer

“I can, and I will.”

“Why would you?” Lily asked, eyes narrowed. Her suspicious nature made Gene proud as punch. As quick-witted as she was, Lily Anne Stockton would never be hoodwinked.

Blane’s entire self was open and honest when he responded. “Because no one should have to suffer the way you are. Especially not a kid.”

Mulling over the man’s reply, Gene felt grudging respect build for him. It was the opposite of what he’d experienced for Benjamin Blane. That fucker had almost cost Gene his life.

After Dutch’s wife and daughter were killed, the kingpin had shown up, prepared to torture anyone and everyone to find out the dirt on the traitor in their midst. Benjamin Blane had gone by a different name then, but it didn’t take Dutch long to uncover his true identity.

Thankfully, Gene was able to convince him that he wasn’t involved. Not long after Dutch left him—thankfully with digits and limbs intact—Gene decided to learn everything he could about the spy Dutch had unknowingly welcomed into his organization.

He never revealed what he’d discovered, because Dutch would’ve murdered the Blane boys without a second thought, just as he had their mother, Gloria. So Gene had kept whatever he uncovered in his back pocket for a rainy day. Today might be that day.

“Perhaps you should state what you expect in return, Mr. Blane,” Gene said coolly. “Or, I should probably clarify, what you and your brother, Simon, expect.” In his experience, most people didn’t do things out of the goodness of their hearts. Especially not the FBI.

Trevor Blane shocked him again when he said, “Not a damned thing, Stockton. I don’t barter for profit. Your kid should be able to live a full and happy life.”

Meeting his daughter’s gaze, Gene wondered if she could see his fear mixed with hope, as he saw hers. “Lily?”

Her tired eyes contained a hint of steel. “Yes, but if it doesn’t work, you have to let me go, Daddy. No more doctors. No more treatments. Okay? You let me go.” When he hesitated to agree, she firmed her mouth and glared her irritation. “Promise me, or it’s no.”

“It could come back,” he hedged.

“It’s doubtful it will, but if it does, you call my number, Stockton. I’ll return to help her,” Trevor vowed, eyes solemn.

“And if you’re not alive to help her?” The question had to be asked, and Gene hated that he had to be the one to ask it. Hated that it sounded like a subtle threat.

Fortunately, the Death Dealer didn’t take it that way. “Then my brother will help her, and failing that, I’ll leave instructions for another.”

When Gene looked at his daughter again, she was staring at Trevor Blane with hero worship in her shimmering eyes. His fear was nothing compared to her courage. With a nod of acceptance, he shook Trevor’s hand.

“Thank you.”

“Thank me after it works. I still have to call in a few people to pull this off and not get found out by those in charge.” Trevor glanced between them. “I’m not trying to give false hope. It can be done,ifwe aren’t stopped.”

“I understand.”

“Good. I’ll see you at dinner.” The Death Dealer rose to his feet and snapped his fingers. All the sand clinging to his backside fell from him, leaving his slacks pristine.

“Neat trick,” Gene said dryly.

A fleeting smile crossed Trevor’s lips. “One of my favorites.” To Lily, he said, “Tomorrow is going to be a trying day for you, kid. At breakfast, we need to discuss what this entails. The process won’t be a walk in the park. In fact, it’s going to be painful. I’ll explain everything before we start, and if you change your mind, I’ll understand.”

“I won’t, sir,” she promised.

Love for his daughter swelled in Gene’s heart. If he could take her illness and pain for himself, he would. His desire was for her to live a full life and experience all she’d ever dreamed possible.

“Okay. Good night.”

As Trevor Blane disappeared into the inky night, Gene faced his daughter. “If you’re as keyed up as I am, I’m going to suggest a kitchen raid.”

Lily giggled. “Ice cream and cake?”

“You know it!”

“What about dinner?”

“I’ll have a tray sent to our guests. You and I have reason to celebrate.”

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