Page 88 of Descent

“Why are you telling me all this, Weller?”

“Because the world’s gone insane. Because somebody’s got to do something, and I can’t.” He shrugs. “What I can do is tell you where to find Dom.”

“A lot of lead up to just spill the beans, old dog.”

“Old habits,” we say at the same time.

“Source says they’re moving Dom to a new location. Caravan will pass through Nevada in three days.”

“Load out?”

“Armored vehicles. Full tactical escort. Have to be nuts to try.” Weller smirks, rising to his feet. “But they always said you were the insane brother.”

“Well, they got one thing right.”

“Maybe that’s what we need to bring it all down. Fight fire with fire.”

“And even better if all of us villains go down in flames.”

Jim turns, offers me his hand. “Fiero, if I could offer one piece of advice? Don’t do it alone. Not if you can help it. Don’t wind up like me.”

“I’m not alone.”

“Yeah, I gathered that. Be real nice if she’d quit aiming that gun at the back of my head.”

Las Vegas,Nevada.

Just the kind of place two wayward assassins could cut loose. Too bad we’re on a clock.

We hitch a ride out of town, then another into the desert. I’m covered in dust and sweating by the time our ride drops us off at a rusty old gas station in the middle of fucking nowhere.

“Why.”

“Best way for us to stay under the radar. Travel incognito.” Circe digs a new burner cell out of her pack. “And it’s the only way we’re going to get the gear we need.”

“Out here?”

“Our there. I got a guy.”

“Oh yeah? What’s your Sancho’s name?” I tease.

“Gumbo.”

“What.”

“That’s his name and he’ll probably make us some when we’re done doing business.” An old beat-up pickup grinds to a halt right in front of us, honking twice. Circe hops in the bed without hesitation. I toss my bag in, glancing at the driver. The grizzled old man grins, showing off his gums. Well. At least he has both eyes to see the road with.

“Great. Hillbilly date night.”

We’re just pulling up to an old trailer parked in front of a massive scrapyard. My ass is sore, my teeth still rattling from the ride.

A phone rings in my bag. Digging it out, I wait, staring at it with wide eyes. Circe bites her lip, glancing up at me.

It’s Ananke.

24

CIRCE

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