Page 173 of Innocent Intentions

Reluctantly, I pull back. Roman slings a limp Roland over his shoulder like a sack of garbage and leaves the room. As I follow, I look down at myself.

My white dress shirt is soaked red. As well as my knucks and all visible skin. I look like a monster.

It reflects the beast within.

***

We’re in a Syndicate warehouse.

Ronald’s wrists are chained to the ceiling. His body hangs limp and wrecked. He looks just as pathetic as he is.

Roman splashes cold water on him.

He sputters awake, eyes darting around the room.

“Ready to talk?” Roman asks with a grin.

“Yes. I’ll tell you everything if you let me go.”

Coward.

Not even trying to hold out. Greater men have suffered in here for days before breaking.

Roman tilts his head. “What would you trade your life for? Would you give us your wife and kids?”

“Yes! You can have them!” The bastard doesn’t even hesitate.

Roman sneers. “You’re lower than filth. Now, you’re going to answer some questions.”

He nods frantically. “Anything.”

“What do you know about the Koschei Group?”

I drift behind him and scan the tools on the table.

“They’re a front for the Bratva,” he blurts. “They use Northern Hemisphere Cargo to smuggle whatever they’re moving. Pay us big money to look the other way.”

“Us or you?” Roman demands.

“Me.” He whispers in shame.

“What product are they moving?”

“I don’t know. They give me the container numbers, and I arrange the pickups. We drop them at lot X in the northern dock, and the money shows up.”

Roman’s voice turns friendly. “Where’s the money?”

“I lost it. Cards. I’ve had some bad luck, bad hands. You know how it is.”

We both stare.

“No,” I growl.“I don’t”

Roman chuckles. The bastard doesn’t even notice it’s fake.

“That’s why you sold out my Margot.” I’m behind him now, whispering in his ear.

I light the blowtorch and hold it just shy of his spine.

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