Page 10 of Taking Care of the Target

The voice was male, but he didn’t recognize it. The cool, hard handle of his gun dug into his palm as he gripped it tighter. He wanted to peek out but wasn’t willing to risk blowing his location.

Another loud rapping of knuckles split the air. The need to breathe hit Vince strong, so he let an exhale leak out and then sucked in a mouthful of air, careful to remain perfectly still.

Finally, the guy gave up, his footsteps retreating from the door.

Looks like I’m not the only one looking for Cassie.Vince moved the blinds aside, trying to get a look at the guy; surely Carlo didn’t send someone else already. With the dim lighting, the night swallowed up the dark outline within seconds.

Once Vince reached the parking lot, he glanced around for Cassie’s car and noted it wasn’t there—her ride definitely stuck out. He wondered how hard it’d be to find with nothing but make and model. Unlike Carlo, he didn’t have any cop friends. After all the trouble he’d gotten into in high school, he avoided pigs at all costs.

He fired up the engine to his Jeep. He couldn’t help wishing that Carlo would drop the search for Cassie now that it’d obviously become more complicated. Just leave it to his well-paid lawyer to work his magic if charges came up, but Vince knew better. His uncle never left loose ends, and he wouldn’t stop until Cassie was found and killed.

No… unfortunately this didn’t change anything.

Looked like he’d have to do the one thing he swore he’d never do—fully jump into the side of the business he hated so he could get access to information he needed. That way, when Cassie was inevitably found, Vince would be the first to know.

Then he’d make sure he got to her before anyone else could.

Chapter Seven

“Gone?” Carlo banged his fist on his large mahogany desk, rattling the cigar ashtray he used when he didn’t feel like going to the alley. “Where the fuck did she go?”

Vince thought this might be a new record—Carlo showing up to the restaurant this many days in a row, not the losing his temper when he got bad news part.

“Everything was packed up,” Vince said with a shrug. “I doubt she’ll be going back. She’s smarter than that.”

Please let her be smarter than that.

Or should I hope that she’s not so I can get to her easier?His emotions couldn’t decide which to cheer for. Every option had shitty sides, and the longer it was drawn out, the worse it’d be, yet the farther away she could get. Then maybe the mess would die down and just go away.

It was a big fucking maybe.

“What about all of the boxes?” Carlo asked. “Someone has to get them, don’t they?”

“I’ll keep an eye on the place, but her car’s gone, too.”

“What kind of car was it?”

Dammit.He’d been trying to convince Carlo she was gone, not give him more information to track her down. “I don’t remember,” he lied. “It was an old white car. I bet they got rid of it. By now she’s probably got a brand new identity and is holed up far away from here.”

Carlo stuck his chin on his fist. “If she’s talked and tucked away already, why hasn’t the cavalry come charging in? I keep waiting for them to, which is why I’m here showing what a hard-working responsible restaurant owner I am. My sources haven’t heard anything, either.” He ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair, his fat gold wedding band catching the light.

Vince rubbed his jaw. “Maybe she didn’t talk. Maybe as soon as she was released from the hospital, she just got the hell out of Dodge.” Would she do that? No doubt she’d be scared, but she also seemed like the responsible type who’d feel guilty if she didn’t report something like witnessing a murder.

Then again, survival instincts were a hell of a thing. After all, they’d driven him to do things he wasn’t proud of.

Carlo took a burner phone out of his desk and scowled at nothing in particular while he waited for whoever he’d dialed to answer. “Sal. Get over to Cassie’s apartment complex on Prospect and watch the place.”

Vince took a step forward, panic rising hot and fast. “You said you’d let me do it. I don’t want any of your goons to go in and mess it up.”

Carlo narrowed his eyes. He twisted the mouthpiece up and in a low voice said, “Watch yourself. I know what I promised. I need you here running the restaurant. Let Sal do something useful for once.”

The springs of the seat squeaked lightly as Carlo sat back and moved the phone back into place. “If you see her, you stay on her. Find out where she’s staying and how many people are watching.”

Vince couldn’t make out what Sal said in return.

“Watch and report, that’s it for now.Capisce?”Carlo rolled his eyes. “Make sure that you do.” He ended the call, pulled a cigar out of his desk drawer, and ran it under his nose. He looked up at Vince almost as if he’d forgotten he was there, although Vince knew better. He was drawing it out, enjoying the power and making him pay for his outburst.

Clenching his fists to control his temper, Vince remained in place. If Carlo wanted an apology, he could wait for hell to turn chilly. Apologizing would show weakness anyway, and Carlo loved testing people. Loved seeing who’d suck up and who’d hold their ground.

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