Page 76 of The Wolves Come at Night
But when he leaked her real name to a client, that was the last straw. She had to eliminate the client, then had it out with Game in an abandoned warehouse in Kuala Lumpur, which left them both bruised and bloody. He’d managed to slither away, and when she staggered out, barely alive, she went to Thierry and insisted the man be terminated.
Thierry cut Game from Macallan but didn’t put out any paper on him. He was allowed to live. It infuriated Angelie, who felt he was a danger to all of them. But she was overruled.
Regardless, Game did not take the news well. He made many threats, oblique and concrete, and then he disappeared.
It was always a bit disconcerting to have a highly trained assassin fall off the radar. Not that they were looking over their shoulders, but still. One likes to know where one’s enemies are.
The crew heard rumors, now and again. He’d joined up with a group of Colombian drug lords, was murdering his way across their borders. He was working with the Russians on destabilizing the US government before the 2016 election. He was in Hong Kong, fomenting dissent and organizing protests. He’d died in Haiti after the assassination of the president in 2021, which was proved false when he was caught on film at the airport in Kabul at the Abbey Gate, shoulders deep in the evacuating masses, the same day thirteen US soldiers were killed.
And they all knew he’d been in New Haven. Richard’s death was just the beginning of Game’s retribution. He was being patient, and he was going to be thorough.
Taking Carson Conway guaranteed Santiago and Alan would get involved. And Santiago’s first call had been to Angelie.
Two birds. One stone.
Nashville
Angelie finished her story and waited expectantly for Jackson’s reaction.
Finally, Jackson shook her head. “I don’t know what this has to do with me.”
Angelie tamped down the rising frustration. “Avery Conway decided to read you in when she gave you the name Joseph Game. I need to know what actions you’ve taken to discover his whereabouts.”
A moment of confusion flew across the captain’s pretty face before recognition set in. Angelie didn’t know what that meant, and it made her uncomfortable.
“I require this information. Game is dangerous. Retrieving Carson unharmed is my only goal here. You will help me.”
Jackson’s poker face was back in place. “You just told me you can access anything. Why don’t you just pay someone off and break into our databases?” She stood and flipped the wall switch, bathing them in light. Angelie flinched but did not move. The avenging angel was back, eyes narrowed, hands on her hips.
“I don’t appreciate you breaking into my house. I’m sorry you have an issue with this former teammate, and I’m sorry you lost your friend. But I can’t help you. We have nothing. We have no idea where she is, and I’ve never heard of Joseph Game.”
“Ah, but that is not entirely true. I heard Avery tell you to look into him.”
“She whispered something about a game. That’s all I heard. I didn’t realize she was giving me a name to investigate.”
“Game killed the singer and her boyfriend. Surely you’ve put that together.”
Jackson still had the Glock in her hand. Angelie tracked its progress. “Why do you think so?” Jackson asked.
“He died of a suicide, correct? It is one of the easiest ways to murder, and a favorite of Game’s.”
Angelie watched Jackson’s forefinger tap against the gun. “What do Carson Conway and Georgia Wray have in common?”
“Coincidence.”
“I don’t believe in coincidence.”
“And yet, it happens. Daily.”
Jackson shook her head. “Nope. Not good enough for me. I’m happy to put your man’s name into our database—”
“He is a ghost. He will not be in your database.”
They stared at one another for a moment until Angelie was certain she could read the Valkyrie’s mind. “You were looking for me, were you not? I was nowhere to be found. I am very good at my job, Captain Jackson. As is Game. We would never be so sloppy.”
Jackson gave her a little smile.
“No? I wouldn’t be so sure. You left quite the mess back in Maryland. Even the best can’t help it when their sweat lands on their lover in the act of congress.”
