Page 102 of Right Number, Wrong Man
“Do you knowwhyyou gotta die?”
“Because I-I killed… all those women and I wanted… wanted to kill Hailey, too,” he brings out.
I tap his arm with another needle. “And?”
“Because I insulted Hailey…”
I drop the needle and applaud, the noise echoing back from the bare walls. “Atta boy. There we go!” I take my hunting knife from my belt, pressing the tip under his chin. “Now ask again. Politely.”
“Kill me…”
“Ah-ah, you didn’t sayplease.”
He sobs. “Please, kill me… please… I?—”
I lower the knife and drive it through his heart. For a glorious moment, Justin’s features blur and I see Mike staring back at me. I smile, basking in that puffed up sensation in my chest and the knowledge that I personally ended the two men who hurt Hailey.
When I come to, Justin’s eyes are hollow. He’s not breathing.
A fulfilling tiredness expands through my exhausted muscles and my head hurts. Torture is hard work. I look down at myself, red spattered over my shirt and my jeans. My boots need a polish, too.
I open the basement door. “Could use some help with cleanup and disposal!” I yell.
Cody’s steps thud toward me as he strolls downstairs, holding two beers. He gives me one and I take it with an appreciative nod, draining half in big gulps.
He juts his chin at the door. “I heard the screams. Productive session?”
I grin. “Very. Did Hailey call?”
“No, everything was quiet. Evidence is gone, too.”
“What time is it?” I ask.
“Around three in the mornin’.”
I heave a sigh. It’s been hours, no wonder I’m all tuckered out. But there’s more to do.
Cody clinks his beer against mine. “To a job well done.”
We drink in silence for a while until we enter the basement together.
“The needles are still your favorite, huh?” he asks.
I quirk a brow and laugh. “God forbid a man’s got a hobby.”
“They’re a good choice.” Cody leaves his empty bottle on the table and gestures at two large plastic tubs in the corner. “I take it you have saws and acid?”
39
HAILEY
I stareat the wrought-iron number 319 on the door. My pulse stampedes through my chest like wild horses and my breathing hasn’t slowed since I got out of my car in the hotel parking lot.
I glance down the quiet, carpeted corridor. This is the largest hotel in Burtonville and according to a brochure in the lobby, the rooms are soundproof. Is that why Jax told me to come here?
His text this morning only contained the address, the room number, and 9 p.m.
I slide my thighs together, my satin panties gliding over my shaved pussy. Unlike when Jax fucked me in the parking lot, I had time to get ready today, an everything shower included.
