Page 14 of Mine to Keep
‘Unknown’ shows on my screen, which means it can only be one person.
Or onecompany.
“Viper,” I say into the receiver, giving him my call sign.
“There’s a job in Delham, small town outside of Toronto,” The Director says. “Urgent. You’re the only one with the skill set we need. Need you back in North America by end of day tomorrow.”
“No.”
I’m fucking exhausted, and normally they don’t call me for a job so soon after executing one. And that nightmare has shakenme up more than I’d like to admit. It’s been so long since I thought about my first job in Arizona, so many years ago. I need sleep so I can regroup.
“Not up for debate, Viper. There’s a room booked for you in Delham. Your handler will get you everything you need. You will receive extra pay for short notice.”
I flop back on the bed, eyes burning from lack of sleep and being tipsy. “No.”
“Do you want to be retired, Viper?” I’m quiet, knowing that he can dispatch me for refusing a job.
This is why retirement is on my mind. This is my first time being threatened directly by The Void, but it won’t be the last. I need to start planning my exit strategy now, so if another threat flies from his bitch-ass lips, I can get out and they’d never find me. I’m a master at hiding and disguising myself. I have no family and only one living friend that would never give up my location.
The threat to my life sets the precedence that they can do it again.
And again.
And again.
Until they have me more under their thumb than they already do. I’ve been stacking my cash to make a clean break so I won’t have a reason to emerge once I go into seclusion.
One more job and I’m fucking done.
Growling, I say, “Fine. Send the info?—”
“Your handler has everything you need.” Then the line is disconnected.
Another grunt of frustration leaves my lips before I sit up and run my hand down my face. I can’t remember the last time I slept through the night. Eventually, it’ll catch up to me. I just hope it’s not at a time when my exhaustion means the difference between life and death.
five
the others
“This is Skylar,”he said into his phone, knowing only one person had this number.
The Director of The Void.
“Skylar, we have an asset that needs to be retired. Contract is for two mil. Once the assignment is complete, we want proof of death. His head separated from his body. Photo proof.”
“Who?” Skylar asked, already thinking of how to spend that money. He and his wife, Martha, his partner in all things, bought a private island so they could vacation there between jobs. With the two of them working as hitmen, they brought in more than enough income to sustain them both. Neither wanted children, so they were content to spend lavishly on themselves.
“Viper,” The Director said.
Skylar’s eyebrows shot up. Viper was the first in their segment of hitmen at The Void. Their entire branch was made because of him. Who wanted him dead badly enough that The Director accepted the contract? Two million dollars was their cut; how much was the contract for initially?
“Viper?” he repeated to make sure he’d heard correctly.
“You heard me. Proof of death. Head separated from his body.”
“Who took out the contract?”
“No one. The asset has been compromised. He needs to be put down and I need proof of death. Head?—”
