Page 66 of No Mercy
“Are you sure?” I ask, my voice dropping low.
Carter nods, “Ant found some chatter tying him to the photo. One of his guys was spotted near the location we tracked, with the CCTV… It all fits.”
The name burns in my brain, leaving a mark that won’t leave until it’s been resolved. I should’ve known. That snake has been after us for years after what happened to his sister, blaming our family for her death when it had nothing to do with us. He’s searched and searched for a weakness and now, he’s made it fucking personal by touching what’s mine.
Before I can tell Carter the next steps, the sound of a door opening catches my attention. I turn to see Mandy walking towards her, her expression filled with sadness.
I walk towards her, meeting her halfway. “How is she?”
She hesitates, glancing between me and Carter as she tries to find the right words. " She’s… Stable. She was able to sleep a little bit but she still isn’t ready to see you Axel. I’m sorry.”
I nod tightly, making sure to not make it known that it felt like I was just punched in the gut. “Did she say anything? Does she know who did this?”
Mandy shakes her head. “She’s not talking about what happened yet. She’s scared Axel, she just needs time.”
Time. That’s all anyone keeps telling me, but time feels like a luxury we don’t have.
Taking a deep breath, I try keeping my voice steady as anger grows inside of me. “Tell her… tell her I’ll fix this. All of it.
Mandy’s face fills with worry as she steps closer, her tone dropping to a whisper. “Axel, what are you planning?”
I don’t answer as I walk towards the seats to grab my jacket before heading towards the door. Carter moves to follow me but I stop him with a look. " Stay here. Keep an eye on her. I’ll handle Marco.”
“Axel,” Mandy starts, her voice laced with concern, but I cut her off before she has the chance to try to stop me.
“She’s my world, Mandy. And I’m going to make damn sure this never happens to her again. To any of you.”
I don’t wait for a response as I push the door open into the cold night air.
Pulling out my phone, I dial Ant’s number and he picks up instantly. I need to tell someone my plan, someone who can’t tell me to stop because if they do, I’m worried I’ll listen to them and although I know he can’t speak, I know he’s listening.
“Carts told me it’s Marco,” I do my best to keep my voice steady as the bitter air whips around me. “When you get back to the apartment, there will be a letter on your bed. Read it and tell Eva I’m sorry, sorry that I didn’t protect her like I promised.”
And with that, I end the call and head to the one place I swore I’ll never return to.
Chicago.
CHAPTER 31
ANT
Panic fillsme the second Axel disconnects the call. What the fuck is he going to do?
Slamming my laptop shut, I take off running towards the waiting area, manoeuvring around the nurses and doctors not waiting for them to stop me. My shoes pound against the floor as I search for one of my brothers.
I round the corner, spotting Carter standing with Mandy near the exit. He turns towards me, his eyebrows furrowed at the sound of my hurried footsteps.
“Woah, slow down there tiger. What’s wrong?” Carter asks, his voice laced with concern.
I point frantically towards the door, trying to get the message across. He glances in the direction I’m pointing before looking back towards me.
“Axel?” He asks.
Yes. Thank god he’s not a total idiot. I nod, placing my hands on my knees as I try to catch my breath.
Carter clicks his fingers, “Oh, you just missed him. Sorry brother.”
Never mind. Heisa total idiot.
