Page 9 of Digit's Deflection
“Oh, I don’t have one. I had to get rid of my old car, so I’m just going to call for a ride.”
“Nonsense,” she replies with atsk. “Get in, I’ll give you a ride.”
“Thanks.” I offer her a smile of gratitude.
We chat about random things on the way over to Nero’s and, because of how late it is, are lucky enough to get a parking spot just a few spaces down from the front door. As I hop out, I spot a group of men coming out of the restaurant and recognize them as the group from the day I arrived in town.
My entire body locks as I spot a man just behind the giant of the group who gives me intense Treven vibes. I can’t be sure inthe dim light out on the street, so I blink in the hopes of getting a clearer picture, but when I look again, I don’t see him.
Clearly my mind is playing tricks on me. It’s been a long day, I’m tired, and Treven’s been on my mind for the last little bit. I guess it makes sense I’d imagine seeing him in some poor unsuspecting man.
With a sad sigh, I paste a facsimile of a smile on my face and head for the restaurant. Some pie sounds really good about now. A little something sweet to help me forget my melancholy mood.
6
WILLIAM
Watching Indigo’s father on the monitors, I contemplate her silence. I’m surprised at her lack of communication. I honestly thought the weak bitch would be all over my offer to let her father go. Sacrificing herself is something I’d expect her to do in a heartbeat.
I’m seriously curious as to why. I wondered if I was wrong in my assumptions — if I’d misjudged her. After much consideration, I know I haven’t. She’s predictable. Always has been. I’m sure Macho Man has something to do with her lack of response. Not that it matters much. It won’t change the outcome. It’ll simply delay the inevitable.
She doesn’t need to know that though.
Indigo has caused me as much trouble as she’s going to – of that I am going to make one hundred percent sure. Revenge has been on my agenda for years, and after all these years I’ll finally have it. As they say, revenge is a dish best served cold, and it’s going to be delicious. By the time I’m done, she, her father, and that fucking macho man she’s living with will be nothing more than a bloodstained memory.
I’m done being patient or playing nice.
Business hasn’t been running as smooth as I’d like this last while, and each time I dig into why, it’ll inevitably turn out to be Indigo. Or that fucking side piece of hers. Or that little bitch friend of hers, Sage. Either fucking up my supply chain or my meetings or both. I won’t stand for it. So, a bit like Santa, I’ve been making a list.
They’re all on my “naughty list”, and I’ll deal with each of them. First Indigo and then Sage. She doesn’t know it yet, but I’m coming for her next. For now, my plan is in motion, and I cannot wait to see it play out.
Savoring the last of my coffee, I study the man on my monitors and consider my next move. It isn’t fair for the man to needlessly suffer my wrath, but if his daughter couldn’t be bothered to take her lumps as she should, that’s unfortunately what will happen. Honestly, I’d far rather take my mood out on the rightful person, but he’ll do in a pinch. And the satisfaction of knowing she’ll suffer remorse for what her father will endure isalmostas good as if she herself were here.
Exiting the room, I weigh up my options as I make my way to Commander Jones. By the time I reach him, I’m still debating two options but decide to play things by ear.
“Good morning, Commander. I trust you slept well.” The man stares at me but doesn’t say a word. “Still not speaking to me, I see. Now I know where your daughter gets her airs and graces from. You people think you’re too good for the likes of me, don’t you?”
I can feel my temper rising. Who the fuck do these people think they are anyway? Still no answer. Well, we’ll see how long that lasts, shall we?
“I’ve extended an invitation to your daughter to join our little party. I expect her arrival imminently. It will be lovely to host you both for a short time. As my father always used to say,micasa es su casa. Fun fact, did you know my father was Spanish and my mother a South African?”
“Leave Indigo out of this. Don’t you think you’ve done her enough harm? You’ve got me, you don’t need her.”
“Ah, he speaks.” Beginning to enjoy myself, I needle him some more. “But you see, Commander, after all the damage your precious little angel has wrought on my business, how uncooperative she’s been in the past, and the sheer nerve of her siccing her lapdog on me, I’m not feeling particularly generous toward dear Indigo.
“I’ve given her countless opportunities to be a team player, and repeatedly, she’s snubbed me, refusing to help in any way.”
“Is that what you call taking advantage of a young, defenseless girl, and then blackmailing and terrorizing her every chance you got? I’m just sorry the idiot judge who granted you bail wasn’t able to lock you up and throw away the key for you to rot in a cell for eternity.”
“Well now, that’s not a very nice thing to say, Commander,” I say, making my way over to where he’s restrained to a chair.
I circle the man, studying him from all angles, once again trying to decide how best to convey my deep disappointment and frustration with his daughter, and now offense at his words.
Without warning, I backhand him across the mouth, splitting both his top and bottom lip in one fell swoop with the obnoxious ring I took from my father when I killed him as a souvenir. Happy with my handiwork, I circle around to the other side and repeat the process.
The results this time are not nearly as satisfying, but good enough to appease my anger for the moment. Strolling over to the window, I survey the courtyard below, watch as some of the men engage in rigorous exercise to stay in tiptop shape, much like knights of old practicing their sword fighting skills.
“While we wait for your daughter to arrive, how about we have some fun? I love to play games. How about you, Commander?” Silence once again meets my words.
