Page 1 of A Pawn in the Game
CHAPTER 1
Luka
My ass is numb and back sore, worn out from spending so much time in my car. At least the sun has set, giving me a reprieve from its heat. Stoplights have changed from red to green at least a million times since I’ve been here, as well as the cars parked along the curb. The stray cats in the alley across from me have started and ended a full-on war over some trashed takeout containers, and a cook from the Vietnamese restaurant took six cigarette breaks in that same alley.
I crack my neck and perch my phone between my ear and shoulder, saying, “This girl is boring as fuck. I’ve been watching her for days, and she only ever leaves her apartment to walk her dog.” My dog’s ears perk up hearing the word ‘walk’, so I pet him absentmindedly while taking my cheeseburger out of the bag. The 120-pound rottweiler whimpers at the touch. “She has no social life from what I can tell. It’s pretty damn sad.”
My brother’s chuckle fills the phone. “Works for us. The fewer people looking for her, the better.” He’s older by only three years but he has acted much older than that ever since we were kids.
“She probably lives off of Daddy’s paycheck since itdoesn’t seem like she leaves for work.” The first bite of my cheeseburger is heaven, making me let out a moan.
“Actually, she works from home. In a software development firm. I think she does well on her own.”
“Well, so-rry. I wasn’t privy to that info. How long will I have to stalk her? I’m dying of boredom here,” I say with my mouth half-full.
“You have a better place to be?”
“Matter of fact, Leon, I do.” I swallow before continuing, “I want to start working on the club.”
“Look, I know,” he sighs, “but your little hobby project will have to wait. The girl’s father is responsible for our father’s death.” His words travel through my veins, freezing time. “And we’re responsible for making him pay.”
“There’s no need to remind me of that.”How could I forget?“Don’t for a second think that just because you and I have different approaches to life I miss him any less, or that I want to see that motherfucker pay any less.”
“Good. Because that girl will be your responsibility.”
“What?” This time, my mouth is fully loaded, pieces of salad spilling out.
“After we take her, you’re responsible for keeping her.”
“And what the fuck are you going to do?”
“I will run the family business, so it doesn’t all go to shit.” His voice is less level now; I know he’s frustrated with me.
“I thought Uncle Toma would run the family business.”
A literal growl escapes him. “He will, if we don’t pull our heads out of our asses.” He sighs again, and I can practically see him rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Look, can I trust you to do this? I can lend you some men, but can I trust you to take care of this while I take care of everything else?”
“Of course you can. Matter of fact, I have the perfect place to take her.”
“Good. And don’t forget, it’s him we want. So we want her alive.”
“Shit,” I murmur, ducking my head.
“What happened?”
“She just left her building. Gotta go.”
In a rush, I end the call. We owe this to our father. We owe him the fucking world. And if this girl can help me pay off a piece of that debt, I better get to work.
Using a napkin, I wipe ketchup from my lips and chin, trying to stay inconspicuous while watching her. Once again, she’s in an oversized hoodie and baggy pants. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it was her boyfriend’s. Her ashen brown hair is piled on top of her head, wild and messy. She’d make an amazing criminal. No one could describe her unremarkable facial features. She’s a girl that blends into the background. My lips turn up seeing her dog. It’s a happy, playful golden retriever, and they look like complete opposites. He pees on every available surface, and she waits for him to finish his business patiently.
Finally, they’re out of my view. Meaning, by my previous calculations, I have twenty-five to thirty uninterrupted minutes in her apartment. Time for some recon.
I step out of the car, and my dog jumps up after me.
“Nope, sorry. You’re going to stay here for a couple of minutes. I’ll be right back.” I scratch his neck while he gives me sad eyes.
Bringing him here wasn’t the best idea. But at least he’s helped me pass the time. It’s neither too hot nor cold outside, but I roll the windows down an inch to give him some fresh air.
