Page 30 of Before Broken Vows
It’s my top man, Dio.
"We've got eyes on him," he says as I answer. "He's alone in his apartment, sitting on his couch watching something on his laptop."
I check my watch. "Any sign he knows he's being watched?"
"None. He ordered food twenty minutes ago. Seems completely relaxed."
Good. An uneventful capture is always preferred.
"Okay. Stick to the plan," I tell Dio. "Go in clean. No noise, no mess. I don't want his neighbors even knowing we were there."
"We've got the sedative ready. He won't feel a thing until he wakes up at the safe house."
I stand up, already reaching for my jacket. "I'll be there in two hours. Make sure he's secured properly. And Dio—" I pause. "Grab any flash drives, his laptop, papers nearby. Bring it all."
"You got it, boss."
I hang up and check myself in the mirror on the wall. I somehow look more tired than I did a few days ago.
Before she came back.
I straighten my tie, run a hand through my hair, and head for the door. As I step out, I nearly collide with Elena carrying a stack of fresh towels.
"Mr. Kastaris," she says, startled. "I was just coming to ask if you wanted lunch made today."
"No thank you. I'm heading out."
Elena nods.
"And for Anastasia? Should I prepare anything for her?"
I hesitate. "Yes. Make sure she eats."
"Okay, I will, Mr. Kastaris."
As I turn to go, Elena adds, "She was asking about you, you know. Earlier. Asking how you've been. I didn't give her much.She also wanted to know if you'd be around later. I did tell her that you're a busy man so who knows."
Something shifts in my chest. I ignore it.
"Tell her not to wait up."
I walk down the hallway, head for the garage through the side entrance to avoid any chance of running into Stassi. That incident in the kitchen earlier really got to me.
As I slide into the driver's seat, my phone buzzes again. Text from Dio.
We're moving in. ETA 10 minutes.
I start the engine, the familiar roar drowning out everything else.
This is what I need. Action. Purpose. The hunt.
Not memories of a woman who left me broken for a lot longer than I'd ever admit.
The gates open as I approach, and I gun the engine, feeling the car surge forward like it's as eager as I am to leave this place behind.
One hour to the safe house.
One hour to clear my fucking head.
