Page 46 of Sweet Venom
I stare at the darkness through the floor-to-ceiling window. “An organization I have little to no interest in.”
“An organization your life is built around and that you’ll never leave unless it’s in a casket. Don’t be ridiculous, Jude.”
“You know what’s ridiculous? The love my mom showed you before you ended up covering up for her murderer.”
“For the thousandth time, he killed himself soon after Susie died. I gave you his body, didn’t I?”
“And then erased all the footage?”
“Not fast enough since Kane has it and has been enabling your violent sprees.” There’s a pause that’s followed by a long sigh. “Jude. I’m telling you this as your older brother who cares about your well-being as much as Susie. Stop these impulsive hunting games and using our safe houses and resources for murder.”
I tap my fingers on my thigh.
He knows.
I mean, he’s well aware of the hunts, but I wasn’t so sure news about the safe houses would reach him.
Julian has a vast network of Vencor and non-Vencor people whose entire job is surveillance.
The last thing I need is for him to learn about Violet. If he knows she’s a target that I didn’t kill like the others, he’ll be inclined to find out why.
Julian, of all people, knows I don’t do things without a purpose or deviate from my usual course of action without external stimuli.
Not that I know the reason myself, but Julian’s nose still needs to stay out of my goddamn business.
When I say nothing, he releases a sigh. “You think Susie would be happy to see you’re spiraling because of her?”
“The dead don’t have any opinions. Stop fucking meddling.”
I hang up, breathing harshly.
As I stare at the phone, multiple notifications come from the chat I have with Kane and Pres, that the latter keeps renaming with stupid shit.
The most recent one is ‘Pres’s Sidekicks.’
Preston
So, Kane, got enough groceries? We’re coming over for food.
Kane
I’m not a restaurant.
Preston
Restaurant? Who the fuck says that? You’re a cook.
Kane
Just let me chill for one fucking day, Pres.
Preston
Nah, you’ll develop depression without my godly presence.
Kane
More like clownish.
