Page 65 of Stabby Little

Blood spurts out of his cheek, dripping onto his shoes.

"I'm sorry." Khalid yanks the jewelry out of his pocket and throws it at my feet. "Here. Put it back."

"Anton will kill you." I kick his balls and make him scream. "He doesn't fuck with thieves."

"I was safeguarding his jewelry."

I dropkick him to his knees. "I should kill you right now. That's what Anton commanded. But I'm feeling generous so I'll make you an offer."

"Anything."

"Tell me about the Diavolos' warehouse in Yonkers that burned down." I force his chin up. "Then I'll cover for you."

Khalid moves back. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't deny it." I cock my Glock's hammer. "Shady shit went down in that warehouse. I want to know what happened."

"One of Michael's employees dropped a cigarette. That's all."

With a roar, I grab his neck and ram him against the wall. "Tell me the fucking truth."

Fear flits across Khalid's face. "You have to ask Michael."

"Ask Michael what?"

"What happened, man. I don't fucking know."

"I'll put a bullet between your eyes if you don't tell me. What about the cages?"

"I know nothing about the cages."

"Tell me the fucking truth if you want to live. I'll put you in a cab and get you out of here if you're honest."

Khalid spits out blood. "There were cages. But only for the black market adoption trade."

"You're lying."

"I helped get the boys myself, man. That's all we ever used them for. People claimed Michael was trafficking them at the warehouse, but that's not true. That's what Michael fucking told me."

"Cut the shit."

Khalid's eyes water. "You must believe me."

I let out a growl and thrust him down. Pulling cord out of my suit coat pocket, I lash his arms and legs to the dresser to ensure he doesn't move. "This isn't over."

"What about my cab?" Khalid's eyes widen. "You promised to get me out of here."

"You weren't honest." I step out of the room and shut the door behind me. "I'm giving Anton his stolen jewelry and telling him I found you here. He'll determine what to do with you."

Khalid screams as I walk down the winding staircase to meet Anton. I don't pay any attention to his pleas.

One thing's certain.

If I want to learn about the cages, I must confront Michael.

21

OLLIE

---