Page 20 of Requital

When I ask to get down to business, he informs me that we are awaiting the arrival of another party. Blindsided, I ask whom we are waiting for, as Gerrick never mentioned any third-party dealings. The grin on his face concerns me momentarily, but the assurance I have backup quiets my anxiety.

“You look concerned, Hadley, but you need not be,” Antonio declares. “With the arrival of myamada,I’ve had to move another meeting forward.”

“You know that if it had been Gerrick attending tonight, he would be very displeased,” I counter.

“That he would,” he nods, acknowledging. “But tonight, an allegiance will be forged which will benefit Gerrick greatly.”

If only he knew of my brother’s plans.

A presence at the door alerts Antonio that his guests have arrived.

“Come, come, Alejandro.” Standing, he gestures for them to be seated. “Please join us.”

Alejandro?

Surely this man can’t be Alejandro Cali, the man responsible for the death of Hawke’s family.

“Is it him?” a voice whispers in my ear.

I’d completely forgotten about the earpiece I wore until I heard Hawke’s voice. Also standing, I greet Antonio’s guest, using his full name to confirm Hawke’s suspicions.

“Alejandro Cali, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“As well you, Hadley Alexandria, or should I say Valentine?” he greets.

“I may be married to a federal agent, Alejandro, but I am obligated by blood to my brother and my family,” I reply unemotionally.

Pleased by my response, he takes a seat beside Antonio.

“We are ready and awaiting your sign, Hadley,” I suddenly hear Jackson announce.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Hawke

“How can this be possible, Ant?” my angry voice whispers.

“I don’t know, Hawke,” he replies from beside me, agitation lining his tone. “They guaranteed us his death was confirmed.”

For the last seventeen years, I’ve believed that the monster who destroyed my life when he killed my wife and daughter was dead at the hands of our comrades within the CIA.

There are so many questions I need to be answered, but for now, they will have to wait.

“We need to go in now; he can’t be allowed to escape again,” I demand.

“No,” Sean whispers from behind. “If we go in now, we will put Hadley’s life at risk, and I won’t allow you to do that.”

“You know he’s right,” Ant affirms, placing his hand on my shoulder.

Whether I know Sean is right or not seems irrelevant right now, but because I won’t be responsible for anything happening to Hadley, I will wait.

“I’m curious,” we hear Hadley say. “What drives this alliance between your two families?”

“Why is that of any importance?” Alejandro counters.

“I’m an inquisitive kind of girl,” she retaliates. “Personally, I don’t care whom my brother jumps into bed with, but his dealings with Antonio affect me as well, and I have a particular taste.”

Laughter fills the room, which leads me to believe she has dispelled any tension that had been previously building. Her life within the Alexandria family has prepared her for any situation, making her an asset within any mission she’s enlisted for.

---