Page 96 of Siren

Christian’s tense expression mellowed. “You’re sure?”

“Saw to it myself,” Henrik confirmed. “His body has been delivered to his wife this afternoon with instructions on what she should do. My men tell me she’s already packed herself and the children up and left the city.”

“The men loyal to him—”

“Men can be bought,” Henrik said. “And without the head of their family, they’re lost. Easy pickings.”

Christian relaxed in his seat, unbuttoning his jacket. He could relax now. Wars between the families had to be dealt with delicate hands. Even with Jackson’s permission to take out the newest family to the Network, it was best the Creon’s didn’t handle it themselves. Sending Henrik to deal with it assured no backlash from any of McKinnly’s allies. Not that there were many. McKinnly was a backstabbing cheapskate. Families within the Network didn’t look kindly on that.

Now, with McKinnly handled, Christian would be gifted the abandoned territory, and he could peddle his whores and drugs without competition.

A commotion outside the office drew Christian’s attention. The door flew open, and a man rushed through. Henrik’s men followed, hunger for a fight written all over their faces.

Henrik waved them back. “It’s okay. Let him in.”

“What is it?” Christian demanded, getting up from his chair. “You don’t just barge in when I’m in a meeting,” he chastised the man, whose lips curled inward at the sight of Henrik sitting so casually at his desk.

“Henrietta,” he spat out the name of the woman upstairs. “She’s dead.” He pointed a finger at Henrik. “He killed her.”

Christian’s eyes were wild when he spun back around. His cheeks reddened as words attempted to form on his lips.

“She’s up there naked. Looks like he raped her too.” Anger shook his words.

Henrik lifted his shoulder. “Rape suggests she wasn’t willing. Which she was. The woman couldn’t get her clothes off fast enough. I’ll probably have marks on my cock from her enthusiasm.”

He sighed. Obviously, his humor was lost on them.

“Henrietta was fucking McKinnly. She was giving him information. That’s how your shipments were being messed with.” Henrik hadn’t cleared the kill with Christian. When he agreed to take care of the McKinnly situation, he took the matter seriously. Both the original target and the traitor had been dealt with.

Christian’s shoulders slumped, and he waved his men out of the room. “Get the car. I’ll be right out.” When they hesitated, he ordered, “Go!”

The three men filed out, and Henrik’s men shut the door, leaving them alone.

Christian helped himself to the bourbon, pouring himself a healthy glass. Henrik declined joining him. In one quick swallow, Christian downed the liquor, pulling his lips back and sucking in a long breath as it made its way down his throat.

“Henrietta was my niece.” Christian’s gaze settled on the hardwood floor. “My sister’s only daughter.”

Henrik folded his hands on his desk. A choice was made and carried out. Regret played no part in the future; a traitor was found and dealt with.

After a long pause, Christian dragged his gaze up to Henrik. “Did she suffer?”

She’d been in the throes of an orgasm when he’d twisted his hand into her hair and yanked her head back. A simple tug was all it took for him to snap her neck.

“It was a quick end.” And better than she deserved. While he’d had his way with her, she’d spilled all of Creon’s secrets. Admitted to helping McKinnly end her uncle’s reign because he’d been mean to her, wouldn’t shower her with the riches she felt she was entitled.

Christian huffed. “She was a spoiled bitch. I’m not surprised she would sell out her family.” He put up a hand. “My sister passed away last winter. Breast cancer.” He sighed. “At least she won’t have to suffer the pain of her daughter’s betrayal.”

“Henrietta has brothers.” Henrik didn’t need fallout from this. Assurances would have to be made.

“I will handle my nephews,” he agreed. Christian picked up his hat from the desk, holding it in front of him. “They may want reparations,” Christian said cautiously. “Although I can’t say I disagree with your actions, you did act without consulting me.”

Always looking for another bite of the pie. Not that he was completely wrong, but Henrik didn’t owe this asshole anything.

“I’m sure my father will have something you’ll find beneficial. He’s due here tonight,” Henrik assured him. Let the old men work out payment amongst themselves. Henrik didn’t play the diplomat between the families. His father, being the majority owner of the Network, dealt with all that. Henrik was simply the muscle.

“Would you like Henrietta’s body brought—”

“Burn it.” Christian waved a hand in the air. Even as a traitor, the niece of one of the most powerful men in the Network could be given a proper burial. Her family could still mourn her. But as one of the most powerful men in the city, Christian Creon needed to send a message: traitors are not family.

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