Page 18 of The Torturer's Target

“It's no problem,” Tesiera replied, leaning against the wall and crossing her arms. The two strippers gazed at Tesiera in wonder, trying to figure out who this stunning, unsmiling woman was. They were even more perplexed because she was fully clothed in a sex club.

“Alright, boys. We'll continue our talk at the office tomorrow. But for now, I have something important to discuss with The Torturer.” Big Cat dismissed his soldiers, who bowed respectfully before leaving.

Turning back to the two girls, Big Cat chuckled. “Stacy, Riele—let us have some privacy. I'll send for you later.” The girls pouted but eventually got up and left the room. As they made their way back to the main area, they couldn't help but gossip about Tesiera's intimidating presence.

Standing up from the edge of the bed, Big Cat motioned for Tesiera to follow him. “Let's find somewhere quieter to talk. What I have to say is for your ears only.” With that, he opened the door and led them down a path deeper into the underground space.

Tesiera furrowed her brows in confusion. Wasn't this place already quiet and discreet? They were underground for Christ’s sake.

She followed Big Cat as he led her further underground. He’d said it was about Maximilian, but now she was weary.

Big Cat pulled open a door that led to what looked like a soundproofed room. It was so quiet and empty, that even their footsteps were muffled.

He turned to face his niece and paused. “Promise me, Tesiera,” Big Cat pleaded, “that you will hear me out until the very end. His statement surprised Tesiera. It was so unlike Big Cat, it almost made her anxious. Almost.

“Alright. What is this about?”

Big Cat took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “As you know, I’ve been working towards legalizing our operations for the past two years. Two of our top syndicates are fully on board with this plan. In that time, we’ve built and invested in businesses that have brought us profit, a better image, and safety.

“It’s also taken the cops and FBI off our backs for some time now. It’s the longest we’ve gone without being investigated, having one of my men take the fall and go to jail for the Mafia. This move to go legitimate has helped us to cover our tracks more than we’ve been doing for the past twenty-five years.”

“I know all this,” Tesiera said, looking for the angle. Big Cat gave her these details whenever he wanted a “normal conversation”. He would use any grift to keep her on the phone for as long as possible, even if it meant that he carried the conversation alone.

“Good, that’s good. Anyway, five months ago, we decided to invest in hotels and resorts. Two months later, I met Carter Walker, the CEO of Homers Groups. But after a couple months of research, learning about their businesses and its competition, I realized that there were better companies to invest in than Homers Group. Well, one other company, to be exact. Two of my associates also recommended this other company because it is much more profitable and better run. Three days ago, we finally got the statistics back and if we can successfully secure a deal with this company, we’ll be looking at billions of dollars of profit. “

Tesiera's suspicions were rising as she watched Big Cat's expression. Her eyebrows furrowed in suspicion, and the guilty look on Big Cat's face sent a chill down her spine. No, she most certainly did not like where this was going.

She balled her fist, her nails digging into her flesh. “This ‘other company’ you’re talking about is Kingston Hotels and Resorts, isn’t it?”

Big Cat winced and inhaled deeply. “Yes, the company owned by Maximilian Kingston.”

Tesiera blinked. Twice. And then fixed her gaze on him, wearing a mask of indifference.

Her blank look made Big Cat more wary, because he knew he was looking at a mask at the moment. He might as well finish everything he had to say. He cleared his throat. “I knew he owned Kingston Hotels and Resort after our investigation, but I never thought we would be switching sides. Three days ago, my investigator uncovered hidden documents that shows that Homers Group is not as financially great as they make out to be, and if we invest with them, it will be a great loss.

“Never in my wildest dream did it ever occur to me that I would need Maximilian Kingston, but I do. I know you’ve waited for all this time to finally avenge your father’s murder, and I know it’s too much to ask, but can you put aside your vendetta, Siera? Just for a while longer, and then —”

“How could you suggest something like that?” she whispered. Her once indifferent eyes blazed with fury. “How can you even think something like that?”

“Tesiera—”

“That man murdered my father, your brother. How can you tell me to spare his life?” The more she talked, the more her voice rose in fury. “I have been searching for that sonofabitch who pointed a gun at my innocent father and took his life without hesitation. I have been searching for that monster for ages! Now, I finally found him and you’re saying what!? I should not kill him? How could you, Uncle Damian!?”

“I know. I know it’s difficult. I know it’s difficult; I understand.” He rushed in, moving closer to touch her, but she stepped away from him. He stopped and shook his head. “I understand how you feel, Siera. I also want the man dead. I am literally burning with the need to kill him like he killed Roman. However, I know it’s not my fight but yours, and I trust you to bring justice to my brother. All I ask is that you give me some time. Two months. Just give me two months and this deal will be finalized, then you can do what you wish. If he dies now, there’s a 90% chance we might lose the deal if there’s a shift in power. We need Maximilian Kingston. Just for two months, Tesiera. Please?”

“I’ll kill him,” she stated matter-of-factly. She moved so close to him that he could see nothing but the fiery anger in her eyes. “I don’t care about your business deals. I don’t care about the shift in power. Maximilian Kingston is going to Massachusetts in fourteen days on a boat cruise, and I will be waiting for him. I will gut him like a pig, decorate his luxurious boat with his entrails, and paint it in his blood.”

“Oh, Tesiera…” Big Cat felt helpless. “A week ago, I had Tiger, one of my best private investigators, do more digging on Maximilian Kingston, and the truth is, that man does not seem like a killer. His image was too...spectacular. The truth is, I’m starting to doubt if we have the right man here. I asked Tiger to do more digging, and I was hoping you would agree to give the man more time—”

He was putting her own thoughts into words, and that made her angrier. “Men like him know how to hide their true selves. They put on a façade and make the world see them differently. You should know that better than anyone. After all, the authorities have nothing on you, even though you are the head of the Bratva.”

“Fair enough,” he conceded. “But still—”

“I am burning in here.” Tesiera lifted her hand and placed it over her heart, clutching her chest. “I cannot sleep at night because I live with the memory of that day every time I close my eyes. I cannot rest because that bastard is out there living and breathing like a free man after killing my father in cold blood. His death is twenty years late, but I’m not wasting anymore time.”

She stepped back and turned to walk toward the door. Then she stopped and faced him. “His clock is ticking, Big Cat. In a matter of weeks, Maximilian Kingston will be a dead man. “

She walked out of the door without a backward glance.

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