Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 67518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Dr. Everhart—that bloke’s as elusive as air.
My balled fist crashes through the window. Shards cascade over the seat as I cuss in a manner unfit for royalty.
Biting a sharp bit of glass from my knuckles, I pitch the sliver onto the asphalt then have myself a laugh. An adult outburst, really good look.
“Let’s go, Vic.” Burt utilizes the same tone he would employ right before taking me to bandage another wound as a child.
Inside the jet, we move between sleek wood panels and a couple rows of thick, leather reclining seats.
Possessed with Luxury’s safety, I begin, “Paul—”
“The lad and Monica will not rest until they’ve found him, Victor,” Burt cuts in. “Paul put the search on hold when the police questioned you. Monica needed all personnel to enter Special Agent Gary and your superior into the bureau database.”
“Thank you, old man,” I mutter.
“You’re human. You’re a royal. You’re not an immortal.”
“Of course. What’s next? Should I contemplate my grandmum’s reaction?”
“Grandmother or not, the Queen would be livid.” Confident he’s had the last word, Burt heads for the wet bar. He reaches into one of the cupboards to grab the first aid kit and scotch.
Burt cocks his head toward the seats. “Remove yourself from the reckoning for a few days. Your team, or that Bobby fellow, will secure Everhart’s information. I’m sure of it, and we will murder him.”
“We?” I settle down into one of the plush chairs.
“Humph, you’re perfectly aware of what I meant.” Burt pours shots then removes bandages from the first aid kit. “I had a discreet conversation with Bobby George about apprehending any further suspects. He understands that it’s not necessary to dispose of the riffraff through the proper chain of command. I believe that’s how Milton and Hanover perished, attempting to detain the assassins. For a nominal fee, any unsavory persons will be turned over to our stead, not the bloody authorities.”
“Lesson learned.” I rub my eyes.
“Security detail has been increased. Now we know Luxury will be safe.”
I toss back the drink. “She better be safe.”
“Or you plan to murder the Ex-Navy Seals that Bobby employs?” Burt chuckles as I pour peroxide on the back of my right hand. “Victor, shall I remind you, slaying a vicious snake isn’t so much a feat as keeping it alive.”
“How many are watching the Whitsons, now?”
“Three at a time.” Burt rubs his hands together, interest gleaming in his eyes. “I’ll wager, hand-to-hand combat—you and the likes of the three of them, Mister George included—they may best you.”
“ ‘Ello, you’re supposed to believe in me, you wanker!”
He snorts.
“Who took the jam out of your donut, mate?”
“You did, Victor.”
At that, we let out a round of worn laughter.
Burt’s amusement ends on a sigh.
“So,” he begins, “the two of us know you’ve not cared for a woman in ages.”
“Alright, bring on the blasted questions,” I grit, allowing him to apply the bandage to my hand.
“People who care for each other, Victor, make certain inquiries,” he snips, tugging the cloth. “That being said, it’s impossible for you to insert yourself in Luxury’s world. If you place her in yours, what are her chances of survival?”
I look at my tightly bound hand. There are so many dominating characters in England. They’d eat Lux alive. In return, I’d murder them all.
“She doesn’t fancy me in her life at the moment.”
“The second she calls, Victor?”
“You’ll have your bloody answer. Here,” I begin, filling both our glasses. Raising mine, I hiss, “I vow, if my Little One doesn’t seek or call me, I will acquiesce to her request. I will not seek her. I will not call her.”
Burt places his drink on the ledge.
“Drink up, mate.” I say, urging him on.
He mumbles about sleep beneath his breath. My mouth pinches as I gather he’s not confident I’ll stop tormenting her.
I pour myself another round, deliberating the same. The mobile specifically for X-Member use rings.
“Hello, Victor,” the representative says. “First, we appreciate your utilizing the proper channels to dispose of our fallen comrades.”
I snort. Our comrades. Detective Caruso’s only aware of Sidorov, the one unlucky wanker who shot Whitson, and the two detained by Bobby George’s team. All bets are off when a member is imprisoned.
“The funds have cleared our account. Those seventy-two-hour holds can be a doozy. Maybe in the future, when the tension has died down, you’ll return to the team, score a few more sniper world records, eh?”
“Fuck off.” I hang up.
X-Member is finally out of the way. Ironically, the program that nurtured my insatiable hunger, as well as introduced me to Luxury, is now out of my life. Maybe it was selfish of me to withhold Everhart’s identity, but I’ll make good on my promise when Lux is ready. And if she never calls, sharing this connection will be my way into her heart again.