Page 54 of Unexpected Redemption

If it weren’t for this nauseating lump at the base of my throat, I’d probably have more than a dash of giddiness flowing through me.

They did it. They got him. No one got hurt. Except the one who deserves it.

“Still no calls to 911.” Mia shifts back in her chair, locking her hands behind her head. “Neighborhood clear. No panic alarms or anything. As soon as they leave, I’ll scan the cloud for any surveillance feeds that need wiping.”

Klein rolls out his shoulders. “Checking the perimeter with the drone.”

“Good job, team.” Big Al throws a grin at me. “See? All good.”

While I have his attention, I ask something I’ve been wondering. “Where are they taking Yev?”

“Back here for a little chat.”

Oh shit.

My breakfast threatens to reappear as my stomach plummets to the floor.

Remember when I said I was brave enough to face my attacker and smile?

Yeah. I’m not so sure about that now that it’s becoming a reality.

Chapter 10

Shock and awe (and aww)

TOMER

As we pull out of the neighborhood, the adrenaline starts to flee my system. My right hand has a slight tremble, but I shake it out.

Sawyer glances at me from the driver’s seat, his brows drawn tight. “You good?”

“Yep. You?”

Pearly-white teeth gleam with his wide smile. I can already tell he’s going to have something sarcastic to say. Most likely with some annoyingly entertaining accent or vocal impression.

He doesn’t disappoint.

“That wath a nithe elbow thstrike to the chin I thsaw. Illegal in boxing, thso I never could do that move.”With a perfected lisp and high-pitched tone, he nails a Mike Tyson impression. “I would have done it better. But itths... you know it wath pwetty good for what it wasth.”

Laughter fills the cabin of the SUV. All three of us crack up. That impression was so good I’m betting the fuck face would have laughed if he were conscious.

From the backseat, Aaron exclaims, “¡Ay, Dios mío!” He’s often the first to roll his eyes at Sawyer’s constant impressions. Not this time.

When the humor of the moment fades, Sawyer’s face grows serious—well, as serious as it ever gets. “You know I wasn’t going to let you kill him, right?”

Running my tongue over my teeth, I focus briefly on the trees speeding by as we barrel down the road to get the fuck out of Dodge. “I bet Boss ordered everyone to watch me. Probably gave you all ether-soaked rags before we left HQ in case you needed to knock me out.”

“Boss didn’t order me, but I wouldn’t have stopped you even if he did.” Aaron clicks his tongue a few times, his voice cutting and dark. “Not after what this fucker did to your little mama. After we get the intel out of him, if you wanna toss him in a river, I’ll bring the concrete blocks.”

Tempting. Fucking. Offer.

Judging by Aaron’s tone, he isn’t kidding.Reminds me of how he was the night we caught Skidmark and took him to Jonesy’s barn. Aaron had no remorse or qualms about hurting that fucker. I know why I’m the way I am, but I wonder how he got this way. It’s been a while since I’ve investigated his past. I can’t recall all the specifics, but there was something with his sister if memory serves.

Regardless, I won’t be taking him up on his offer. I promised Lettie I wouldn’t kill anyone, and I’ll never lie to her again.

“Maybe I’ll need the ether for Aaron instead,” Sawyer quips.

A hush settles for the next few minutes of the drive until Mia calls us.

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