Page 168 of Burn Like An Angel

If Jonathan is shuffling funds, he’s planning to disappear. With the amount of money that bastard holds, he could vanish off the face of the planet in no time.

Something tells me he isn’t the type to cut and run without tying up loose ends. Especially not after his altercation with Ripley and Lennox. He knows we’ll keep talking. The authorities will never stop hunting him.

Even if he can escape, tuck himself away on some bought and paid for tropical island under a false identity… he’ll live the rest of his life as a fugitive. It’s far from the luxury he’s used to. That won’t do.

“You think he’ll come for me,” Ripley surmises.

“I think he’s going to be angry and desperate.” Warner shifts on his feet. “He made it clear that he’s had you under surveillance. To be safe, I want to move you to a new location.”

“Move us?” Lennox glares at him. “That doesn’t sound safe at all.”

“It’s a necessary precaution.”

Warner doesn’t seem like a man who’d act as a mere precaution. Moving risks exposure, but if our location is compromised, staying would be far riskier.

“Why are you alone?” I ask, the hairs on my arms standing at attention.

“The teams are dealing with last night’s raid.” He fidgets again, failing to contain his nerves. “Sabre is preoccupied right now. Everyone’s guards are down.”

“But not you.” Lennox scrutinises him with his head inclined. “You came to get us.”

“Just call it a hunch, alright? I’m worried about the timing. Jonathan isn’t the type to scuttle away with his tail between his legs. I need to make sure you’re safe.”

Observing him, I decide to heed his warning. Warner didn’t have to come here. It would be stupid to ignore his instincts, even if I still loathe the bastard.

“Pack your bags,” I order them all. “We’re leaving.”

“But Xan—” Lennox starts.

“That’s final.”

Mouth slamming shut, he throws his hands up in frustration then stomps off towards our room. Raine presses a kiss to Ripley’s cheek and leaves the room too, a hand outstretched to feel for the layout he’s memorised.

Crossing my arms, I level Warner with a stare. “What else happened last night?”

For a moment, I don’t think he’ll respond.

“Bloodbath,” he eventually admits, pinching his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “There were multiple casualties including Bancroft. Enzo, Theo and Hunter are all safe. The other witnesses too.”

“How did he die?” Ripley asks.

Warner kneads the back of his neck. “Does it matter?”

My temper flares. “He hurt us both. It matters.”

“His… ah, throat was torn out, I believe.”

Whistling under her breath, Ripley’s mouth spreads in a smile. She looks up at me. I’m trying to puzzle out the thoughts I can see dancing in her eyes… Relief, satisfaction, maybe disappointment?

Did she want the kill for herself?

Our lives are inextricably interlinked by the monster who ensured our paths would cross. I can understand her thirst for revenge. That man caused untold damage to so many people.

“Good.” She nods.

Appearing uncomfortable, Warner’s eyes flit around the apartment. “We should move.”

“I’ll grab my things.”

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