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“My girl lives out this way. I keep trying to get her to move in with me, but she calls herself an independent woman. Anyway, I go see her just about every day. Stay the night often. You notice things. You know? In our line of work, you gotta keep sharp. It’s the weird stuff that stands out I remember the most. I never forget anything either.” He tapped his forehead and threw another look into the rearview mirror.

That prompted me to slant my gaze toward the side mirror. He was anticipating being followed. “What do you think you saw?”

“Something that was very much out of place. And too fucking close to my girl’s place. I don’t like that shit. No one messes with my woman. You know?”

“Yeah, I know.”

He rolled around another corner and came to a screeching halt. “That’s my girl’s place over there.” Drago pointed out the windshield across the street to one of the nicer tiny homes on the street. “And that vehicle has been there for two days without moving.”

As soon as he nodded to my side of the vehicle, I turned my head. The house was obviously abandoned, but the vehicle pulled next to the side was an older black Blazer. And the decals couldn’t be mistaken.

With the weapon in my hand, I jumped out, scanning the street before heading toward the Blazer. Drago was right beside me. As soon as we neared, he turned and checked the area as I’d done before.

“I can ask around. People know me on this block. Pretty damn well.” Drago’s voice was low, but just as menacing as always.

I didn’t answer because in my gut, I knew I wouldn’t need to. While it didn’t appear there was anyone inside, I noticed a tarp over the cargo hold.

Keeping my gun pointed at the vehicle, I turned the handle on the back, not surprised in the least to find it unlocked. As soon as I lifted the hatch, the putrid stench hit us.

“Fuck me!” Drago hissed.

I jerked down the back and tugged on the tarp.

The kill hadn’t been pretty. Bronco’s neck had been sliced open, but the cut was wide and jagged. That meant there’d been a struggle.

I looked away briefly. “This was going to be used against you, Drago.”

“What the fuck?”

“To blame you for everything that’s been happening.”

Drago had an incredulous look on his face for a split second before narrowing his eyes. “I’ll kill the motherfucker.”

I studied the kid. His eyes were still open, rigor mortis already set in. There were other signs of a struggle, including some bruising to his face. Enough so the corresponding fist that hit him should have a few bruises of their own.

“I might allow you to help me do that.” A strange feeling washed over me as I thought about the last few days, including the weird occurrences. I fisted my hand around the weapon, trying to take a deep breath. “First. I need your help.”

“Doing what?”

“Taking out some trash.”

He didn’t have time to respond before we both heard the screech of tires. My instinct was working overtime.

“We got company,” I told him, both hands on my weapon.

“Then I guess we fight.”

The dark vehicle rolled in our direction. A slight flash drew my attention.

The windows were rolled down.

And they were heavily armed.

Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

CHAPTER33

Carmella

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