Page 68 of The Psychopaths

How much do they know? What do they know?

“You still haven’t told me what you want,” I say, proud of how steady my voice remains.

“Want? That’s such a direct word. We prefer to think in terms of mutual benefits. Shared interests.”

“And what interests do we share?”

“The dismantling of the Hayes empire, of course,” the man driving speaks again. “I must say our methods differ from the rather...passionate approach you’re currently employing.”

The pieces suddenly fall into place. How else would Arson be able to get away with what he has? To be able to use the warehouse? To kidnap Aries without anyone noticing.

“You’re Arson’s backers. You funded his revenge.”

They exchange looks of mild amusement.

“We provided certain resources to facilitate certain outcomes. The personal vendetta aspect was a...convenient motivation.We have our own motives, but we won’t be sharing those at this time.”

“And now?”

“Now we’re ensuring all the players understand the rules of engagement. Passion is useful, but ultimately, this is business.” There’s an edge to his voice I don’t quite understand.

“What kind of business involves kidnapping and revenge?”

“The profitable kind.” The second man smiles. “The kind that requires careful management of all involved parties.”

Me included. I’m not just a complication in Arson’s revenge anymore—I’m a variable these men need to control.

“And if I don’t want to be managed?”

Their synchronized laughter makes my skin crawl.

“There is no longer a choice to be had.”

“Just tell me what you want.” I clear my throat and add, “Please.”

“Our intentions are pure. All we plan to do is deliver you safely to your destination. In return, we want you to remind all parties that we’re watching. Always watching.”

The SUV pulls up directly in front of the warehouse entrance. No hiding, no being subtle. Sending a message to Arson directly.

“Give our regards to our associate,” the man driving announces, “and please remind him how important the deadlines are.”

“What deadline?” I blink, trying to figure out what’s going on right now.

“One week. That’s how long our associate has to demonstrate to us that this situation remains under control. After that...well, let’s hope we don’t need to take action directly to ensure our investment.”

“We’ll be watching, Miss Hayes.” The second man’s voice carries as I step out of the SUV in a daze, my legs steadier than they should be.

Before I can close the door, the driver adds, “Oh, and Miss Hayes? That information you found. It’s just the surface. Be careful how deep you dig. Some secrets are better left buried.”

The SUV pulls away, and I consider what just happened. A sheen of nervous sweat coats my palms. I’d wonder if things could get worse, but I’m not in the mood to get struck by lightning. The reality is, I’m caught between Arson’s revenge, his mysterious backers, and whatever shady tactics our parents are up to.

I don’t know who those men were, but I don’t need to know.

Not when their intent is clear.

Listen. Play along. If not…

One week.

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