Page 64 of Reaper's Rival

“Like what?”

“Like I’m something special.”

“You are special.” I twisted her around in my arms and kissed her shoulder, right where my name was tattooed. “Especially to me.”

I knew she was going to say something but the knocking on the door stopped her. Brad. I let go of her and went to open it up. As soon as these guns were loaded and she was gone, I was going to call the only other person I thought she might open up to.

Abby

God, it was hot. The guns were loaded and I had numerous missed calls from Daniels. Right now I was avoiding them. I knew he would be pissed off. He hated waiting. I walked back into the bar, needing a drink. Reaper and Brad followed me in.

Kim and Dad were at the table, and the television was on.

“The police have made a statement that this kill is linked to the kills earlier this month. While they aren’t saying who is at the top of suspect list, they have told us that there is footage of the car chase and the kill, which should mean they are close to an arrest. Back to you, Jeff.” I caught the end of the news and was surprised to see the car I had shot off the road on screen.

I swallowed sharply and walked to the bar fridge.

“What kind of idiot would kill someone in front of a police station?” Brad asked the room.

“Someone who doesn’t give a fuck if they get caught or not.” Dad grunted. “We don’t know who this hit-man is, do we? Any word on the street?”

“Nope, not gang-related that we know if.” Reaper twisted the cap off a beer. “Must be a professional.”

“I wonder if there is a connection between the victims. Doesn’t a hit-man usually work off a list or something?” Kim asked while cutting up her lunch.

“The police aren’t telling us half the facts. Never do.” Dad shrugged. “Clearly they are getting braver though, taking out a man in front of a police station.”

Dad had no idea how wrong he was. I was nowhere near brave. And if I had seen the police station, I wouldn’t have done the hit. I gulped down the water, trying to ignore the fact that all my family and friends were thinking a complete stranger was behind these kills when it was actually me.

My phone started buzzing on the bar.

Daniels.

Well now, I guess I had to answer. What if that footage had a still of me taking the shot? I was hanging out the window with no mask.

I answered.

“What?”

“You seen the TV?”

“Yes.” I looked up at the television. “Any heat?”

“Nah, they have no idea who is behind it. Found the burned-out car though. From what I’ve been told, they only have a blurry image of you taking the shot. Nothing they can ID you on.”

Thank fuck for that. “Thanks for reassuring me.” Reaper’s eyes were on me, he was listening to every word I said. Which meant I had to make sure my walls were up. I turned my back to him so he couldn’t see my reaction. “Sorry about this morning.”

“You’ve been avoiding me calls.”

“Slept in. I’m heading out now.”

“Good. Cause when you didn’t show this morning, the guys that were meant to be taking them the full distance have left. So that means you and I are taking them.”

I groaned. “That’s a seven-hour drive!”

“Good thing you got a sleep in because you won’t be doing much more of it for the next twelve hours.”

“I never agreed to this.”