Page 143 of Maddox

Exhaling, I waited, enjoying the moment Raptor’s body slumped to the ground. When I turned my head to the right, Charmaine crowded my space.

Too bad I hadn’t been the one to pull the trigger.

Out of the shadows came the one man I’d regretted being unable to kill during my time in the Navy. While he hadn’t broken me and I’d returned to duty after enduring such tremendous torture, the fact the bastard remained alive had kept me from obtaining closure.

I pointed my weapon at Alfaro’s head, taking several deep breaths. Yes, I’d made contact with the man, tossing out a lure of my own. There’d been no way of knowing whether he’d chomped down on the bait.

Alfaro was the master of disappearing. After my escape and subsequent rescue, the SEALs had descended on the property where he’d caged Charmaine and me. He’d remained in hiding for years, preventing my act of revenge. He’d disappear again.

Not my problem.

Alfaro wasn’t alone, several of his soldiers trailing behind him like lapdogs.

He held out his arms, purposely walking toward me.

“What in the hell is going on?” Charmaine gritted out as she flanked my side. “You kept secrets from me.”

“A necessary evil. I offered Alfaro a deal. He could have the Raptor since the man betrayed him. In return, he is to supply the actual formula the Raptor used.” That was the one thing that hadn’t been on the drive.

Alfaro tipped his head, studying her. “Charmaine Douglas. You are such a beautiful woman. You rattled my cage, something few people had ever done successfully. I respect that very much. I’d considered making you my wife. Did you know that?”

“I would have preferred being eaten by alligators,” she chirped with a smile on her face. “No offense, but you’re not man enough for me.” She crowded my space and Alfaro flicked his eyes toward me.

“You were the one who saved her.”

I nodded. “I was.”

“Yet you avoided the perfect opportunity to have your revenge, Lieutenant Grant. Yes, I did remember you. Quite a formidable opponent, I might add. Do you know how many men have ever managed to escape my world?”

I kept my arms outstretched, prepared to shoot him between the eyes if necessary. “Why don’t you tell me.”

“One. That’s you. For that I hold deep respect. I’m curious. Why not finish the job? Why not kill me when you had the chance?” After tossing me another jump drive, he extended his arms once again.

I shoved the drive into my pocket.

“I was on a mission and killing you wasn’t on the agenda.”

Kage was getting antsy, shifting from foot to foot.

“Well, you have your chance right now, Lieutenant. You know you want to kill me, so do it.”

Sighing, I felt the squeeze of Charmaine’s hand. I wasn’t certain if she was encouraging me or cautioning me.

“You’re exactly like I am, Lieutenant. A true killer. So pull the trigger.”

I’d always had a sixth sense. Some would call it a decent instinct. Maybe I’d been lucky all my life. Had I regretted things I’d done, wishing situations could have been different? At least a half dozen times. Maybe I would look back on this day knowing I’d have more peace if I’d killed Alfaro with my bare hands. Or maybe I’d feel guilty.

Nah.

However, I remained a man of honor. Rules or no rules, I had respect for the system and for my country. Maybe I’d crossed the line with allowing Alfaro to kill the Raptor. I’d weighed the odds. In truth, the world would be better off with Raptor gone.

But Alfaro? That was something else.

“I’m not going to kill you, Alfaro.” I purposely lowered my weapon.

“And why is that?”

“Because you’re going to turn yourself in.” I nodded toward the perimeter as at least a dozen federal agents appeared from the shadows.

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