Page 57 of Jagger's Remorse
"He trained me for five years. Knows how I think, how I move, how I react under pressure. You can't just ride in guns blazing."
"Watch me."
"He'll kill her the second he sees you. Probably make me watch. It's kind of his thing."
"Then what do you suggest?" he asks, frustration bleeding through.
I consider options while he arms himself. "Give me what I came for."
"Which is?"
"You. Dead. On video. Proof for the family that their investment paid off."
He’s almost surprised. "You want to fake my death?"
I shrug. "I want to sell the illusion long enough to get close. Then we kill him for real."
Jagger stares at me, silently, longer than normal. "Why would you help me kill your trainer?"
"Because he broke the rules. Mel's innocent. Civilians are off-limits. Even in our world, some lines don't get crossed."
"Honor among thieves?"
"Standards among monsters." I meet his eyes. "Plus, I really fucking hate him taking my toys. You're mine to break. No one else gets to play."
Something shifts in his expression. "Yours, huh?"
"Until I'm done with you."
"And when will that be?"
"Ask me after we save Mel."
He tosses me a piece—Glock 19, already chambered.
"You trust me with a loaded weapon?"
"You've had dozens of chances to kill me. What's one more?"
"Fair point."
"Besides," he adds, checking his own arsenal, "I'm curious to meet the man who made you."
"Trained me. There's a difference."
"Is there? Because from where I'm standing, you're exactly what he built. Cold, calculating, brilliant at violence."
"You forgot broken."
"No. That was already there. He just sharpened the edges."
I hate that he sees me so clearly.
Hate more that he doesn't flinch from what he sees.
"We do this, there's no going back. Diego dies, and Eduardo will want answers. The whole cartel will come looking."
"Then we better make it look good."
