Page 43 of Brush with Death
“A stray cat who tried to kill you,” Russell added.
“I can’t wait to repay the favor.”
“Well, boys, have fun,” Rachel chirped.“Cyril, do me a favor and snap a few pictures of the three of them.I can’t wait to see how it goes.”
“Cyril will do no such thing,” Vale snapped before pressing his finger on the screen of his phone.He sighed.“That wasn’t as satisfying as hanging up an actual phone would’ve been.”
“Careful there, you’re dating yourself,” Russell teased.
“You’re only one year younger than me.You can’t tell me you didn’t use those phones when you were a kid.”
Cyril relaxed.He wouldn’t stay relaxed for long because they had to go and kill a man, but for now, he could enjoy the bantering.
It helped.He was about to face the horror of what had happened to Sam again, but once they were done with Angelo, it would be over.Sam would be avenged, and Cyril hoped it would help him rest more easily.
It wouldn’t help him, unfortunately.
* * * *
JOHN WAS WAITING FORthem when they reached the building where Angelo lived.Vale kept up his glare because he didn’t want the man to think that he was happy to see him.He wasn’t.He found John annoying and wanted nothing to do with him, but a part of him was glad that John was there.If the man was even slightly competent, Vale would be able to focus on keeping Cyril safe.
“There’s only one way to get in and out, obviously,” John said as he followed them into the building and up the stairs.“He’s too high up to try and escape through a window, although I’d pay to see him try.”
“How long have you been here?”Russell asked.
“I drove here as soon as I got your text.The guy’s home, by the way.I watched him with my binoculars, and I can’t say he’s very impressive.Are you sure he’s a serial killer?”
“He killed my friend,” Cyril snapped.
John grimaced.“Sorry for your loss.”
Vale thought he could tell what John was thinking, and he had to resist the urge to strangle him.Yes, John probably wouldn’t have made the mistake Sam had made by trusting Angelo.John was different from Sam, though.For one, he was a professional assassin, which meant he wasn’t a normal person.Sam had been.He’d been trying to find a job and a way to fix his life.He’d been desperate enough to trust Angelo and believe in summoning demons.That told Vale all he needed to know about Sam’s state of mind before he died, and no one had any right to judge him, especially not John.
Cyril was panting slightly by the time they reached the fifth floor.He leaned against Vale, and Vale wrapped an arm around his shoulders to quickly squeeze him.
He was used to taking the lead when working with others, but for once, he didn’t want to.He was fine staying back with Cyril, so when Russell turned to him, he shook his head.Russell stared at him for a moment before nodding.He understood.
Vale and Cyril stayed where they were as John and Russell moved toward the door.John was saying something to Russell, but he was speaking softly, and Vale couldn’t hear what it was.He was sure it would’ve annoyed him, though.Everything John did or said annoyed him.
“You’re not going with them?”Cyril asked.
“There’s no reason for me to.They can enter the apartment and secure it without my help.”
“I thought for sure that you’d be the first in line to get in.”
“Normally, I would be, but I’d rather be here with you.”
Cyril snuggled closer.“Thank you.”
Vale suspected that Cyril was thanking him for more than the hug they were still locked into.“Anything for you.You know that.”
“Even when I drive you up the walls?”
“Even then.”Vale kissed Cyril’s forehead.“Always.”
Cyril’s cheeks turned pink.He looked satisfied as if he’d hoped for that answer.Maybe Vale should tell him how much he loved him more often.He wasn’t usually one for words when it came to emotions, but for Cyril, he’d try.
Someone yelped, causing Vale to look up just in time to see John disappear into Angelo’s apartment.Vale squeezed Cyril one last time before letting go and taking his hand.Together, they walked toward the apartment.Russell was standing just inside the door when they reached it, and he gestured at them to come in.He closed the door behind them, and Vale took a moment to look around the place.
