Page 63 of Kane's Bounty
“Four, but who’s counting. Telling tales is not really my style.”
“Still, you made me look bad.”
“If you think you can get the better of me in a fair fight, come and try.” Kane’s heart sped up in anticipation of the battle. His palms itched to be wrapped around the mercenary’s throat. He’d hurt Lena. He was on Kane’s list. He bent his knees to lower his center of gravity and prepare for attack.
“I know you’re angry over the girl.”
“You’re right.”
“It was my job. It wasn’t personal.” He crouched and started to circle. “You should know that.”
“It doesn’t matter. You hurt her. Now I’m going to hurt you.”
Banta’s laugh was short and mocking. “You don’t have the skills to hurt me, Kane. You’re a good hunter and your telepathic talent is impressive. But I’m out of your league.”
“Maybe. I guess we’re going to find out. It’s not as if you’re giving me much choice. You already said you planned to kill me.”
Banta looked behind Kane. It was an old trick.
Then he heard Joshua’s mind.Stand down, little brother.
Banta stood upright. The mercenary’s focus had changed.
Kane could see fear in his eyes.
“Mind your own business, Josh.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
Banta’s eyes shifted from one Lakeland to the other. “I guess this will have to wait for another day.” He smiled and then darted down a side alley.
Kane ran after him. He searched for some sign of the man who’d damaged Lena. For a man of his size, he was fast and agile. In seconds, Kane lost sight of him. He jogged back to where Joshua waited.
“I had it under control.” He wanted to punch his brother in the nose, but he knew Josh would sense the blow and dodge it. It never paid to fight with someone with his brother’s talents.
“He would have killed you.”
“You don’t know that.”
Joshua looked him up and down. “You’ve barely slept in over a week and your mind is focused on a woman. He would have killed you.”
Kane didn’t meet his eyes. Just because his brother was right didn’t mean he had to admit it.
Joshua laughed. “Come on. The FBI is watching Thorn. You can go and see your girl. Tomorrow we can give Thorn the good news. By then, his investors should realize nothing financially appealing is going to happen with Cross Enterprises. In fact, without Porter’s investment, their stock should plummet by the time the stock market opens in the morning.”
“Where are you going?” Kane asked.
“I am taking Rose to dinner and then seeing her to her own safe house.” Kane’s expression must have been comical, because his brother laughed. “I like the old lady. She’s got spunk. Besides, Banta is not done with our family yet, little brother.” He turned to Kane and said, “I like Lena too. That’s one brave woman. You’re lucky to have her. I sure hope you know it.”
“It’s a fucking miracle, her loving a guy like me.” Kane’s chest tightened. He liked the idea that Josh thought of Lena and Rose as family. Hell, he liked the idea of family, period.
“You’re damned right it is.” Joshua laughed again. He slapped Kane on the back. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. I guess I’m going to have to find another line of work. If the vision is true, I’ve got responsibilities.”
“You can consult for the FBI. I’ll talk to some people. You get to do what you do best and you don’t have to agree to anything you’re not comfortable with.”
“Thanks.” The tightness in his chest returned.
