Page 29 of Stolen Empire
He's sobbing, but he's not fighting back.
"That's what I do to liars, Rodion. Now would you like to tell me what secrets you sold?"
He's too panicked, shaking and bleeding so badly, I'll need a professional cleaner to get this shit out of the pissy carpet in this office.
"Stand up," I order, but he doesn't move.
"I said stand up!"
He pushes himself out of the chair, his legs shaking, and he takes a step back, still spitting blood.
I follow, closing the distance, and I see the panic in his eyes.
"Dimitri, please—" he mumbles, but it's barely intelligible.
The first blow catches him in the ribs, and I hear the crack of bone.
He doubles over, gasping, and I bring the crowbar down again, this time on his shoulder.
He collapses to his knees, and I walk around him, circling slowly.
Gavriil watches on like a good soldier, not interfering.
He knows if he says a thing, he's next.
"You've been selling us out," I say, my voice calm.
"You failed my test, Rodion. I'm not happy with you."
"I didn't—I swear?—"
Another blow, this time to his leg, and he screams.
The sound is raw, desperate, and it fills the small room.
Gavriil stands by the door, his face pale, but he doesn't look away.
He's learning, and this is the lesson.
"And then you called her a whore," I say, leaning down so my face is close to his.
"You disrespected her. You disrespected me. And that's unforgivable."
I raise the crowbar one last time, and I bring it down hard.
The blow connects with the back of his skull, and the sound is wet and hollow like striking a melon when it's fully ripe.
Rodion crumples to the floor, his body going limp, and I move back, letting the crowbar hang at my side.
The room is quiet except for my breathing, and I look down at the body on the floor.
I have zero regret.
He brought this on himself.
I turn to Gavriil, who's still standing by the door.
His face is ashen, but his eyes are steady.
