Page 57 of Pitbull
“Penrod—Tavart Penrod.”
“I don’t think he’s ever mentioned you,” Anke replied. “I’m sorry.”
“Surprising, considering he killed my best friend.”
The change in Penrod’s voice had Pitbull reaching for the door handle.
“Easy, big fella.” Tex warned.
Strange—Tex could read him like a book.
“Whatever is going on is between the two of you,” Anke explained. “Pit doesn’t bring his work home. I have no idea what you want me to say.”
“Well, you see.” Penrod’s voice dipped. “I believe in an eye for an eye. I wanted his sister, but you’ll do just fine. I’m going to make him feel the crushing pain of losing someone he loves more than anything else. I want him to suffer as much as I’ve been suffering.”
There was a bang before the unmistakable sound of glass hitting the floor filled the earpiece.
“Get your hands off me!” Anke screamed.
The sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed through the car and Pitbull did open the door then.
“Guys!” Mouth shouted. “Now!”
Pitbull didn’t wait for Beast. He yanked open the bag beside him, grabbed a couple of things then shoved from the car. Ignoring traffic, he tore across the parking lot. Beast and Mozart beat him to the entrance but they barreled into the restaurant together. Penrod quickly jerked forward, catching Anke around the neck from behind and pulling her into him. A gun materialized in his hand and he lifted it to Anke’s temple.
Instantly, people started screaming. Glass shattered against the floor. Waiters dipped back into the kitchen and bartenders hid under their bars. Pitbull glanced back to see Zero and Mozart were busy showing people to the exit.
“Ahh yes—the infamous CIRO.” Penrod teased.
Pitbull jerked around and met Anke’s gaze. “Anke, look at me.”
“Shut up!” Penrod barked.
Anke bowed her head.
“Butterfly! On me!” Pitbull barked.
“Am I talking to myself?” Penrod barked. “I’m the one with a hostage.”
“Is everyone clear?” Pitbull asked.
“Yeah,” Beast replied.
“Okay, Beast, you can stay, the rest of you leave,” Pitbull said.
“Pit…” Zero complained.
“Go. It’s all right.” Beast ordered.
Pitbull listened for the footsteps until they were gone then cleared his throat. “I know you wanted your army, Anke. But right now, a Pitbull and a Beast will have to do. Okay?”
She nodded as best she could and he smiled. “The thing about this whole situation, Penrod, is if Anke doesn’t walk out of this building, neither will you.”
“I don’t care,” Penrod said.
But Pitbull knew fear. He glanced down at Anke and she was relatively calm, something he had to reward her for later. But Penrod was silently shitting his pants. “Do you expect me to be afraid? Penrod, I did my job. Your friend’s life was lost because he was dumb as dirt. You were a cop. Even if you no longer wore a badge, your responsibility—”
“Don’t you dare lecture me about my responsibilities!”
