Page 123 of Merciless

It’s the specific ringtone sounding through the room, one that signifies exactly what’s about to happen.

“This is it,” I warn Cal.

I push off him and hurriedly snatch my pants off the floor, fishing in the back pocket for my phone.

In the next beat it’s in my hand and I take in the call display.

Cristian Cavalno.

I swipe it open and answer, “Time?”

“Time.”

“Copy that.”

That’s all that needs to be said for now and we both hang up at the same time.

I turn to Cal to give him the news, but he’s already rolling out of bed and giving me that knowing nod.

The corner of his mouth turns up. “Let’s take that motherfucker down.”