Page 29 of Rise of the King (Checkmate 5)

Ace’s order was as useless as the thermostat attached to the wall near my front door. I don’t sit and waste time, especially not when Kane’s life is on the line, so in the time between communications, I go back over our last targets, replaying every word they spoke and every movement they made. I play it in my head and try to decipher anything I might have missed.

I will not rest until the guns pointed at my brother’s head are lowered and the hands holding them are torn from their owner’s body.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From: AcesAndEights

Subject: Peter Aguilar is a prick

He wasn’t lying when he said it was a race to deliver first. The text tree is massive. So many players. So many fucking monsters in this world willing to hurt the innocent for a few dollars.

Sighing and running a hand over my stubbled jaw, I hit reply.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From: KingOnD8

Subject: Don’t I know it!

I’ve met the scum that sticks to the bottom of ponds. I’ve met some of the worst of the worst. They deserve a bullet in the brain and nothing less.

What have you got to report?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From: AcesAndEights

Subject: re: Don’t I know it!

Not a lot. I have a bunch of names, all of whom I’d like to exterminate, but they’re horizontal players. We need to level up.

I have no names for the next level yet.

Whoever he is has protected himself.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From: KingOnD8

Subject: It’s been ages!

Move faster, Ace! It’s March; I died in November. That’s a long-ass time to be away from my brother. You’re wearing my patience thin.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From: AcesAndEights

Subject: re: It’s been ages!

Don’t start this shit again, asshole. I work my hands raw finding this data. You think I sit in my place and count dust? You think I don’t work it around the clock? I’m invested in this too. Probably more than you are, so sit the fuck down and wait your turn.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From: KingOnD8

Subject: Who hurt you?

Two years, Ace, and you never told me why you’re doing this.

---