Perhaps, that could make me listen. Our child.
I studied the flute player. My gaze fell on the bandaged cheek. The Devil should not have hurt her, especially this way. There was no reason for it. His problem was with Jean-Pierre, not his lover.
Perhaps, I won’t kill you. In some way, that could be letting it go.
I spoke to her, “After this is over, do you want me to kill the Devil?”
At the mention of his name, Eden gripped the end of her chair.
I raised my eyebrows. “You want to kill him yourself?”
Nervousness coated her words. “I do, but I probably couldn’t.”
“You could.”
Maybe, if you ever get the chance, I’ll even help you.
She would need to learn how to protect herself after Jean-Pierre and his cousins die.
I’ll send someone her way. She can live.
I checked my watch. “But that is a discussion for another day. The Devil will have his moment to die. For now, we wait.”
Chapter 12
Kazimir
Two minutes had silently passed, besides the movie playing in front of us. Jean-Pierre took his sweet time walking into the theater with his fake Emily.
Maxwell should have called by now. Where are you Emily?
David, and Pavel remained at the end of the front row. Two more men stood a few feet from where Eden sat. She stirred in her seat.
I kept my attention on the movie and tried to calm my nerves. Now wasn’t the time to be nervous.
So close. She’s here.
Pavel called out, “Jean-Pierre’s here.”.
I didn’t even look behind me. I was more concerned with the exit. When Maxwell returned, that would be the way my mouse would come.
Get Emily safely to me, and then we figure out how to get out of here.
Jean-Pierre would not open let me go, until I gave him Eden. He would bother us as we headed to the airport. And if I just left Eden there, and headed away, how could I guarantee that Jean-Pierre wouldn’t take a hit on me, since I was so vulnerable.
Movement sounded behind me.
Eden turned around. A soft gasp left her mouth.
Jean-Pierre must be inside.
My phone rang. Anticipation hit me. I answered the phone. “Yes?”
My mouse’s sweet voice filled my ears. “We’re coming.”
I kept my voice calm. “You’re with Maxwell?”
“Yes.”
“I love you, mysh.”
“Be safe. Just give him Eden. Him and I have an agreement.” Her words came out fast. “If you just pass her on—”
“And would he let us out here alive? I wouldn’t, if I was him.”
“Jean-Pierre will. He has integrity. He’s nice.”
“Nice?” I laughed. “Get here, mysh, then we can talk further.”
“Trust me, Kaz.”
“I will.” I swallowed down my fear. “Let’s hope you’re right. Come to me.”
The connection ended.
Damn it. And Jean-Pierre had dignity? We’ll see. I’ll use it to kill him with.
I hung up and spied Pavel, and David stepping to Jean-Pierre.
A heated exchange passed them. Pavel appeared to be blocking Jean-Pierre’s way to us, and he looked close to leaping over the seats to get to his woman.
Do I look that deranged when without my mouse?
I turned completely around and studied him. Someone had knocked him in his head. Several lumps sat above his right eye.
Did you do that mouse? I hope so.
I glared and raised my voice. “Tell the Butcher to come here.”
Jean-Pierre didn’t wait for the command. He walked past David and Pavel. I groaned, as I caught Jean-Pierre’s cousin following along. The funny one.
Rafael, right? At least he has clothes on today. He’ll die with some dignity.
Rafael and Jean-Pierre stepped forward. I checked the bulge under their jackets. By the time he rounded the corner, Eden turned to me. She looked like she was about to jump out of the chair.
When Jean-Pierre came to the front row, he walked over to my right, but his gaze remained on his love. Eden stirred again but didn’t jump up.
Jean-Pierre glared at me, as if I was the one who had taken her.
“I see things are getting interesting, Jean-Pierre.” I gave him a devilish grin. “Come sit next to me. Tell the funny one to stay there.”
I held my phone out, just in case my mouse called again.
Jean-Pierre took his time walking over. His pace slowed a bit before he passed her. Holding the sides of her seat, Eden watched him get to my right side and sit down.
What’s your plan, Jean-Pierre? How will you take her from me?
I turned to him. “Have you ever seen this film?”
He didn’t turn to the screen, or check out the movie. “No.”
“Interesting gang story. . .with a metaphor.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Rage dotted his words. “You must not miss your mouse, like I miss my Eden.”
I curved my mouth into a smile, but rage blazed in my eyes. “Mouse?”
So, he knows who she is?
My rage rose. I might have been willing to let him live today. Perhaps even for a week. But now. . .now I had to kill him. I checked his face and didn’t hide my anger. “Mouse.”