The Secret (North Woods University 3)

“How do I contact him? Do you have a number?” I barely let him finish his sentence before I ask.

“Let me talk to him. I’ll explain the situation and set up a meeting. He’s a very dangerous man Clark, a criminal, and not someone you can just call up and ask to get a coffee with. Despite that, I can tell you that he is a fair man, he doesn’t condone women getting hurt, and if anyone can make sure that Rick pays his dues it’s going to be Xander.”

“Well, get on with it. I don’t care what we need to do, or how much I have to pay. I don’t ever want Emerson to fear going to college or leaving the house again. I want this over with.” My eyes catch on the glass on the floor and I feel the need to clean up the mess. Fuck, I shouldn’t have broken that lamp.

“I understand, son, and it will happen, just let me get in touch with him and see what he has to say.”

“Fine,” I say. “But if he can’t do it, then I’ll do it myself.”

???

It took my dad a few days, but he finally came through as shocking as it is. Xander Rossi agreed to meet with me this morning, and now I’m about to walk into a private backroom in one of the most pristine establishments in North Woods. I’m nervous to say the least but ready to put this behind us.

“Please, sir, follow me.” The skinny waiter ushers me forward, leading me through the dimly lit restaurant. I’m getting intense murder vibes as we continue walking. In the back, tucked into a hidden corner, he opens a door for me, a door that I never even seen, with an impatient look, he waves his arm for me to enter.

Gritting my teeth, I force myself to bite my tongue. No need to start an argument with the impatient waitstaff. I step into the room and the waiter closes the door behind me, the soft click of the door closing filling my ears.

Yup, I’m going to get murdered.

Looking directly in front of me there is only one large table, and it sits smack dab in the center of the room, and at that table sits one man.

“You must be Clark, come on and, sit down,” he orders. “I took the liberty of ordering you a drink, I hope that’s okay?” I nod, taking the single seat across from him. He’s intimidating, oozing danger from every pore of his body. Yeah, I wouldn’t fuck with this guy, not in a million years. Needing something to calm the nerves wreaking havoc on my body, I pick up the glass of amber liquid and bring it to my lips, the smoky, but sweet waft of whiskey permeates my nostrils. This shit smells stronger and more expensive than my fathers. Nonetheless, I take a drink and let the warmth coat my insides.

“Your father told me a little bit about your… dilemma. I invited an associate of mine to join us, he should be here soon.” Before I can answer, the door opens again and someone else walks in. Someone just as dangerous and deadly looking as Xander himself.

“Luke, just in time. Come sit,” Xander calls out as if he is genuinely happy to see the guy walk in. Who would be happy to see a guy like that?

The guy named Luke steps forward, his gaze flickering between Xander and me as if he is assessing the situation before he opens his mouth to speak.

“Xander, I told you I’m done with these kinds of jobs. I shouldn’t even be here.” It’s obvious something is eating away at him, the conflict on his face proving it. Whoever this guy is, is the one who’s going to be doing the job for me.

Xander leans back in his chair, a glass of whiskey in his hands. “I think you’ll want to make an exception for this. Hear the kid out.”

His jaw tenses and his eyes flick to me. “Out with it,” he growls, crossing his arms over his chest.

“I need you to take someone out for me. He’s a rapist who has hurt numerous women, one including my girlfriend. None of the women will go to the police because of who he is and are too afraid to come forward. I don’t blame them one bit, but I won’t let the bastard continue to hurt people. My father told me Xander could make this guy pay, so if he can’t then let me know and I’ll find someone else.”

Luke’s face is a mask of steel, no emotion, nothing, and I worry that maybe I’ve gone too far, but then just as sweat starts to bead against my forehead he lets out a low chuckle.

“If we can’t do it, you’ll find someone else?” I can’t tell if he’s joking or being a smartass or asking a legit question.