Boss - Killer of Kings

Boss ran a hand through his hair as he exhaled his frustration. “Put him in the back of the truck. We’re heading to the city. Killian, get Maurice on the fucking phone. I need a location on Viola’s cell.”

Viko’s man had kidnapped the scientist in Colombia, forcing him to make his formula over here where they shipped it out as mints. Without Manuel, without the antidote or formula, Bain’s hours were numbered.

****

“Bastard,” Graciella cursed under her breath for the dozenth time. She was supposed to be tracking the scientist with the “team,” not left behind like unwanted trash.

She’d made her way downstairs and found some old wire to use for her handcuffs within minutes. The old warehouse was littered with debris, metal, and old strapping. It had been emptied in a hurry. There were even some valuable tools and machinery that had been left behind in the rush. As she stepped out onto the street, she had no doubt every item of value would be gone by morning.

She wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

The neighborhood didn’t intimidate her, even if she wasn’t dressed for it. She’d grown up in much worse places. Graciella tossed the cuffs and headed down the bustling street. There were people, vendors, and stray dogs everywhere. Familiar smells flooded her senses. Almost immediately, she’d been propositioned and catcalled. And she knew there were men following her. What she needed was a man with a car, preferably one with A/C. Her full leather attire was ill-suited for her current environment and attracting way too much attention.

Graciella unzipped the top of her leather bustier, showing a bit of cleavage. “Can I use your phone?” she asked a guy leaning against a brick wall.

He smiled and passed it to her. Graciella logged into her secure app and checked on the tracker she’d placed on Viko. Widow Maker wasn’t a hugger, but it had been the perfect opportunity to tag him. There were audio and GPS she needed to review.

“Sorry, I need to keep this.”

She reached into her bra and pulled out her roll of cash, paying him more than the phone was worth. There were so many eyes on her. Flashing money in a place like this wasn’t smart for a single woman. But she was too focused on her task to think about it.

All she cared about now was reviewing her app and planning her next move.

Boss drove her crazy. She wanted to kill him and fuck him simultaneously. He’d left her behind, but she’d also double-crossed him by attempting to tag him. Apparently, Viko wasn’t as observant in his inebriated state.

She held the phone to her ear as she scanned for a suitable ride.

Manuel Viola? He’d managed to slip away with the antidote. Graciella was in the heart of the city and they were hours away, according to the GPS. She had to act now.

What she needed first was a gun … or preferably guns. Even a knife would do. Thanks to Boss, she had nothing useful on her except the cash she’d kept hidden. She left the main strip and slipped into an alleyway, walking faster. She really needed some shoes without heels.

Her intuition was strong, and she felt their presence before she heard a sound. Graciella bent to adjust her shoe but used the opportunity to size up the three men shadowing her. They were in the alley now, and there was no escape. She didn’t even have a purse, so she had no doubt what they wanted from her. Only they weren’t going to get it.

There wasn’t much alley left, but she stood up and kept walking, scanning the entire area, coming up with her plan.

When she reached the end of the road, she turned and leaned against the brick wall, casually bending one leg up. She didn’t utter a word, didn’t move, barely breathed.

They smirked, spreading out as they moved in close.

“Hey, baby.”

“How about a kiss?” said another.

When they were an arm’s length away, she reached out and lightly shoved one in the chest. He laughed out loud at her pitiful attempt to protect herself. What she needed to know was who had the weapons.

“I’ll scream,” she said.

The guy with the beard chuckled, opening his jacket to reveal a handgun in his waistband. “I’d keep quiet if I were you.”

She should try harder when acting, but right now, she couldn’t help but smile. Graciella leapt into action, darting forward and snatching the gun before using the heel of her hand against his throat. He staggered back, grasping his neck and wheezing. She shot the first guy in the head and motioned for the third to get to his knees.

“I want every gun, blade, and any ammo you have on the ground,” she said. When neither of them made a move to comply, she pistol-whipped the bearded one “Right now!”