We were waiting for Dorsey to call me. We had the drug, the files, and Connor, who was much calmer after being given the drug. But it was the fifth day since we’d given him a pill mixed in the water we gave him and already he was beginning to show signs of rage again. Deck was hoping we could extend the length of time every week, add a few days until eventually Connor was off the drug.
Tristan pushed away from the wall and went to her. I moved back to the toaster and buttered the toast. I looked over my shoulder at them. He was gentle as he came up behind her and settled his hands on her hips. I saw her jerk to get away, but he merely moved in closer and tightened his hold.
“Dorsey may have the location of the farm,” Tristan said, his mouth close to her ear.
“What if he doesn’t call?” she refuted.
“We give him two more days,” I said. “If he doesn’t call, we go to him. I have someone on him, if he decides to make a move anywhere.” It was always better being the one approached than do the approaching, but Chess was right. If they felt the farm was threatened, they’d move it.
I slapped the salmon on the toast, sprinkled some sea salt and pepper then placed some sliced tomato and lettuce before putting the toast on top. I picked up the plate to take it up to London when my cell rang.
It was my disposable—Ernie. I put the plate back down, leaned against the counter and answered. “Yeah? You have anything?” Ernie was the guy I had in Vegas keeping an eye on Dorsey. If he were going to make a move, it would’ve been after what went down at the lab.
“Your man is rather stubborn,” a heavy, deep voice replied. It was like he smoked too much and his lungs were caked in a layer of black tar. I knew exactly who it was.
“Dorsey.” Chess’s breath hitched. “This isn’t a good time. Just about to eat.”
I didn’t have to look at my sister to know she was furious at my nonchalance. Tristan no doubt was keeping her from being in my face.
“Ah, well, my sharks are about to as well. They have a feeding frenzy once a week. Tonight they’ll have something special.” I tensed because I knew exactly where he was going with this. “Unless of course, you’d prefer to have him back in one piece?”
I glanced up as Deck and Vic came into the kitchen, giving me space, but listening. “What I’d prefer is for you to get to the point.”
He laughed. “I’ve always respected you, Kai. Even now, after killing your own mother. She was a cold-hearted bitch.”
I remained quiet and he continued, “Dr. Westbrook is dead and his files gone. You stole your mother’s files on the drug, you have Dr. Westbrook’s daughter, and I assume the famous test subject, Connor, as he’s disappeared.”
Again I stayed silent. No point denying, he was right on all counts.
“I have a job for you.”
It was my turn to chuckle. “As I’m sure you’re aware, I’m no longer doing jobs for Vault.”
He clucked his tongue and I wanted to reach through the phone and tear it from his throat. “But you’ll do this job for me because I know it’s what you’re after.”
“And what is that?”
“The other board member.” He paused. “You see, Kai, you killed your mother. You broke out your sister and Dr. Westbrook’s daughter, London. You’re making sure you have everyone out before you go after the rest of us.” He paused. “Or shall I call that girl Raven?” Jesus fuckin’ Christ. “A shame I didn’t have the pleasure of tasting some of that while she was in the… industry.”
Keep your shit together, Kai. I normally didn’t let words bother me. They were meaningless, but him talking about London was like a knife in the gut.
Deck moved in beside me and I tilted the cell so he could hear.
“Let’s get something clear, Dorsey.” Any amusement left my tone. “You bring my girl into this, there will be nothing in this world I won’t do in order to get to you. And when I get to you, it won’t be a quick death. Because like Vault says, death is a privilege.”
Dorsey paused, and for a second I thought he hung up, except for his crackled breath. “Feed his finger to the shark,” he said, but it wasn’t to me; it was to someone with him.
There was nothing I could do. I knew his game and giving in to him would only make it worse. Deck lowered his head and the vibration of anger emanated off him, but he knew it, too. He knew I couldn’t give in to Dorsey.