Payback

“He really ought to find a different hobby,” I said, shaking my head. “That’s pretty pathetic.”

Johnny licked his lips, wincing as he said, “Yeah, that’s it, man, that’s the only way you’re gonna get anything on him. But he’s guarded twenty-four/seven. You’ll never get close enough to him to get that fucking book.”

I shared a look with Tito, then returned to Johnny. “What else is in this book?”

“Everything, man,” Johnny answered, tears of pain weeping down his face. “I swear to you, there’s enough in that book to link Butcher to hundreds of crimes throughout the city, as well as take down every crooked cop throughout every precinct.”

“Why would he carry something like that around? Isn’t that like pocketing a grenade for funsies?” I asked, not quite sure if I bought Johnny’s story. “Seems kinda self-destructive.”

“Butcher is arrogant. He thinks he’s untouchable at this point and he’s been right. No one lifts a hand against him.”

“Until now,” I said.

Johnny nodded, his gaze shrinking from Tito who looked more than ready to go another round with the slightest provocation.

“Tell me where he got Holly,” I said, switching tracks. “Why the sister/brother act all these years?”

“I don’t know.”

“I think that’s a lie,” I said, Tito sharing my dubious opinion on that score. “Maybe you need a little help remembering.”

Johnny flinched when Tito so much as moved, protesting as he tried to get away. “No, no! I only know a little bit about Holly. Her mom was Butcher’s secretary. She brought the kid to the office one day and it was like Butcher became instantly obsessed. Then, he got it into his head that the perfect companion would be one he could groom. Holly was young enough that she wouldn’t remember her mom so Butcher made it happen.”

“Where’s Holly’s mom?” I asked.

Johnny looked as if he’d rather chew nails than answer that question but when he finally did, I couldn’t say I was surprised.

“Dead.” Johnny closed his eyes with dread. “Butcher had her killed. She’s in that book, too.”

“So why the brother act?” I frowned. “Why not a benefactor? Or guardian?”

“Because of the custody issues. Butcher made her sign away her rights. He made up some story about being Holly’s half-brother and then, he took Holly from her mother.”

“What a fucking prick,” Tito said under his breath. “This man deserves to be raped by the bristly end of a toilet brush.”

“And then, she went away,” I surmised, to which Johnny affirmed with a pathetic nod.

“What was her real last name?” I pressed in a hard tone, unable to calm the wild rage that flared to life at how Butcher had stolen Holly’s life.

Johnny shook his head as if he couldn’t remember but then his eyes widened and he said excitedly, “Uh, yeah, that’s right, her mom’s name was Gidget something…Gidget…uh, Sommers. That was her name. I swear it.”

I motioned to Tito to follow me. We stepped out of earshot and I said, “So, you think he has anything else of use to share with us?”

“I could pound on him a little more and see what squeezes out,” Tito offered.

But if I allowed Tito to have another go at Johnny, I doubt the little squealer would survive and while I didn’t think the man was worth shit, I wasn’t going to be responsible for his death.

I returned to Johnny. “I need intel on Butcher’s security detail.”

“You can’t be serious. No one can just walk right in without getting their guts blown out.”

“Not necessarily true. Like you said, Butcher has gotten arrogant and it shows in his detail. Now, tell me where the weak spots are.”

Johnny rolled his eyes with fear. “You’re going to get me killed. I’m going to have to leave the fucking country.”

“Mexico is nice this time of year,” I suggested, then snapped my fingers. “Security weakness. Now.”

For the next forty-five minutes, Johnny spilled his guts, puking out every detail he could possibly think of about Butcher’s operation, his security, his passcodes, everything.

Including his underwear size, though why Johnny had that information I didn’t want to know.

Once finished, Johnny blinked with his one good eye, his gaze darting between the both of us. “So…now what? You gonna let me go?”

“And let you run right back to Butcher and tip him off?” I scoffed. “C’mon, Johnny, is that how it works in your neighborhood?”

“I told you everything,” he protested. “Please don’t kill me!”

I slapped his cheek playfully, then grimaced when Johnny bled on me. “Calm down, bud. We’re not going to kill you. But we’re not going to let you go either. I figure it ought to take you a few days to get loose from these bonds and by that time, Butcher will no longer be anyone’s problem.”

Johnny sagged in the chair but Tito got up in his face, lest he get too comfortable with his escape from death. “The thing is, you’ve lost a lot of blood, Johnny. Who’s to say you’ll even last a few days?” Tito pulled away with a cold smirk. “See you around, D-bag.”

We left Johnny sobbing in the empty warehouse.

As we climbed into my car, I looked to Tito and asked, “You really think he won’t last?”

“I guess that’s up to karma,” he quipped.

I laughed and turned the ignition. “Fuck man, that’s harsh.”

But we had what we needed.

Time to go fuck up Butcher’s life and save my girl.

Chapter 33

Holly

I knew I was running out of time. Butcher was going to expect forward progress but I didn’t know how to act as if I wasn’t completely repelled.

That night at dinner, I was directed to dress again, this time in a red number that was practically see-through. I gritted my teeth and pulled the thing on.

I gasped as my nipples jutted out, the fabric clinging to every curve and valley.

I tugged at the dress, wishing there was more fabric, but this was what I had to work with.

Grabbing the gaudy earrings, I pulled my hair into a messy updo and shoved the earrings into my ears.

Great, I looked like a hooker who gave $10 blowjobs with a discount for volume.

Fabulous.

I closed my eyes, prayed for strength, and went downstairs to join Butcher.

As the previous night, he was waiting for me in the dining room, dressed in another monkey suit. I found it disingenuous that Butcher was trying to play the part of the gentleman when he was practically forcing me to be his wife.

I swallowed the bile that rose in my throat and took my place at his side.

“You are exquisite in that red,” he said, smiling with pleasure. “I would have you wear red every night for me.”

I cut him a dark look and ignored that comment. I reached for my water glass but he stopped me.

“Tonight, we will celebrate with fine wine,” he announced, motioning for the server to pour our glasses.

I eyed the glass of red wine and I knew that if I refused, he would demand to know why and I couldn’t very well admit that I was abstaining on the off-chance I was pregnant.

A single glass of red wine would not hurt anyone, I assured myself, smiling coolly as I lifted my glass at his prompting.

“And what are we celebrating?” I asked.

“Our new life together.”

“I haven’t agreed to becoming your partner in anything,” I reminded him. “In my mind, you are my brother. It doesn’t matter that you’ve known all along that we aren’t related. For me, it’s different. I’m still coming to terms with that.”

Butcher was displeased but he didn’t push. “Fine. Then we shall celebrate, new beginnings,” he amended and I allowed that one, only because I was picturing a new beginning with Cason.

What would it be like to actually hold hands in public, I wondered, swirling the wine, content to lose

myself in a nice daydream. But Butcher wanted my sole attention.

“I realized I needed to share with you my plans if you’re going to be my most trusted ally,” he said.

“Plans?”

“Yes. Some time ago, I discovered that with money doesn’t always come respectability. I want the Brannon name to mean more than just an association with the Ice Town Rebels.”

“That seems a tall order,” I returned cautiously. “How do you propose to do that?”