Relentless (Option Zero 2)

Pressing his earwig, Liam said, “Eve, get Myron away from here. Drury’s looking for him.”

“Copy that,” Eve replied.

Though it sounded as if a few fistfights were still going on, the din behind him had quieted to a low roar. On alert for any movement, Liam entered the darkened hallway. Drury would be out for blood. Last time they’d met, they’d had a brutal, bloody fight. Liam had come out the victor in that one, and Drury no doubt held a grudge. Especially since Liam was directly responsible for Drury’s most recent prison stint.

“Long time no see, Stryker.”

The voice came from the shadows in front of him. When Drury stepped into the light, Liam fought to keep a straight face. Dressed in a flowered silk shirt and white slacks, his hair pulled back into some kind of man bun, Drury definitely made a fashion statement. The black T-shirt and jeans Liam wore were downright sloppy and boring compared to Drury’s slick style. The man did sleaze all too well.

“I’d hoped the ‘no see’ part would’ve lasted a lot longer. How’d you get out of prison?”

“Would you believe good behavior?”

“No.”

“Yeah, me neither. Turns out I’ve got friends with connections.”

“Wait…you have friends?”

“Your insults mean nothing to me.”

As much fun as the guy was to taunt, this was as deadly serious as it got. Lives were at stake. “Then why don’t we cut to the chase? Why are you here?”

“Same reason you are. Information.”

“Really? You switch sides? Decide to start saving lives instead of taking them?”

“Last time I checked, you’re the killer.”

“You’re lying to yourself if you think what you do doesn’t cost lives.”

Eve’s voice sounded in his ear. “I’ve got Myron secured. Jazz and I are on the way to the safe house.”

“Copy that.”

“Who are you talking to, and why do you smile? I’m the one with the gun.”

“Aw, Barney, did you learn nothing in prison?”

Drury glared. “My name is Barnabas, not Barney.”

A gun pressed against the back of Drury’s head. “Whoever you are,” Gideon said in a low, menacing voice, “drop your gun.”

For such a large man, Gideon could be as quiet as a church mouse when necessary.

Cursing, Drury lowered his weapon, and Liam took it from him. He searched and removed another gun from an ankle holster, along with a switchblade from a pocket.

Pocketing the weapons, Liam allowed his smile to broaden. Drury had anger-management issues. “Now let’s talk about why you’re really here, Barney.”

“None of your damn business.”

All humor gone, Liam took a step forward and growled softly, “It’s very much my business. When did you get into human trafficking?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“A word of advice. Don’t play poker.”

“You’ve got no reason to detain me. I’ve done nothing wrong.”