About This Book
The locations of this trilogy are various but primarily crossed over between America and England. The female lead is American,whilethemaleleadsinBook1areBritish,withanadditionalmalecharactercomingintoBook2whoisAmerican The book is written in American English. However, depending on the POV, language remains as authentic as possible accordingtothecharacter’sbackground Everything,includingthepeople,names,gangs,places,andevents,ispurelyfictional.
18 years ago
“Wherearemytwolittlecockroaches?”
As soon as I hear that acidic-sounding voice, which my conscious converts to pure dread, coming down the corridor, I quickly dash to the computer where West and Killian are playing the latest game and hit the shortcut on the keyboard to instantlyshutthecomputerdown.
“Whatthe‘ellArch?”
Iputmyfingeronmymouth,indicatingforWesttoshushandthrowthemeacha Bone comic Thethreeofusknowthedrill whenever he is home, and I quicklythrow onmysweatshirt. Not that it’s ever prevented mysickbastard of a father from assaultingme,butthefewerremindersIgivehim,thebiggerchancehemaynotremembertomarkmyskin
“Youthinkthat’sgoingtosaveyou?”Westsaysashiseyesnarrow atme,grabbingthebookanddivingfor thebeanbag.I knowhedoesn’tmeananythingwrongbyit Mybrother’sjustgenerallybluntlikethat Iremainsilentbecausenothingstopsmyoldmanfromlashingoutwhenhe’sinthemood.
Takingaseatonthebedwithmybackagainsttheheadboard,Iopenmycomic,andthethreeofusgettoourpositionsjustin timeformyfathertoburstintomybedroomlikealightningbolt
“What’sgoingonhere?”hesays,lookingaroundtheroomandsearchingforevidencetouseagainstmeandWest.“It’stoo quiet”
“Justchilling,”Isay,lookingupcasuallyfrommybook.Imayseemrelaxed,butmyheartisbeatingmadcrazybecauseIcan seethewildgazeinmyoldman’seyes
He’sinthemoodtoplayhisusualtormentsandpickononeofus.
“Chillin’myroyalarse,”hesaysashiseyeslandonKillian,andtheynarrowtopinpricks.
“Aha What’sthesonofthebitchmybrotherstuckhisknobintodoinghereagain?Youdon’thaveahometogoto,boy?”
It’ssummerhols,andschool’sout,soKillian’sbeenspendingalotoftimewithus,andwhilehehasn’tsaidanything,West andIsuspectthere’stroublebrewingathomebetweenhisparents UncleShaw maynotbeatuphiskidregularlyasour dad does withus, butit’s a well-knownfacthe uses his AuntElena as a humanpunchbag, amongother unspeakable things I’d rathernotgetinto.
“UncleLeo,”Killian’seyesflickerwithconcern.Hemightonlybeaneight-year-oldlittlerunt,butnotmuchscareshim.At hisage,he’switnessedwaytoomuchfromthatmonsterfatherofhistoknowGoddoesn’texist.“MumandDadhaven’tbeen homesinceyesterdaymorning”
Myfatherlooksatmycuzwithwideeyes,andasmirkslowlyformsonhisface.
“Anddoyouknowwhy,littlebrat?”
Killianlooksathimandshakeshishead.Iseethecringeinhiseyeswhenevermyfatherpaysattentiontohim.Hemaynot fearhim,butheloathesthebastardjustasmuchashehateshisownfather.
There’s no sugarcoating our families; we are the princes of Hades, the spawns of two brothers who are the human incarnationsofSatan.
“Yourmumcouldn’tstandthesightoftheuglymugshegavebirthto,”myfatherspews “Shegotupanddidarunner Now he’soutlookingforthebitch.”
Mycousinsitsinthearmchair,shakinghisheadinshock Onethingmyfatherwillneverdoisstrikehisbrother’skid,but thatdoesn’tmeanKillianescapesthewrathofhisownfather.
“Gohome,brat,”myfatherscowlsathim.
“Can’tKillianstaywithusuntilhisparentsarehome?”Iask Forfuck’ssake,he’sonlyeight,hardlyoldenoughtotakecareofhimself.
“Notlikelyhismumiseverreturning Couldn’tstandlookingattheuglylittlebratshebirthedandranoff,”hemuttersand sauntersovertomycousinandsnatchesthebookfromhishands,opensthewindow,andtossesitout. Thesebooksaremylife;I’vebeencollectingthemforthelasttwoyears Irunovertothewindowonlytoseeitlandinthe yardandgetrainedon.
Igotomakearunnertotryandsavemybook,butmyfather’sarmcomesupandsmashesitagainstme,causingmetotrip
overmyfootball.Myarmsswingintheair,tryingtograbontohimtosavemyfall,excepthestepsaway,andIenduptumbling ontothecarpetwithaloudthump.
“Littleshite,GETOUT!”heroarsawarningatKillian,causingthekidtolookatusandInodathim Hetakesoffrunning, andIknow he’snotgoinghome.Thishouseisbigenoughthathe’ll findaplacefortonightlikeheusuallydoes,andmydad willneverfindout
“That wasn’t necessary,” West says as casual as a button, sitting on the giant bean bag as if telling Leo St. John won’t warrantareactionfromhim Westpurposelydivertsattentiontohimself,andmyjawclencheswithirritation. Hedoesn’thavetodothisforme.
IgetupfromthefloorandstandbetweenthetwobecauseIknowexactlyhowthiswillpanout Westwillgetthebeatingof his life and staylocked inhis bedroomfor two days insolitaryconfinement. We have our father’s punishment procedures lockeddowntoaT
“Archer,comewithme,boy,foryouwillsufferthewrathofyourbrother’sdisobedience.”
Hedoesn’tevenlookatmeashesaysit,andIstareathimwide-eyed Hecan’teventellusapartandthinksWestisme “Youjustneedtomarkustotellusapart,youoldbastard,”Westsays,andhisentirefacecringesatourfather. Forfuck’ssake,West.Justshutthefuckup. Ishakemyheadathim
“Stopit,”Isayquietly,aimingatmybrother.
“That’sright,”ourfathersays,“youneedtoremindyourbrothertokeephistrapshut” IbitemyliptopreventallthemillionsofthingsIwanttotelltheman,knowingitcouldleadtothedeathofmebecauseI’m sureourcrimebossfatherwouldn’thesitatekillingoneofusoff. He’sgottwoofus.So,oneisobviouslyexpendable. Mostlikely,it’llbeme.
He’sremindedmeenoughtimesIwasthecauseofourmothertakingherlifebecauseIwastheunexpectedsecondkid she neverwanted.HewillalwaysremindmehowmuchofaburdenIwasasacolicbaby,andshecouldn’tcutit,soshetopped herself
I’mthedisposabletwin.
Thespare.
Westisexactlythirty-oneminutesolderthanmeandidenticalineverywayexceptforcharacterandpersonality.He’sbolder, actsonimpulse,andprefersfew peoplearoundhimatthesametime.I’mmoremethodological,weighingmyoptionsbefore actingonthem,andpeopleseemtowarmuptomeeasily
Together,wegarneralotofattention,notjustbecausewe’retwinsbutbecausewe’reLeoSt.John’sboys.
AsthesonsofEastLondon’sbiggestcrimeboss,peopleeitherwanttoknowusorstaywellawayfromus Dependsonthe person’sbravestance,butusually,noonedaresmesswithus.
Onlyourdadgetsthatprivilege,andhedoesitsowell.
“Rightthen,”Westabruptlyremoveshisjumper,castingitaside,andbrushespastourdad,purposelysmackinghisshoulder againsthisarm.
Whatishedoing?
Istareathisunclothedupperbody,andthat’swhenIcatchthem.
Thesmallredcirclesonhisforearm
That’salsowhyhe’sbeenwearinglongsleevesandrefusingtocometothepoolwithmeandKillianallsummer. Mybrother’sbeenmutilatinghimself,sohesharesourfather’swrathwithme.
“Come on, old man, let’s getonwithit,” Westsays before Igeta chance to sayanything ButI’mnotevensure where to beginwiththiscurrentdiscovery.
“Youthinkyou’reaslicklittlecuntdon’tyou,Archer?”hesays,grabbingthebackofWest’sneckandshovinghimoutthe door.
Ifinallyswallow thestonethat’sbeenstuckinmythroatforthelasttwominutesandtrytocometotermswithwhat’sjust transpiredinthisbedroom.
WhileI’mspeechlessthatmybrothersacrificedhimselfforme,atthesametime,Iwanttosmackhim.Hegetsenoughofhis ownshitfromourfather,butthesadtruthis,it’snowherenearasoftenaswhatIreceive Iheartherainoutsidebegintotumbledowninatorrent,andIrunoutofmyroominanattempttosavemycomicbook.The effortisprobablyallinvain,butassoonasIreachthelanding,Ihearthedoorclickattheendofthecorridor,andIknowWest andmydadhavegonethroughthedoubledoorsofourfather’sprimarysuite.Wheneverhe’sinasimilarstateofmind,hewill alwaystakemetheretoremindmehowhefoundourmotherhangingfromthesamechandeliershestillkeepsabovehisbed. WestandIwereonlytwowhenshedied,andneitherofushaveanyrecollectionofher.Itdoesn’taffectusasmuchasDad thinksitmight.Buthe’llcontinuetohateandbeatusbecauseofherdeath.
Irundownthestairwayandheadtowardsthemainlobbyofthisghastlyoversizedmansion.
Lookingdownatmyfeet,IrealizeI’mbarefootandhesitateforasecond,butmyeyecatchesmyfather’sofficedooropen. This is something he never does, especially with staff in the house It’s always locked, and only Benjamin, his butler, is allowedinthere,withthecleaningpersonnelkeepingacloseeyeonthem.
Myfather’s affairs are a closed-door kindofruthless business He’s a brutal crime boss withmanysecrets,andI’ve seen himcutthetonguesoutofthosewhoattempttodefyhim.NoonetriestodoublecrossLeoStJohn,akaProphet,andthinksthey willgetawaywithit
Thatopenofficedoorisjusttoogoodanopportunity.Mybookoutsideisprobablyaworthlesspileofwetmushrightnow, andI’veonlybeeninthatofficejusttheonceandknowmyfather’sbiggestsecretsmustlieinthere,somewhere.
Curiositygettingthebetterofme,Ilookaroundandsneakrightuptothedoor,slowlypushingitfurtheropen,listeningout forvoices,andpeekinginside.
It’sbloodybloomin’empty Thisissostrangeandunusual
Turningaround and observingthe corridor to ensure no one sees me, Iquietlyslip inside like a cat and lookaround my father’ssanctuary,whereheandUncleShawspendalotoftime
The fireplace is still running, whichmeans the old bastard will be comingback. Unfazed, Icontinue walkingthroughthis massiveroomthatstinksofashes,cigars,cologne,andsweat.
This is Averley Park, my father’s pride and joy, and the place I’m supposed to call home One day, I will watch this monstrosityburntotheground.Iswearitwillhappen.
Ihateitandeverythingthisplacestandsfor: Leo St John of Norwood Saints ThemostnotoriousfirminallofEnglandthat controlsmostofLondon.
One wall has a floor-to-ceilingglass shelfunitwithlow lightingfilled withdozens ofwhiskeybottles. While I’ve never beeninterestedinalcohol,italllooksexpensiveandrare.
Another fancyglassdisplaycabinetisfilledwithvintageshotgunsandrifles.IspotacoupleofrareHammersandclassic HollandParadoxshotguns,mostlyVictorian TheonlyreasonIrecognizethemisbecauseamongallthecomicsIreadandPC gamesIplaythatmyfatherbanned,Ialsodevelopedanunusualpassionforfineguns.
It’sanunusualhobbyforsomeonemyage,butlookatmylifeandtellmeifit’snormal I’mabi-racialkidlivinginaganglandmansionwithawhitecrimebossfatherwhohasapenchantforstabbinghiscigarette buttsoutonme,bringinghiswhoreshome,andtheninstructingthemtopayusavisitwhenhe’sdonewiththem.
I’mfuckingtenyearsold.WhatthefuckkindofsexualexperiencedoesheexpectfrommeandWest?Thankfullythehookers havemorecommonsensethanhedoesanddon’tforceanythingonus.
Socialservicesain’tgotnothingontheleaderofNorwoodSaints Themanisentirelyundefeatable,corrupttothecore,and probablyhasallthelocalcouncilorsgreedilyeatingfromhishands.
I casually open a couple of drawers around his imposing desk that’s filled with paperwork and various weighty glass ashtrays with half-smoked fags. Aheavy-looking, sizeable wooden box with elaborate engraving sits at the end, and upon openingit,Iseeit’sfilledwithsmoothlywrappedcigars.Itakeoneoutandpocketitbeforeshuttingit.
Thereisn’tapurposeforwhyI’mhere IhavenoideawhatI’mlookingfor Theopportunitypresenteditself,andItookit WhileI’mhere,Imightaswellventureintotheworldofmyarseholefatherandsnooparoundtoseewhatthebastardgetsup to Maybediscoverasecretortwo
Myeyecatchesonacoupleofdocumentssittingonthedesk,amongdozensofotheritemsofpaperwork.Iguessthisiswhat hewasworkingonbeforedecidingtoventureupstairstomyroom Myeyesdashacrosseverything,quicklytakingitallin. Thisisallreallyodd.
Ipickupsome sheets thatlooklike oldtravel receipts Iopenanother file containingphotos ofwomenandtheir profiles TheylooklikeabunchofworkCVsbutwiththeimagesofwhatIassumeareemployees.There’snothingoddaboutituntilI fliptoaphotoI’malmostsureisofAuntElena,Killian’smum
Itlooksalittleold,maybeadecadeold,andsheseemsmorelikeakidinthephotograph.
Now thatIobserve more carefully,mostofthese photos looklike youngteenage girls thangrown-upwomen What’s also strangeisthatshe’salwayssaidshe’sfromHungary,exceptthisdocumentstatesBelarus.
I’munsurewhatI’mthinkingorwhatmyconfusedconscienceisaimingfor,butIgrabthemobilefromthedeskandquickly realizeit’snotpassword-protected Bloodygitissosecretiveabouteverythingbutdoesn’tknowhowtolockhisphone. IsnapsomephotosofKillian’smumandpocketthephone
Now,curiosity’sgotmelookingfurtheraroundhisdeskbecauseIwanttoknowallmyfather’ssecrets.Ibetthere’satonof thingshewouldhateforthemtogetinthewronghands.
My eyes fall onto the safe, which seems as if it’s been drilled into the floor. It sits directly behind the massive leather executivechair.
Andit’sbloodyopen.
What’sthechanceofthateverhappening?
Itallseemstooeasy,butIdon’tgiveaflippin’toss Icrouchdowntothefloorandlookinside.
There are various stacks of money in several currencies Alarge brown envelope filled with passports of people from different countries. I have no idea who they are or what my dad’s doing with them. I pull out some beige paper files and randomlyopenthemuntilIfindablackandwhitephotothatalmostblowstheairoutofmylungspermanentlyaway There’snopoliticallycorrectwayofsayingthis,norapolitewayofsayingthis.Becausethereisn’tanythingcivilwithwhat myeyeshavejustlandedon.
Slaves
Andjudgingbythephotoquality.Modern-dayones.It’ssomethingyou’dseeinhistorybooks. Whatthehellisthis?
Therearemorephotosofunclothedwomeninshackles,andbythelooksofthebackgroundsceneryandthemudhutsinsome images, these weren’t taken in England either The documents attached to the pictures look like printed Excel sheets with numbers.
Tonsofnumbers.
Sellingandbuyingprices Likeafuckingstocktakeofproductsinashop Exceptthisisofhumans.Youngwomenboundfortheskintrade.
So,itreallyexists I’veheardwhispersviasomeoftheolderboysfromNorwoodSaintsjuniorchapteraboutwomenand childrenbeingkidnapped,butIalwaysthoughtitwasabunchoftoshandmalarkeychit-chat.
Icontinuetoflipthroughthedocuments,takingphotosusingthephoneIswipedfromthedesk,andIdon’tstopuntilIhearmy father’svoice.
Shite.
Ifreezeasifonpause
I’mtrapped behind, or rather, under the desk. He can’tyetsee me, butIknow he’s talkingwithsomeone onthe portable phone Iputeverythingbutthephonebackinsidethesafeandslidemyselfunderthedesk,drawingmykneesclosetomychest This damnpiece of uglyfurniture is enormous, and I’msure at least sixpeople canfit underneathhere. I clamber to the darkestcornerandhopethebastarddoesn’tfindme. Becauseifhedoes…well…I’llbethesparesonhefinallyeliminates.
“Idon’tknowShaw.Ileftthefuckin’mobileonmydesk.Hadtodealwithyourbloodybratrunningaroundmyhome.” Ihearhimapproachingthedeskandhuddleascloseaspossible,watchinghisfeetandlegsstandjustameterfromme
“Gotitrighthere.Don’tworryyourself;I’llmakesureitburnstoash.Untraceable.ButyoubettertellyourbratthatElena ain’tcominghomebeforehegoes onsomemissiontolookfor her Was goingonaboutyoutwomissing Happynow?Right then,meetyouatMiller’sinthirty.”
Ihearhimshufflearoundonthetableaboveme.
“Benjamin!”
Heabruptlycrouchesdowntothesafe.Ifheturnsaround,he’llspotmeforsure.
Mynervesarerackedtothecore Ihavenoideawhathe’sdoing,asI’mtooafraidtoblink,letalonebreatherightnow I hear the safe lockclick. He’ll turnanymomentand see me here. Fuck, Ihave his mobile withall the photos Itook. I’ll be skinnedalive
“Sir?”
Uponhearingthebutlerentertheroom,hestandsupalmostimmediately,andmyheartbeatsagain.
“Hasanyonebeeninthisroominthelastthirtyminutes?”
“No,Sir.Thestaffareintheirquartersfortheevening.”
“Mymobile Ican’tfindit Ineedyoutofindit Inthemeantime,I’mheadingoutfortheeveningandwillneedasparephone asIdon’thavethetimetobloodylookfortheoldone.”
“Haveyoutriedcallingyourself,Sir?”
Shite.Shite.Shite.
I’mdead.
“IfIhadamobile,thenIcould” What?
Isheentirelytech-stupid?
“I’llgetanewoneforyou,”IcanalmostfeelBenjaminsilentlyrollinghiseyes.“ShallIhavePeterspreparetheBentleyfor you,Sir?”
“No,I’lltakeoneofthePorsches.The911.That’sall,Benjamin.”
Ihearmyfathergathertogetherwhatever’sonhisdeskandhesitatemomentarily.ThefirecracklesandI’msurehe’sthrown
somethingintoit.Iwaitandheartheflickofhislighter,andthestenchofhiscigarettefilltheroom.IremainwhereI’mhidden untilI’mcertainheleaves,thedoorcloses,andthelockclicks.
Iwaitforanotherbriefmomenttopassbeforecrawlingout
The safe is locked, and myeye quicklygoes toward the fireplace to notice a bunchofdocuments burning. They’re almost gone,andthere’snopointattemptingtoretrievethem Instead,Irandomlygrababottleofwhiskey,headtowardsthewindows, pushthenobupwardstounlock,andslideitopen.It’sonlyabouttwometershigh,andI’vejumpedhigherwallswhiletryingto skiveofffromschool
I successfully land with the bottle in my grip still intact and head around the building towards the entrance to the staff quartersandre-enterthebuilding.
Knowingwhichroomhe’llbein,Iknockoneshortandtwolongbangs,andKillianopens,lettingmeinquickly IcatchWest comingoutofthebathroom,hiswristbandagedup,andIdon’thavetoaskwhy.
I’vebeentherebefore Iwanttocallhimagit,butinstead,Iwraponearmaroundhimandembracehim,holdinghimtheremomentarilyinsilence. Sometimes,wordsarenotnecessary,andthisisatimewhentheyaren’tneeded Ibreakawayandhandhimthewhiskeybottle.Hesmilesandtakes itfromme.Iremember thecigar andgiveittohimas well.
Killianhandshimalighter,andthethreeofussitonthefloor ItakeoutthestolenmobileandbegintellingthemwhatIfound aswepassthecigarandbottlearound.
“I’msurethat’sourmother,”WestsaysofoneofthephotosItook Wedon’tknowwhatshelookedlikeinreallife,butwegrewupwithaframedphotoofherinourbedrooms.Ihavenoidea whoputitthere,butthestaffalwaystoldusitwasourmum.
“Soourmotherswerepurchased?”Killianasks.
“Trafficked,”Westmutterswhilehe’sbeingall cool.Iknow he’sjustasupsetasIaminside.Theywereonlyafew years olderthanmeandhimwhentheywerebought “Killian. There’s somethingelse,” I’mhesitantto tell him, and Icatchhis innocentbluish-greyeyes gaze atme. He’s just foundouthismumwasavictimoftrafficking,mostlikelypurchasedbyourfathers;he’snotgoingtotakewellwhatIhaveto saynext.
“Ioverheardourdadstalking.Idon’tthinkyourmumiscominghome.Yourdadissupposedtotellyouwhenhereturns.” “What?”helooksatmeconfused.“Why?”
Thatconfusionquicklychangestoshockastearsforminhiseyesuponrealizingsomethingheprobablyalreadysuspectedin hishead
AndIthinkheknowswhy.
“Idon’tknow,cuz,”Isay,tryingtobesupportive “ButIthinkitwasherdocumentshewasburninginthefireplace” “No. Mum’s cominghome,” he says stubbornly, and IlookatWest. His mouthdraws to a straight, stiffline. He suspects exactlythesamethingasme.
“She will,” Killian insists as his eyes dart between me and my brother He’s trying to convince his conscience that his motherwillgohome.
“Here,kiddo,”Westhandshimthebottleofwhiskeyandputshispalmoutinthecenterofus
“Let’smakeapactthatthethreeofusstaytogethernomatterwhathappens.Usthreeagainstthetwobastardsthatmadeus.” Ilookatmybrotherincredulously IshereallysayingwhatIthinkhe’ssuggesting? OverthrowtheleadersofNorwoodSaints?
Theseverelookonhisfacetellsushe’sactuallyseriousaboutthis.
“There’sthreeofusandtwoofthem They’reoutnumbered Andnoonehatesthemmorethanwedo,”headds Ratherthanwaitforourreply,Westgrabsthepenknifefromhispocketandmakesasmall cutinthepalmofhishand.He grinsatme,stillholdingouthishand Igivehimmine,andhedoesthesametomyhandandlooksatKillian,whoholdsouthis butwhimpersslightlyasWestmakesthecut.
Asmilesuddenlybloomsonmycousin’sfaceashewatchesthebloodtrickledownfromhishandwithfascination Ihaveno ideawhatjustpassedthroughhismind,butit’sasifhe’sdiscoveredhebleedsforthefirsttime. IaddmyhandontopofWest’s,andKillianfinallyfollows.
“Together,”Isayandlookatmybrotherandcousinandgivethemthesamesinistergrintheywearontheirfaces Ashiverof excitementpassesthroughmeasIrealizewe’vecommittedtosomethingstrangelyimportantthatwillchangeourlivesforever. Oneday,ourfatherswill topplefromthethronestheysiton,andwe’ll betheretomakesurewe’retheoneswhoknocked themoff.
That’sourpromise,forgedinourpainandsworninblood.
I’VEALWAYSLIVEDBYtherulethatwhenyoumakeamistake,thereareonlythreethingsyoucandoaboutit
One,admittheblunder.
Two,learnfromit
Three,neverrepeatitagain.
Butinthis veryinstance,standinginSweeney’s high-rise office onthe fiftiethfloor,Ihave a bird’s eye view ofLondon’s EastEndandtheRiverThamessnakingitswayaroundtheIsleofDogsononeoftheclearest,bluestdaysI’veeverseeninthis city,andIknowImessedup.
Letmereiteratethis
Ifuckedupasfuckedupcango.
Onceagain,thisisanotherspur-of-the-momentkindofoccasionforwhichIdidn’tactuallydomuchplanning Iirrationally actedoninstinct,andinthisparticularsituation,neverrepeatingthismishapmayneverbeanopportunitytohappenagain. Fuck.
DidIsaymishap?
Soundswaytoolightweightformymiscalculation.It’safuckingbigassinexcusableerrorthatIshouldhavefactoredinall thepossiblescenarios
HowcouldIhavemiscalculatedthisgoingsowrong?It’sspiraledmeintotheabyssofdownrightstupidity. Because this situationis somethingIdid not bankonand Ishould have It was so obvious this could have happened; he wouldhavebeenhere,andIshouldhavestayedaway. Fuck.Fuck.Fuck.
“Kittygotyourtongue,darling?” Hisvoicealonemakesmecringewithregret.
IrepeatforthelasttimebecauseI’mgettingrepetitiousofthis,buthowcouldIbesodarnstupid?
MaybeIwassowrappeduptryingtofindasolutionwithmymenthatIdidn’tfactorinmyownsafety.
ThataccentofhisgotonmyfreakingnervesfromthefirstmomentIeverheardhimtalk Mymenalsospeakwithastrong cockneydialect,buttheyspeakitwithakindofcovertprestige.It’s their badgeofidentityfor whotheyareandwherethey comefrom.
This asshole is whatstigmatizes London’s mostfamous accent His is roughandbrash,evenmalicious toa certainextent Youhearhisvoiceandknoweverythingsinisteriscomingyourway.Itboomsoffthewallsinaroomlikeabadbounceona trampolineasyoulandincorrectly,thatdisturbingfeelingfromthestingofpainwhenyouranklegetscaughtatthewrongangle “Prophet,”Imanagetoavoidthesnarlinchingitswayupmylips.
“Iguess youmissed the memo thatyouwere never invited to this party,” Itell him, ensuringIkeep myconfidence intact Surprise is a weakness best left to my inner emotions. I won’t let this miscalculation and my impulsiveness break me to submission.
Bothmencrackuplaughing,andIwishIhadsomehowsmuggledaguninwithme I’msureIcouldhavegottenbothpointblankbetweentheeyeswithtwosinglebullets.
Instead,I’vegotKazz’sminisculeearpieceandKillian’smini flipknifehiddeninsidemycoochielikeatampon Actually, I’veneverwornatampon,butIknowhowtheyareused.Ionlyeverexperiencedhavingaperiodtwiceinmylifebeforemy abilitytomenstruatewasabruptlyremovedfrommybody.
Ishovethatthoughtasidebecauseself-pityhasnoroomforthecurrentdiresituationI’min.Iam,however,thankfultohave strongpelvicfloormuscles.Butatsomepoint,I’llneedtopee,andthatknifewillneedtobereleased.It’snotbigenoughto
kill someone or do muchorgandamage, butjab itunexpectedlyinto someone’s eye, and it’ll give me enoughmomentumto escape.
Suddenly,Sweeneystopslaughingabruptlyandlooksatme,allseriousandmenacing “Iwantmyringback,”hesneersatmeandstandsupfromthesofa,assertinghispresence.He’sabigman,butthat’sallI’ll give him There’s no power inhis physique, and other thanthe danger he emits fromhis soulless eyes, he’s justa suit His strengthsarehisfinancialassetsandconnectiontoEngland’sbiggestcrimeboss.
“Leavethering,”Prophetbarks “You’vegotyourpreciouscommodityback,”heapproachesmeandholdshishandoutfor me.
SoProphetdoesn’tknowaboutthecontentsofthatring;otherwise,he’dbegoinghaywireaboutitslocation.Somaybethese twoaren’tthatclose,andSweeneykeepssecrets
IstandwhereIaminsteadoftakingthehandheldoutforme,myarmsremainbymyside,andmyhandscurlintotightfists, staringattheassholewhoshouldhavebeeneliminatedalongtimeago
MyeyesnarrowtomereslitsasIstareatProphetwithsomuchvenomthatifIhadtheabilitytoturnmyhatredtoliquid,it wouldbeflowingoutofmypoursrightnowlikevolcanichotlava
MymindgoesbacktowhatWesttoldmeearlierthismorning.WhatProphetdidtohimwasbeyondfuckedup.It’shisson, hisfleshandblood,forfuck’ssake!
“Come,darling,youandIstillhaveadinnerdate”
“Fuckyou,Prophet,”Iexclaim.“I’mnotgoinganywherewithyou.”
God,Ireallydohope the boys have figuredoutthe stolenearpiece andtune intothis malarkey It’s a total shitshow from whereI’mstanding.
HowdidInotforeseethis?
Thethoughtkeepspainfullychurningaroundinmymind,wishingIhadthoughtthisthrough.
How the hell didInotenvisionthis shithappeningbefore Isteppedintothis buildingandturnedmyselfinlike a freaking sackofpotatoes?
Yes,Imeantpotatoesbecausethat’showdumbandblock-headedIfeelrightnow.Lookingatthesetwopiecesofshitinfront ofmeonlyfuelsmyangerwithmyself
Prophetlaughshard.Hisloudvoicealmostresonatesasshockwavescracklingroughlikeaseverelightningstrikethat’sjust crashed to the floor right in front of me. I stop myself from automatically jumping from fright. The bastard is a fucking nightmarecometolifebecauseIknowexactlywhathe’scapableof,andhewouldn’thesitatetoacthisheinouscrimesouton me.
Thisisamanwhoseabominableactionsdroveayoungwomantoleaveherbabiesandhangherself
“I’d love to know what you’ve got under your skin that my boys guard you like a bunch of lions. Because it ain’t your yappingtrap”Theuglybastardgivesmealongonceoverandthendismissesme “Butalas,you’renotmytype,darling” BeforeIcanbreatheasighofrelief,hegrinsatme.
“Definitelynotmykindofwhore.ButSweeneyherehasapenchantforEnglishroses.”
Idarenotlookatthemanwhothinkshepurchasedme I’mnotgivinghimthesatisfactionofseeingtheworryinmyeyes “I’mnotevenEnglish,dickhead,”Imutterundermybreath,butProphetdoesn’tmissaheartbeat,letaloneawhisper. Hehuffsalaugh
“Ofcoursenot.Youryappingtonguebetraysyou.”
Idon’tevenknowwheretobeginwiththisnonsense “WhereisArcher?”
Everything else is irrelevant at this point. Despite my current predicament, I risked everything for this mission and am determinedtofindhim
“I’mhereforhim,sostopwastingmytime.”
NeitherofthemexpressanyemotionIcouldusetodetectthattheymighthavehim ButI’msuretheyknowwhereArcheris Ihavetobesure.Otherwise,allofthisisfornothing. ReluctantlyIturntoSweeneybecauseifIhadachoice,Iwouldn’tgivethisbigbuffoonthetimeofday “Thisisanexchange.YourringforArcher.”
“Youmustbedelusional,sweety,”hereplies,curlinghislipupwithasnarl.“Youdon’tjustenterthelion’sdenandexpect not to be eatenalive I should cut your entire hand off and send it to your boyfriends Ahand for myring And theykeep receivingapartofyouuntiltheyreturnmyproperty.”
“Deformher,andshedevalues,youtwat,”Prophetmuttersangrily,andIseeSweeneygivehispaladeadpansideeyethat tellsmethesetwomightbechummy,butnooneiseverequaltoLeoStJohn. He’sthe king of assholes,hasnofriends,andotherthanhisbrother,Ihaveneverseenhimshowanykindofimpartialityto anyone.Themanprobablybelieveshe’ssomenext-in-lineheirforthedevil’sthrone.
Thearrogantbastardgenuinelybelieveshe’sinvictus.Ican’thelpbutwonderifhebleedsred.I’dliketofindout.Provide
mewithacarvingknife,andI’llascertainthetruth.I’mconfidentinmyabilitytowieldaknifewithconsiderablecreativity. Iholdmyground,watchingashestridestowardtheblackleather armchair besidethesofa,settlingintoitlikeheownsit. Nonchalantlycrossingonelegovertheother,herestsbotharmsonthechair’ssidesasifhe’ssittingonagoddamnthrone,his presenceprevailingovereveryoneinthisroom.
Yet,amidstitall,anoverpoweringdesireconsumesmebecauseallIwanttodoisputabulletinhishead It’sridiculousthatWestbelieveshe’sanythinglikehisfather.Thereisnocomparisonbetweenthetwomen.
“What’s more valuable, Sweeney?” Iask, turningmyattentionto the other dickhead inthe room, still nursingthatpathetic stumpofhis.
“Meorthatringofyours?BecausefromwhatIheard,youpaidadearpriceformyass,andnowyouwanttocutmeupand returnmebacktomymen Youwearthecostumeofasuccessfulbusinessmanbuttalklikeadumbfuck”
ThatgarnersachucklefromProphet,andSweeneyimmediatelypusheshisphysicianoffthesofainarage,dismissinghim. Thepoormanhurriesouttheofficedoor,clutchinghiscanvasmedicalbaglikehislifedependedonit
Sweeney’s beadyround eyes don’tdare take their sightoffme as he walks straighttoward me, angry, nostrils flaringand red-faced Ithinkit’shislookofintimidation,anditcouldhaveworked,butforsomereason,IbelieveProphetwon’tallow himtoinjureme.
Itcan’tbejustabouthowmuchtheybelieveI’mworth,isit?
It’s obvious these men, for very different reasons, cannot stand the sight of me As long as Prophet remains to have an undeclaredinterestinme,mylifeissafefornow.
Safe would be a big stretch of the word It’s more like I won’t lose any body parts, which Sweeney’s itching to have removedfrommeasrevengeforwhattheguysdidtohispinkie.
Idon’tdaremoveandlookstraightintoSweeney’sevil,deep-setblueeyesthatI’vegrowntohatetheminuteIlaidmysight onthebastard.Withhisuninjuredhand,hereachesupandgripsbothsidesofmychin,squeezingfirmlytoimmobilizeme. I’mnotgonnalie.He’sfuckinghurtingme,butdamnifIletthefuckerknowthis.
“I have plans for you, whore Just because you’ve been fucking Norwood Saints boys doesn’t mean you’ll get off easy Prophetmighthaveuseforyou,butsodoI.Sincemultiplefucksseemstobeyourspecialty,I’llmakesuretoutilizeyouforall yourskills”
“Patience, Sweeney,” Prophet’s voice is calm, butitalmostsounds more like a warningto backoff. “She has a job to do first.”
Job?Whattheheckisheexpectingmetodo?
The waythis bigasshole holds mychinina lock, there isn’tmuchIcansayor do exceptknee himone betweenhis legs. Sweeney’sfastandmovestotheside Imiss,butatleasthe’sloosenedhisgriponmyjaw,andImanagetoescapehisclutch “Bloodybitch!”
“Comeonthen,”Prophetseemsfedupwiththisshowandrisesfromhisthronetostandup Hisgazelooksatmeasifhe’s expectingmetogowithhim. Then,ithitsmeasIhesitatetomove.
Butcher’s missing Not that I’ve spent much time with these bastards, but the brother tends to always be around like Prophet’sshadoworassholesidekick.
“Where’sTweedledum?”Iask,whichearnsmearaisedbrowfromProphet “Yourmouthwillbethedeathofyou,”hesaysdismissivelyandcasuallyholdsouthishandforme. Nofuckingway I’mnottouchingthisasswipe
“ThefactthatyourecognizewhoI’mreferringtospeaksvolumes,”Irespond,maintaininganairofindifference. Hishandhoversinmid-air,stillawaitingmyresponse.
Iwon’tholdthisoldgoat’shandevenifhepaysmetodoit
“You’remakingabigmistake,”Imutter,standingmygroundfirmly.
“Theonlymistakemadewaskeepingmyboysaliveafter actingagainstmyorders They’ll paytheprettypennyfor it But comewithouttheuseofforce,andIpromisetohavemybrothergoeasyonthem.”
Shit Withtheirattentiononmydisappearance,Iprobablyleftthemunfocusedandopenforanambush Thisscenarioisgoingfrombadtoworse.Andit’sallmygoddamnfault.
IapproachProphet,deliberatelyavoidinghisoutstretchedhand.
“Yourpromisesarelacedwithvenom”Ideclare,lockingeyeswiththesoullessfigurebeforeme Longago,hetradedhis humanityforpower,becomingawalking,demonicpieceofshitwhoabuseschildrenandwomen.
“Keepwalking,asshole,”Isayasmyangerbeginstooutgrowmyfear “IknowIhavenochoicebuttoleavewithyou And whilewe’reonthewaytoShitsville,youcanexplainwhatuseyouthinkIhaveforyou.”
“Mydear,”IhearasarcasticlaughroaringoutfromSweeneybehindme.“Awordofadvice.Keepyourfuckingtrapshut.If itwereuptome,yourflippin’tonguewouldalreadybeonitswaytoLeo’sboysasareminderofwhathappenstotraitors.”
“Savethedramaforyourmissingpinkie,Sweeney,”Iretaliate,andwithoutturning,IshovemymiddlefingerupasIenter
theelevatorwithProphetandhismutedsecurityguard.
I turnaround, offeringSweeneya smugsmirk. Inresponse, he hurls a glass paperweight at the closingdoors, the object clatteringagainstthemaswebeginourascent
“You’reaveryunusualcreature,RavenKing,”Prophetsaysinaratherstrangeandcalmmanner,lookingatmewithintense curiosity
Butsomethingchangesinhisthoughtsashisfaceabruptlyturnsdeadpan.
“Ihadtheimpressionyouwereamouse,butsomethingaboutyoumakesmewanttodoexactlywhatSweeneysaid Don’t temptme,lass.Followmyorders,andyoumightsurvivethefirstnight.”
Anunexpectedforcefulsmackconnectswithmyface,andIsensethesearingpainasmyleftcheektearsopen.Iholdtheside ofmyfaceandlookdown,realizinghehitmewiththebackofhishandthathasseveralsilverskullrings There’ssomeblood onmyfingers,butIdoubtit’samassivecut.
It might sting right now, but I’ll survive this, asshole, and you will pay for it in your blood “Don’ttakemycomposureasanythingbutserious,”hespitsout,hismassivehandgrabbingholdofmyneckandpushingme againstthewalloftheelevator It’salreadytightinthismetalcompartment,andhethrowsmeagainsttheothersolid,hard,but silentbodywithus.Ibounceofftheguardandsmackagainsthisshoulder;mycheekwiththecuthitshisshoulder. Fuck.Nowit’sgoingtoalsobruise.
Killiansaid thatseveral Norwood Saintmembers are actual soldiers for the Brotherhood Iwonder ifI’ll bump into any soonand whether theyknow who Iamand whatImeanto their real leaders. I’mnotsure ifthis guard is one of them; his demeanorseemsprettywithdrawn,butifhe’saspy,hewouldneedtobe “Youhaveajobtodo,anduntil it’scompleted,you’ll beansweringtome,”Prophetcontinuestospew hiswordsout,and I’monly half-heartedly listening because I’mwondering where the fuck my men are. They should have been here like ten secondsago.
“Iselectedyouforareason,soconsideritaprivilege,”Prophetspitsoutattheendofhismonologue,andIrealizehe’sgot hislargeringedhandwrappedaroundmyneckoncemore,holdingmeup Hefinallyletsgoofmebutdoesn’tstepback,andIcollapseagainstthewall.He’ssocloseIcansmellhisbreath,something reminiscentofwhiskeyandcigarettes “Whatjob?”Iask,quicklybacktrackingwhathewasspewing.
Ihadn’tintendedformyvoicetosqueakasitjusthas,buthonestly,I’vebeenputtingupabravefrontagainstSweeneyand Prophet.Mynervesarecompletelyfrazzled,andthelastthingIwantistoshoweitherofthemthatI’measilymanipulatedout offear.
PerhapsitworkedbackonIgniswhenIposedachallengetoWest,Kazz,andKillian,butIhavenoideawhattoexpectwith Prophet.Theyareallrelated,andIcan’thelpbutrememberhowWeststrangledmewhenItookmytauntstoofar,butKazzand Killianwereneverphysicalwithme WestandKillianmanhandledmearoundinitially,butProphetisadifferentkindofthug He’sacontrolledpsychopathonamission.
“Induecourse,darling.”Thebastardreplies,winkingatme,andmyeyesdroptohismouthashisugly,pink,fattonguelicks hislowerlip Iwasrightabouthim.Themanisafuckingsociopath.
The elevator doors open, revealinga glass-enclosed roomthat functions as a waitingarea atop the building Shiftingmy focustotheloudbuzzingnoise,Iwitnessablackchoppertouchingdownonthedesignatedhelipadasweapproachtheglass door
I remain silently observing everything, trying to figure out what plan Prophet has for me. Meanwhile, my cheek feels painfullyhotandhasprobablyswollen.
Bastard
When my men find you, they’re gonna fucking gut you like a pig for rotisserie, and I’ll be there lighting up the charcoal and manually turning the damn spit
Iwon’ttouchmycheekagainbecauseI’mnotgivingProphetthesatisfactionthathehurtme.Iknowhistype,gettingoffon scaringwomen,puttingthemathismercy,revelinginthepowerplay Heisalethalbullywhotakespleasureinthetorment Thereisn’tanounceofcompassioninthismonster,notevenforhisownfleshandblood.
“Makesureshegetson.”
IwatchProphetopentheglassdoorandheadoutside Theloudnoiseandgustofwindquicklydissipateasthedoorswings shut.
Istand there, observingand wonderingwhathe’s planningas he dashes toward the helicopter, seizingthe pilot’s seat A minutelater,theoriginal pilotapproachesus,andtheguardleftinProphet’sabsencenudgesmeoutdoorsontothepurposely builtrooftophelipad.
Thewindroarslouderoutside.Climbingaboard,Isettleintoaseat,securingthebuckle.Theguardsetsmeup,andassoon asheoccupiestheseatbesideme,weascendintothesky,takingofftogodknowswhere.
IlookoutthewindowoverthecityofLondonbelowus.
Somewhere downthere are mymen, and Ihope theyare planningto come and collectme because Ihave no
whatthisdemonicassholepilotingthishelicopterispreparingforme,butIdoubtit’sanythinglessthansinister
WITHALLTHEPRECAUTIONSwetooktoenterToddSweeney’stowerblock,Ravenjustwaltzedstraightin,unprotected
andonherown.Whatthebloodyfuckwasshethinking?
This ain’t Disneyland Orchestrating business, property, and territory takeovers are activities we’ve practiced for years Whatshedidwasn'tbrave;itwassupremelythoughtless.Now,havochasourballsfirmlyinitsgrip,tugginghardateachofus, leavinganunsettlingtensioninitswake.
“Goddamnit,Revna!”Dylancursesfortheumpteenthtimeinarow.
WestpacessilentlyupanddowntheSUVaftergettingoffthephonewithoneofourmeninformingustheysawRaventaken toSweeney’soffice
“Wecouldgointhere,dragheroutinexchangeforthatring,”Isuggest,observingKazzasheremovesthetrackingdevice fromSweeney’sringusingthetipofhisknife
“Youdon’twanttodothat,son.”
The four of us immediatelydraw our guns as we lookup towards the buildingconstructionto find Butcher and his men pointingtheirweaponsdownatus.
Raven'sdisappearancehasalreadyleftusvulnerable.Wearefuckingsittingduckshere,andmyfathertookadvantageofthat. “GoingagainstaNorwoodSaintsorderwasnotawisethingtodo,lads”
“Fuckyou,Butcher,”Westsays,aiminghisgunupathim.It'salostcause;we'redefenselessagainstthetwentyorsoguns trainedonusfromabove
“Nah,boy,Ienjoyedfuckingyourwhoreofamother,andIdon’tdolittlelostboys.”
“West,ignoretheprick,”Icaution,staringatButcherwithsomuchvenomrightnow.“He’sonlyrilingyouup.”
Suddenly,thebuzzingsoundofahelicopterzoomslowpastus,closeenoughtorevealthefamiliarblackandwhitecrossand skullonitsside.ProphetmusthavebeenatSweeney'stowerthewholetime.
Thisisn'tgood
“That’syourwomanbeingtakenonanexcursion,”Butcherletsoutascoffinglaugh.
“Raven’sours,”Igrowlangrily “Youstolefromus”
“Ihaven’tevenseenthebitchyet.ButfromwhatIheard,shecouldn’twaittogetSweeney’sprickinhercunt.Guessshegot boredofyourtinyknobs.”
Myprotectiveinstinctssurgewithinmyveins,rawangershootingthroughme Mynervesthreatentoexplodeintoaseriously hacked-offlunatic.TheideaofanyonebutustouchingRavenisbeyondcomprehension.Thethoughtofsomeonehurtingherin anywaybringsoutakindofdarknessinmethatyearnstounleashmayhemontheworld
“I’mgoingtofuckingsnaptheassholeinhalf,”IhearDylanquietlyscowlashetenseshisshoulders,readyforabloodbath. I feel the same way, mate
“Whatdoyouwant?”Kazzsays,gettingtothepoint,knowingButcherisonlyheretorileusupanddareustomakethefirst move.He’sprettygoodatkeepingcalm,butdon’ttempthim.It’sthequietonesthatwillignitethemostvolatilemayhemwhen pushedhardenough
Inanycase,thisentiresceneisjustabluff.NorwoodSaintswouldn’tdareshootanothermember,especiallyus.
Unless No.Fuckno.
Couldhehavefinallygoneanddoneit?
Prophetorderedahitonus.
“Dropyourweaponsandfindout.”
This is anintended ambush. The tides have finallyturned. It’s anexecutionorder, and mybastard father has no qualms in takingouthisonlyson.
IglanceatWest,andtheintenselookhe’sgivenmemeanshe’sfigureditouttoo “You’dkillyourownson,”Isay,breathinghard.Itisn’taquestion;I’mstatingafact. “IhaveorderstotakeoutWestandtheAmerican YouandKazzhavebeenassignednewroles Onyourleftisablackvan Thementhereareunderorderstoescortyououtofthiszone.Isuggestyouputdownyourweaponsandgetinsideitnow.” IlookbackatWest,andhenodsatme Ithrowdownmygun,andKazzdoesthesame Butcherhuffsasarcasticlaugh.“Allofthem,Killian.You’remyson,boy.AsifyouthinkIdon’tknowyou.” IbitetheinsideofmycheektillitbleedsandmanagetheurgetostopmyselffromtakingtheSASknifeIhaveinmybootand flingingitstraightintothebastard'seye Heknowsnothingaboutme,notasinglethingfromallofmytwenty-sixyears I’dkill himinaninstant,too,regardless ofthe spermhe providedtoproduce me.He was never trulymyfather.The man rejected me like Iwas never good enoughfor him ThatburningresentmentIhad growingup morphed into pure numbness Technically,IharbornoemotionstowardthemanwhoismoreofastrangerwithwhomIshareDNA.
Idroparoundsixweaponsfrommybodyandsnarlangrilyupathim Myangerhidesatleastanotherfive,andtwoofthem aremyhands,readytocracksomebones.Somemightcallmeweaponshappy.Icallitinnovativethinkingfortimeslikethese. KazzandItakeofftowardsthevan,butwe’remetbytwosoldierswhotellustheyneedtopatusdown.
One will die intwentyseconds whenIsnaphis neck, andthe other will perishinKazz’s hands after he uses the Kukri to slicehisneckopen.
Igavemycousinthatknifeonhiseighteenthbirthday;henevergoesoutwithoutit Inoticedhedidn’tsubmititearlier The knifehasadistinctrecurveinitsblade,perfectfordrawingacrossathroatwhenholdingthevictiminanecklock.
“Armsout.”Thesoldierassignedtomelookslikehe’saroundtwenty,probablyanewrecruitunderButcher’sauthority.It’s ashamehehastodiesoyoung,butthisisn’tthescouts.Youdon’tjoinafirmlikeNorwoodSaintsasasoldierandexpectto livepastthirty.
BothKazzandIdoaswe’retold ThesmirkonmyfaceshouldhaveinformedthetwosoldiersI’vegotsomethingplanned upmysleeve.
Literally
Assoonastheobliviousguardpatsdownmycuff,hisskinfindsthebladethatlinesit.Hisunexpectedsurprisegrantsmea two-secondwindowofopportunity.Swiftly,Imaneuverhimintoalockhold,sensinghislastbreathasIbreakhisneck.Witha seamlessmotion,Isnatchthegunfromhisholsterbeforedroppinghimtotheground.
Asexpected,Kazzhastakencareofhisman,andwebothbegintoshootuptowardsthebuilding,takingtheattentionaway fromWestandDylan,givingthemenoughtimetotakecoverundertheconstructionawning KazzandIfindtheentranceandimmediatelydashupthestairstothefloor,searchingformyfather.Heintendedtotakeout mycousin,andforthat,hewillpay Hewantsafuckingassassination,thenhe’llgetone.
“Coverme,”Kazzsays.“IneedtowarnSamandtheboysthatNorwoodSaintshavelaunchedanexecutionambushagainst theBrotherhood”
“Howdidtheyknow?”IdoubtitwouldhavebeenArcher. Raven?
Thatwoman’sstubbornnessgoesalongway.Ican’tseeherbetrayinguseither.
“Dunno,cuz Butthewordneedstogotoourmen,especiallythemercs”
Inodandpullthesecondgunoutofthebackofmyjeans,andinonequicksuccession,Itakeoutallthreemenwhojustcame barrellingtowardsus.Theirbodiesdropalmostsimultaneously.
“Letmehaveyourfather,”Westsaysashecomesupbehindme “Youdon’thavetobetheone”
HethinksIneedprotection,butIfeelnothingforthemanwhofatheredme.
Notwantingtodivedeepintothethoughtsofmyfuckedupfamilyissues,myeyecatchesDylanagainstawalltakingcover Hetakesoutaguychargingathimfromaroundthecorner.Hisbulletshittheirtargetsstraighton.DespitewhatIstillthinkof theasshole,he’sgotabloodygoodaim
ExactlylikeRaven.Fuck.Ican’tthinkofherrightnowandwhatmyfathersaidSweeneydidtoher.Myragewillhindermy abilitytofight.Iswearthiswomanwillbethefuckingdeathofme.
“IwantButcher alive,” Ishout, ensuringevenKazzhears me “Ifhe knows where mymumis, I’ll need to extractitfrom him.”
Westnodsinunderstanding;Kazzglancesinmydirection,acknowledgingmydemand,andshutshisphone Hetakesuphis gunandstartsfiring.
“IhadamissedcallfromSam,”Kazzexplains,repeatedlytakingaimandshootingback.“Theywerealreadyinformedofthe ambushandhavegoneundergroundtosecuremoretroopsandwaitforourcommand.TheygotholdofNealandsomeofthe mercs,buthedoesn’tbelieveitwasNealwhorattedusout.IorderedhimtostarttheblockadesagainstallaccessintoLondon.
Prophetwon’tbegettinganyoutsideassistance.”
“Lookslikethewarhasstarted,lads,”Ideclare,fullyawarethatthismomentwasboundtocomesoonerorlater.Ourmen havetrainedforthisevent,evenifitisasspontaneousasitisrightnow
“Weneedtokeepadvancing,”Westshoutsatme.“Kazz,coverus.”Inodandfollowrightbehindhimasheleadstheway. KazzkeepsusbothshieldedashefiresroundafterroundandshoutstoDylantodothesame
Iglidecarefullyonthewall,usingitasmyprotection;onebulletskidsacrossthecornerofthewall,rightpastmyface.West getsthearseholewithoneclearshot
This floor is mayhem, everyone shootingeachother, gunfire around us. Ineed to find Butcher;Iwanthimcaptured alive. Chunksofconcreteflyintomyeyesasmorebulletspingaroundme.Idiveandtakecoveronanotherwall,huddlingdownand takingthe menoutas Ishoottheir ankles and roll over to the nextwall Westis opposite me, and we interchange witheach otheraswemoveforward.
Icannot see the manI aimto capture, and it's not until we move more across this semi-completed buildingto notice the externalliftontheotherside,whichI’msuremyfatherusedtoescape.
Fuckingwimpofabastard
“Butcher’sgone,IyellatWest.There’saconstructionliftattheendofthisfloor.”
Iwatchmycousinsneeratmywords,knowinghisangerisn’tdirectedatmebutatthecowardwhobailedonhisownmen.
“Well then,it’s time we waste all our bullets,” he gets upandcharges throughlike the madmanIknow himas Isignal to Kazz,andhecoversusfurther,takingdownanystraysWestandIleaveinourdeadlywake.
Ikeepshootinguntil mygunringsemptywithadull click,andItakeoffrunning,divingontoadeadbodyandswipingthe semi-autoweapon.
Thefasterwegetthisdone,thequickerwecangetoutofherebeforethefeds1arrive,asnoneofuscanaffordtobedetained whileRavenisstilloutthereinenemyhands IstayfocusedandkeepshootinguntilallofButcher’ssoldiersaretakenoutof commission.
Oncesilenceeruptsaroundus,wedoawalkaroundandshootdeadanyonewho’ssurvived Notoneofthesemenbelongto us,sotherearenoqualmsaboutendingthelivesofthetosserswhojusttriedtokillus.Mycousinsarethefutureleadersbythe bloodrightofthefirm,andtheyjusttriedtoremoveoneofthempermanently.Noneofthatshitsitswellwithme.
Weknow exactlywhereourinternal molessit Rightbesidetheboss,theyreportbacktousandwill actonourcommand ButevenifRaven’sintrouble,theyknowtostanddown.Noonewillactunlesstheygetadirectorderfromoneofus,sowe needtore-groupandstartsendingourinstructionsout
“I’llcallaclean-upcrew,”Kazzsaysaswetallyupthefallensoldiers.
“BetterbeNorwoodSaintcrew,'causeweain’tcleaninguptheirfuckupsonourbill,”Westspitsangrily It’saweirdfeelingknowingthefirmwewereborninto theonethatgaveusnochoiceinjoining hassuddenlyturned againstus.
“Iguesswe’reatwarnow,”Iadd,andit'smoreofastatementthanquestioningthisfact “Itwasboundtohappen,”Kazzsays,lookingupfromhisphoneatus.“We’vebeenheadinginadifferentdirectionforyears, andProphet’sbeennothingbutabloodythorninoursides Weneverneededhim,andthisiswhatpissedhimoffthemost He’s fuckingintimidatedbyus.”
“Look,mate,”WestaddressesDylan,who’sbeenunusuallysilent.“Thisain’tyourfight.Youdon’twanttogetcaughtupin this,consideringthey’vealsomarkedyounow.”
IwatchtheAmerican’sbrowfurrowandhislipscurlintoanangrysnarl.
“You’re right,it’s notmyfight ButI’mstayingfor Revna The three ofyoucanbattle itoutwithyour fathers tofindyour missingbrother,butI’mstayingbecausemywomaniscaptured,anduntilIputabulletinSweeney’shead,I’llbestaying.”
Heseemssincereenough,andhisheadisintherightplace,butcanwetrusthimonoursideinawaragainsttheNorwood Saints?Who’stosayhewon’tsellusout?
Iwant to suspect he was the one to sell us out to Prophet, but the truthis, he doesn’t know enoughto have done so. He wouldn’tknowaboutNealandwhothemercenariesare.
No,thiswasaninsidejob.
IobserveDylanturnabodyoverandremovetheweaponstopocketthemforhimself Wecoulddowiththekindofskillshe has.ThisisthesecondtimeI’vewitnessedhiminaction.Albeit,thefirsttime,Ihadmybackonhimandonlysawtheresults, butthisgeezerisonelethalfuckwithnoremorseforwhohetakesdown Exactlylikeus.
LettinghimstayalsomeansacceptinghimasoneofRaven’slovers.Thisisn’tsomethingI’mpreparedtoallow,andIknow theothertwoarealsopartialtothisidea
That’swhyIremainsilent.Ican’tmakethatdecisiontothrowDylanonaplaneandsendhimpackingoutofthecountry,nor canItellhimtostayeither
Ignoringmycurrentinternaldilemma,Icallupthelift,andwhilewe’rewaiting,Kazzreceivesamessagefromthecleaning
crew thatthey’ll be here infive minutes.Bestwe remove ourselves fromthe vicinitybefore more soldiers arrive totryand takeusout.
“Iunderstandyourfrustration,”WestexplainstoDylan “ButstayingheretofightwithusandgetRavenbackwon’tjustify yourclaimonher.Ifyou’reexpectinghertoleavethecountrywithyou,you’reonestepclosertomeputtingaguntoyourhead andpullingthetrigger,andIdon’tcarewhatpromiseIgaveRaven”
Dylanhuffsalaughfullofsarcasmthatgratesonmyflippin’nerves.
“Idon’tgiveashitwhatyouthink,”hespews “I’manindependentpersonandmakemyownrules”
“You’re a tosser onthe runfromhis owngangwho’s outfor your blood,” Isay, knowingfull well aboutthe price puton Dylan’sheadbyBSR,whosuspecthehadsomethingtodowiththeBritishinvasionontheirholyground.
Weallhavepricesonourarsesfromthem,buthe’sgoneAWOLfromthegangaftertheirleaderwastakenout Youdon’tjust abandonyourgangsowilly-nillyandexpecttherewon’tberepercussionsfromit.
“Tryme,asshole Ijustsavedyourfuckingassfrombeingwipedoutfromyourowndickheadfather,”helevelsupcloseto measifhewantsafuckingfight.
I’llbehappytogivehimone
Rightnow,thisarseholeisoneminuteawayfromgettinghisheadknockedbacktoAmerica.
“Dylan, you need us to rescue Raven.” Kazz, of course, will throw in his reasoning to keep the peace fromthe trouble brewing between us and him “This is unknown territory for you on Norwood Saint’s homeland We all want the best for Raven.WeknowhowtomaneuverwithinProphet’sterritoryandhissoldiers.”
Silencefallsonallfourofusaswetakethelifttothegroundfloor
“Kazz,weneedtomeetwithourmenandgetanupdateonthecurrentsituation,”Westisn’tgoingtowasteanytimetobegin ourplanofattack.“Ifthisistrulythewarweplannedfor,thenweneedtostartcallinginsoldiersfromtheirposts.Alertother gangsthataninternaltakeoverisunderway.Anyexternalinterferencewillbetreatedashostile.Existingpeacetreatiesremain ineffectbutwillbecanceledandruthlesslydealtwithiftheyattempttointerfere.”
HenodsatWest,andIwatchhimgetonhisphonetosendoutthewarnings We’vebeenplanningthisforyears,anditseems unreal.Butweallhaveapositionandaroletoplay,andthisisn’tthetimetodallyaroundonemotions.
“WeneedtoleavetheSUVfornow,incaseButcherbuggeditwhilewewereupstairs,”Westadds “Haveourmenpickit upandrunacleaningsearchonit.Weshouldtakepublictransportfornow.Theywon’texpectustodothat,andit’llmakeus untraceable until we getnew plates onthe car.KillianandDylan,youneedtogetintoRoxies andremove all the remaining girls,informwhichevermercshavegoneintohidingtocollectthem,thenbombthefuckingplacetoash.”
“BombingAverlingParkwillgetonProphet'stitsmorethanRoxies,”Isuggest. Westgivesmeacrookedsmirk
“I’mwithyouonthat,Cuz.Destroyittillit’snothingbutrubble,butI’msurethat’swhereProphetistakingRaven.Theplace willbeonlockdownlikeafuckingfortress TheattackonRoxieswillbeadistraction Hecan’tputallhisgoldengeeseinone flock.He’llneedtospreadthemout,andthiswillweakenhim.”
“Rightthen,”thecornerofmyeyecatchesareddouble-deckercomingdowntheroad.“We’llbeintouch,”Isalutemytwo cousins and grab Dylan There’s no point in arguing with the American If he wants to stay, then he needs to be useful Otherwise,I’llpoponeinhisheadanddumphisuselessarseonthecurb.
“EverbeenonanUncleGus?”Iaskhimwithacoysmirk “Awhat?”heasksaswerunacrossthestreet.
Theredbusstopstopickuppassengers,andwejustaboutmakeitonboardbeforethedriverslamsitsdoors
1.British–slangforcops,notassociatedwiththeAmericanFBI
“WE’REATAVERLINGPARK,”IsayaloudasProphetleadsmethroughalargehallwayinsidehismansion Heignoresme andisobviouslynotthechattytype.
NotthatIneedconfirmationofwherewe’reat,butifKazzislisteningin,heneedstobeawareofmylocation Ihopethat whatevertheyareplanning,theydoitfastbecausethingsareabouttogetseriouslycreepy.
Prophethassomemissionforme,andhe’sleadingmeupstairsinthis Dynasty-esquemansionofhis.Thisplaceismassive, the type of building one sees on one of those daytime billionaire saga soap series that housewives in the 80s would get addictedto.It’sevendecoratedasifAlexisCarringtonrosefromhergraveandpersonallydesignedit.Icouldalmostenvision peoplelivingheredonningweaponizedmanicures,glitzybighair,bitchysmiles,gaudyglam,and,totopitoff,wearingsharp shoulderpads,theonesyoucouldlandaplaneon.
Gold,gold,andmorefuckinggold
It’safuckingmagnate’s80smuseum.
It’sflashy,downrighttrashy,andexpensiveashell.
It’snothinglikethetypeofluxuryIsaw backonIgnis.Kazztoldmeallfourofthemplayedabigpartinhow theywanted theirhometolooklike.Andit’smodern,sleek,minimal,andgorgeous.
AverlingParkis daunting, overlydecorated, and imposinglygrand The cold, emotionless aura infused into this supposed homesendsashiverdownmyspine.
The urge to call Prophet out for his tragic decoratingskills and taste prevails But I shut downthat impulse because the swellingononesideofmyfaceremindsmenottocrossanyboundarieswiththisdemoniclunatic.
The door infrontofus opens to reveal a spacious suite. I’mpushed inside, quicklytakinginmysurroundings. Itappears morelikeadressingareathanabedroom,withthreeolder-lookingwomenawaitingus Myeyesbrieflycatchaglimpseofa railadornedwithfancy,shinyeveninggowns.Ihavenoideawhatisexpectedofmehere,butIstronglysuspectthesedresses aren’tintendedforProphet’seveningattirebutformine
“AretheseallthedressesJessicabroughtover?”hequestionsonewomanstandingbythegarmentrail.
“Yes, Sir,” she replies, keepingher answers shortand sweet ButIdon’tmiss the stiffness inher face and the fear inher eyes.
Allthreewomenhavesimilarrigidexpressions.
It’sclearthey’vealldealtwithhimbefore
Iwatchhimeyethegownsbutnottakemuchinterestinthem.Forverydifferentreasons,Ialsopossessnointerestinthese supershiny,overlyembellisheditemsthatIwouldneverselectformyselftowear
Hepullsouttwodresses,onedeepredandtheotherblack,bothlong,fitted-looking,andglitzy.Heshovesthemagainstthe womanstandingnexttousandthenturnstome
“IwanttoseeyouinbothdressesandthenI’llmakethefinaldecision.”
“What is this all about?” I ask, dislikingthe fact that I have to parade myself around like a brokenpeacockto this sick bastard
“Allinduecourse,darling.Fornow,you’llallowMiss…”helooksblanklytowardsthewomanwiththedresses.
“Nancy,Sir”
“Miss.Nancy.Toassistyou.” He moves away,settlingintothe armchair inthe same cross-leggedmanner he displayedin Sweeney’soffice.Heactsasifeverythinghegraceswithhisassisathroneforhim. Ilookaroundforabathroomorsomewheretochangeuntilhorrorsetsinthathe’sexpectingmetoundressinfrontofhim. “Fuckyou,Prophet.Thisisn’tafreenudistshow.I’mhappywiththeclothesI’mcurrentlywearing.”
“You’llchangeintothosedresses,orIwillhaveyoutieddownwhilemymencutyououtofthoseclothesandstitchyouinto thegowns.”
Istareathimunmoved,myeyesdaringhimtomakeamove
“Whichwillitbe?”Heglaresbackatme,andIcanalmostfeelhiswrathcrawlingupmyspine,causinganinternalshiver foronebriefmoment
There’snodoubtinmymindthathe’llactonhisthreat,andthethoughtofwhathedidtoWestthateveninginfrontofaroom fullofpeoplecastsadisgustedtasteonmytongue Cruelbastard.
“You’reafuckingpervert.”
“Youaren’tmytypeintheslightest,”hehuffsalaugh,andIcringe,myattentionfixatedonthedeep,worn-outlinesaround hiseyes.
Howdoesthisdisgustingassholegettohavesomuchpower?
“I’mjustcurioustoknowwhatitisyouhavethatmyboysguardyoulikeyou’retheholydivinityandwhySweeneyforked outtwo pointfive millionfor thatbigarse ofyours You’re prettybutnotthatspecial looking, so Ihave to imagine there’s somethingaboutyourcunt.Callmecurious.”
Myeyeswidenwithsurprise.Ican’tcontaintheshockuponlearninghowmuchthatpervybuddyofhispaidforme.Ionce readsomewherethatJenniferLopezhadherassinsuredfortwomilliondollars Thatmakesminehalfamilliondollarsmore preciousthanhers.
Holy, fuck me gentle with a chainsaw, crazy!
Mymindhascollapsedandtryingtofranticallyfanitselfbacktolife.
Itakeamomenttoletitallsinkinandrecover.
ShouldIbeflattered?BecauseIfeelsickenedtothepointthatbilerisesupmythroat.
Prophet sits straight up inhis chair withthis smirkthat I just want to wipe off his fuckingface usingthe most abrasive scrubbingpadexisting
Isaunterovertohim,leandownasIgetintohispersonalspace,andrestmyhandsovereitherofthechair’sarms.
“Sweeneyneverhasandwillnevergettheprivilegeofmypussy”
Imovemyfaceclosertohisjustforeffect,althoughI’mnotsurewhereI’mgoingwiththis.Mysanitymayhaverunoffafter findingoutI’mworthmorethanJlo.
“Understandthis.Igivemyboyfriendssomethingnoonecanforceoutofme.Soyoucandressmedowntomybirthdaysuit oruplikeaBarbie,JessicaRabbit,orwhateverelseyoursick,fucked-upmindcomesupwith.Youcantrafficme,rapeme, tortureme,andkillme Butnoonewilleverexperiencethemagicofwhatyourboysreceivefromme”
AfewsecondspassasIsearchhisfaceforanexpression,butit’sblank,andIliftmyselfoffandwalkovertothedressrack. Withmybacktohim,IliftoffmytopandtossittoNancy Withinseconds,adoorslams,andIturntofindthearmchairempty andProphetgone.
Iturntothethreewomen,andtheystareatme,horrified.
“Youwon’tbeneeded,”Itellthem “Justleave”
Exceptthewomendon’tbudge.
“Justawordofadvice,Miss Don’tpisshimoff” I’mnotsurewhoitcomesfrom,butIthinkitwasthemakeupartist,andIcockmyheadather.
“Doyoualsodothemake-upoftheslaveswhentheyareforcedtoperform?”
“No,Miss.Idon’tknowaboutslaves.IhandlethemakeupforMr.St.John’sgirlfriends,andMirandatakescareoftheirhair whenwe’resummonedbythesalonweworkfor.”
“Isee Howmanygirlfriendsdoesthebastardhave?”
Shecastsmeasympatheticsmile.“Idon’tknow,Miss.It’susuallyadifferentgirl.” “Girl?Howoldarethey?”
Shestayssilent.
Istareatallthreewomen
“Aretheyyoungerorolderthaneighteen?” “Ineverask.”
He’safuckingpedophile
Theguystoldmetheirmotherswereyoung,andItrytorememberiftheymentionedtheirages.KilliansaidKazz’smomis notmucholderthanthetwins,whichiswhytheydon’trefertoherastheirstepmombutmorelikeanoldersister Iftheother twomothersweretrafficked,there’sasignificantchancetheywereyoungteenagers perhapsjuststartingtheirperiods and that’swhytheyfellpregnant.
My fingers twist the colorful woven friendship bracelet around my wrist as my mind swirls in loops of an oncoming migraine.Ipinchthebaseofmynose,tryingtopreventsomethinginevitable.I’mgoingtocrashanyminutefrommyvexation.
Iwantto kill the bastard, and myfingers continue to twirl over the wovenbraceletas mymind goes to the youngblonde mutedgirlatGenesisX’sranch.
Thisdeeplybothersme BoththetwinsandKillian’smomswereminorswhentheyhadthem;howdidtheauthoritiesnotact onthisobviouslyillicitrelationship?
Mostlikely,theywerepaidtoturnablindeye,ortheyneverknewaboutthesetraffickedwomen
“Please,Miss,”thehairstylisturges.“Itwon’tendwellforanyone.Letusdoyourhairandmakeupaswewereasked.”
Turningtowitnessthecoldfeargrippingtheirfaces,asmuchasIwouldlovetoactthepetulantprisoner,Iwon’tputthese womenindanger.Givenhow coldlyProphetstruckmeearlier,Iwouldn’tputitpasthimthatheabusesanyonewhodoesn’t submittohiswill.
Evenwomenandchildren Especiallythem.
DespitemyinnervoicetellingmetogoagainstwhatProphetwants,Ipulloutthechairfromthemakeuptableandsitquietly down.
Igazeatmyfaceinthemirrorandnoticethewoundonmycheek It’sswollenred,andthere’ssomesmearedbloodonmy skin,butit’snotadeepcut.
“Ifyoucanfindsomeantiseptictoputonmycheekbeforeyoupileonthecoverupmakeup,I’dappreciateit.”
ThewomenbreatheasighofreliefandgettoworkfussingaroundmeasIquietlyletthemgetonwithit Thesooner they finish,thefastertheycanleavethedevil’slairandreturntotheirlives.Iwouldn’twishthisjoborclientonanyone.
Myhairisnaturallywavyandcurly,reachingwaypastmyshoulders,andrarelydoIhavetostyleit It’susuallyawash-anddrysituationandtendstofallintoplacewithoutmucheffort.
Thesamegoesformakeup.Irarelywearany;ifIdo,it’llbeasmokey-eyeandred-lipkindoflook.
Except these ladies went the extra mile to perfect a look only a professional could achieve. My hair has been flattened straighttothesmoothest,sleekestlookI’veeverseenit.Notonefrizzythreadofhairexistsonmyhead.Itlooksperfectlikean expensivewig,exceptit’snot
Andit’slongasifIhadextensionsputin.Buteverythingisrealandmyown.AndIdon’tthinkI’veeverfeltitsosilkysoft. Myfaceisthegamechanger IhavecheekbonesIneverknew Themakeupartistisacontouringgenius “Myface,”Isay,staringatmyself.“Ilooksopretty.”
“No,luv.YouhaveabeautifulcanvasIwasabletoworkwith.Makeupisnotusedtomakesomeoneprettybuttohighlight thebeautygodgavethem.”
Ilookupatthemakeupartistandhairstylistandsmileappreciatively.
“Thankyou”
Suddenly,thedoorburstsopen,andweallturntoseeProphetenterwithtwomenIassumearehissecurity.Butmyeyesgo directlytowhathe’scarrying IsthatwhatIthinkitis?
“Grabthewhoreanddrapeherfrontbodyoverthebackofthearmchair,”hespitsout,red-facedandfumingfire.Hisblond shoulder-lengthhairisdisheveledlikesomedemoniccharacteroutofacomicstrip Andhe’slookingstraightatmebecauseI’vebecomehisnextvictimtosatisfyhisdementedsoulwith.
Iabruptlyget up fromthe chair, forcinga trayofmakeup infront ofme to capsize, but no one dares to save it Looking around,Irealizethereisnowheretorunto.
Astheyapproachme,Igrabthehot-lookingelectricironpokingoutfromProphet’sbagandbashthefaceofthefirstguard whoattemptstomanhandleme.
TheonlythingIachievewaslettingtheother onegrabmefrombehind,lockinghisarmsaroundmybody,butImanageto swingtheironacrosshisneck Itburnshim,andIescapehisgripbutsmackintothefirstguard,whotripsmetothefloorand restrains me fast. I’mscreaming, kicking, and witheringinhis grasp, but these menare huge and well-trained fighters. I’m completelyoverpoweredbytheirstrengthandexpertise
Myfrontbodyispickedupasifmyweightisthatofafeatherandpushedtodrapeoverthearmchairandforciblyhelddown. Prophet’s voice is behindme,andIfeel myjeans rippedoffmylegs,alongwithmythong I’mstandingbottomless withmy nakedassexposedintheair.
“Go fuckyourself, youfuckingperverted old man!” Iscreamand thrasharound. “Ialways knew rape was your thing, you pedophile,sonofafuckingbitch!”
“Staystill,youmingingslag.Otherwise,thiswill lookall wonky,andI’ll havetokeepbrandingyourentirebodyuntil the imageisclear”
“No,youasshole!Stopit!”Iscreamandyell.
Thispieceofshitisgoingtofuckingbrandmewiththatinstrument.
Suddenly,Ifeelthepiercing,burninghotirononmyskin,andmycriesgotodeafearsasthetearsstreamdownmyface.The faintestsoundofsizzlingskinisheard,andthen,aflashofseverepainthatacceleratesaboveanythingIcouldever imagine.
