Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
“Aye. With a bit of luck, it could lead us to whoever the fuck is responsible,” I say, glancing at him. “Let’s get out of here before the fuckers come back. I suspect this shite will be leaving the warehouse later tonight.”
We slip out of the warehouse, our movements stealthy. As we make our way back to the car, I scan our surroundings, just in case we’re being watched, but see nothing out of the ordinary.
“You know, I’m proud of you,” Hadrian says as he drives us through the streets to my father’s house.
“What? Why?” I look at him, wanting to know the thoughts that are currently racing through his mind.
Hadrian’s always been reflective. In the past, when I’d ask him something, he’d never answer immediately. His response would always be well thought out and filled with passion for whatever subject I was questioning him about.
“I’m proud because you’ve taken on the role of boss without any hesitation, and you’ve been very successful at it. I wanted you to escape this life, but that was because I thought you were too innocent to cope with the shite that comes with it. You’ve proved me wrong.” His voice is filled with a gentle pride that makes me smile.
“Working for my father’s organisation wasn’t the path I wanted to pursue, but the focus it gave me after you left was very welcome,” I tell him honestly.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers as we slowly pull into the street where I grew up.
“You don’t have to apologise. I understand, and I’m okay with it. I told you.” I glance at him for a moment.
“I know, but I do regret hurting you.” He turns my way and takes my hand. “I will make sure you and your father are safe. Nothing is going to happen to either of you.”
“Thank you.” My response is barely above a whisper, but Hadrian nods with a smile.
Once we’ve parked up, we exit the vehicle and head for the house. I know Gordon won’t be here this evening, so Hadrian will have time to talk to my father.
Inside, I turn to Hadrian and say, “You go up and see him. A word of warning, though, I haven’t told him that I suspect we have a traitor in the organisation or that Gordon may be responsible. I didn’t want to bother him until we had more proof, so I am not sure how he will react when you tell him. You know where his private living room is. I’ve got a few errands to run. I’ll take one of the other cars.”
“Take care. I’ll catch up with you later,” Hadrian tells me, and for a split second, I’m sure he’s going to lean in and kiss me, but he doesn’t, and I can’t deny that I’m disappointed.
I know I should be focused on the investigation right now, and I don’t know if there’s even a chance for us in the future, but I’m holding out hope that there may be.
NINE
REV
The door to Shaun Hunt’s private lounge looms ahead, its polished wood gleaming in the dim light of the hallway. I take a deep breath, steadying myself before knocking. This conversation has been a long time coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
I hear a gruff “Enter” from the other side, and pushing the door open, I step into the room.
Mr Hunt is seated in an armchair with a pillow supporting his back. The room overlooks the garden. I’ve never been in here before. When I worked for him, his men were only ever allowed downstairs. As I take in the photos of Harley and her mother that adorn the fireplace, I can’t help but wonder what life would have been like for him if his wife hadn’t died. I can tell this is a room of escape from the job, from the organisation.
His stern face, lined with age and wisdom, turns towards me, and nodding, he indicates to the chair that’s positioned facing him.
“Hadrian. Sit. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen ya. I didn’t think you’d grace this town with your presence ever again.”
“Thank you, sir,” I say, lowering myself into the chair. I feel awkward, and my hands rest uneasily on my knees. “I never planned to come back. I thought I wouldn’t be welcome. When I left, I felt guilty because you gave me and my brother so much.”
He studies me for a long moment, his piercing eyes not missing a thing. “I don’t hold grudges against people unless they owe me money.” He chuckles at that, and I can’t help but smile.
If you were to meet Shaun in the pub, you would never think he was a notorious gangster. He just looks like a normal, everyday guy. But I know he’s far from it.
“To what do I owe this unexpected visit?”