I lowered the window, hoping I could hear movement or some sign of the kid’s bike.
There’s no way I lost you.
Undoing my seat belt, I grabbed the duffle bag on the passenger seat next to me and scooted it closer.
So close. So fucking close.
I had just about reached the end of the alley when sight of the bike appeared. Yet, I didn’t see Devin or Phoenix.
Is this a set up?
“I’m down the side street’s alley. Have your guns ready.” I stopped ten feet behind the parked bike and shut off the truck. Scanning the space, I reached for a gun inside of the duffle bag.
A feminine voice sounded next to me. Metal pressed to the back of my head. “You don’t need whatever you’re trying to grab so put your hands up.”
That is not Phoenix.
I tried to turn around.
“Nope,” she said. “Freeze or I’ll put a bullet in your head.”
I went still.
“Damn, man.” She let out a dark chuckle. “You didn’t wear your seat belt? That’s suicidal.”
Chapter 4
Outmaneuvered
CAIN
I
s this her friend or someone else?
The strange woman spoke, “Raise your hands. Very slowly.”
Inch by inch, I lifted my hands into the air.
The passenger door opened.
The kid dove in, grabbed the bag, yanked it open, and took the three guns I had. “Thanks. I like these.”
I frowned. “Isn’t that a bit greedy, son. Your mother already bought you two.”
“Like I said.” He rummaged through the bag more. “I’m a lucky boy.”
Metal tapped my head.
The door clicked open.
The woman spoke, “Get your bitch ass out of the truck.”
“So, I can move now?”
“Very slowly.”
Clenching my teeth, I kept my hands up, inched to the side, and faced in that direction.
Well. . .I finally get to meet Phoenix’s friend.
The unfamiliar woman held a shot gun at the window. It was in that moment that I realized she was wearing the clothes that I thought Phoenix was wearing as she rode on the back of the bike.
Outmaneuvered, yet again.
With my hands still in the air, I scooted off the seat and stepped out.
Good one, Phoenix. I always knew you were smart.
The kid suddenly came from the front of the truck, pointing my own guns at me.
I scanned the space behind them. “Where’s Phoenix?”
The kid grinned. “I don’t know anybody named Phoenix.”
“You know something.” I gritted my teeth. “I usually don’t kill kids, but for you. . .”
He winked. “You’ll make an exception?”
“Definitely.”
“I have that effect on people.”
The woman spoke, “Stop talking to him, Devin.”
Devin is the kid’s name. I’ll remember that.
The woman aimed the shotgun at my heart. “Hello there.”
Keeping my hands up, I put my attention on her. “Good evening.”
“I’ve been wanting to meet you. My name is Quin.”
“And my name is Cain.”
She stepped back. “Actually, it’s Cole.”
“Not if you want to keep on living another day.” I sneered.
“I’m the one holding the shot gun.”
“But you haven’t shot it yet.”
She tilted her head to the side. “You want me to shoot it?”
“I only want Phoenix.”
“She’s not here.”
“I see that.”
Devin moved closer to me. “Get away from the truck.”
I stepped to the side.
Devin flicked the gun. “Go some more until I tell you to stop.”
I stifled my growl and continued stepping to the side. When I moved six feet from the opened door, Devin barked, “Stop.”
“You’re a big dude.” Quin shook her head again. “One bullet might not be enough.”
I frowned. “What’s your plan?”
Quin eyed me. “What do you think it is?”
“I think you’re going to shoot me here and then get rid of the truck.”
“Wrong.” Devin shot the truck’s front tire. “No need to drive it around. The cops are probably looking for it, after the wrecks you caused.”
“I believe we caused those wrecks.”
Quin moved one hand from the shot gun and ran her fingers through her hair. “I’m battling some shit in my head right now. I heard you used to be a priest.”
“Not a priest, but almost.”
She smirked. “You think you can help me, father?”
“Tell me your sins.”
“Every night I dream about killing this motherfucker that hurt my friend.” A neutral mask covered her face. “In my head, I see it. I hold a shot gun to his chest just like this and then I pull the trigger. The bullets hit him. It’s bullet to skin to blood to veins to organs. His chest explodes. He falls to the ground.”
“That’s it?”
“I get joy from the thought.”
“There’s a simple solution to that problem.”
“Really?”
I nodded. “Say three Hail Marys and then put the shotgun away.”
“Then, God will forgive my evil thoughts?”
“It would be proper penance.”
“Hmmm.” She bobbed her head. “And if I kill him?”
“You won’t kill me.” I studied her. “I’m just wondering why not.”
“You know why not.”
Confused, I quirked my brows. “I don’t.”
“Phoenix doesn’t want me to kill you.”
I couldn’t help but curl my lips into a smile.
Quin hissed. “Take that fucking smile off your face!”