Boss, Darrell stopped talking as I slammed my fist into the table.
I raised my narrowed gaze to my number two and tapped the photo. I want him brought to me.
Boss, that’s not the,
I whipped by head toward Tony and cut him off, I don’t give a shit what the plan is. I want him brought to me.
I pushed back my chair and exited the room. I made my way back to the interrogation room and pulled out a cart from the storage closet, scanning over the various tools before adding a few of my favorites to the mix.
This isn’t just about what Sanford did, is it ? Darrell was leaning against the wall by the door. I didn’t answer as I continued to adjust the tools on the cart to fit the punishment that I had in mind. You can’t let her get to you like this, Carter.
I picked up the butcher knife and threw it toward the door, turning back to the cart as Darrell lifted his hand and wiped the trickle of blood from his ear. He reached over and pulled the knife from the padded wall and walked to the cart, picking up a towel and wiping the crimson liquid from the blade before setting it back in it’s place.
I continued to sort the tools without looking up.
You saw the look in her eyes, the way she reacted when I was filling that syringe, she was seventeen at the time Kent took her, her sister fifteen. Imagine what Thomas’ boys were thinking and feeling when that bastard tortured them. They’re only twelve for God’s sake. I want him to feel everything they felt and more. I want to break him before I bleed him out.
We have a plan Boss. I promise you, he will feel everything they felt and more. Just let us take care of him. Darrell laid a hand on my shoulder, Carter, you know I think of you as an older brother. And from one brother to another, you need to reign in your emotions where Lea is concerned. If you don’t, they are not only going to get you and her killed, but the rest of us as well. Let us handle Sanford.
I clenched the sides of the cart and drew in a deep breath. As usual Darrell was right. I had lost my cool more than once today, each time due to the unexplained feelings for the girl on the opposite end of the house.
Fine, but I want a full report on my desk as soon as it’s done.
Of course, Boss.
Darrell’s phone pinged and I watched as his face went from disbelief to amused, Well, it looks like someone is awake from their nap and is in tantrum mode.
I shoved the cart back into the storage room, locked the door, and followed Darrell down the hallway to the opposite corridor. The sounds of glass shattering filled the air.
Put that down. – Leon
Do you know how much that cost, Young Lady ? – Henry
How the hell did she even get out, the door was locked. – Paul
I walked around the corner and dodged one of the many antique vases that decorated the house.
Awe shit, None. she hissed as I raised an eyebrow and looked to the now shattered vase. I thought I freaking dreamed the whole kidnapped by the murderers crap. Lea slid down the wall and pressed her palms into her eyes. Guess that’s one very real nightmare.
Henry, have Mahalia bring the broom, dust pan, and a trash bin. I kept my eyes on Lea as I spoke.
Yes, Sir. Henry turned toward the servants’ quarters.
How many ? I asked Leon.
She was able to get her hands on three of the vases before you showed up, Boss.
I looked over to the door of Lea’s room, noting the glass on the floor, I take it she busted the glass out of the door as well ?
Yes, Sir.
I nodded, Take it off.
WHAT !? Lea screeched as she looked over me.
Mahalia stepped around the corner with the supplies I had requested. I took the broom, dustpan, and trash can from the older woman. Thank you Mahalia, your dismissed.
Yes, Sir, Henry’s wife bowed her head and slipped quietly around the corner.
I held the items out to Lea, If you want to act like a two year old child, then you will be treated like a two year old child. Now, you can clean up the mess you made, Lea
Lea looked from me, to Darrell, to Paul and Leon, and back to me. Now, Lea.
Now Lea, she mimicked as she stood. Fine, give me the damn things and get out of my way, None.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I’m going out to the range, watch her, I nodded to Darrell, Leon and Paul. I didn’t wait for a response as I turned and left Lea standing in the middle of my three men.
I could hear Darrell speaking low and tight as I rounded the corner and stopped to listen to the conversation taking place.
It would be in your best interest to stop antagonizing him, Lea. You should be grateful your still alive.
What am I, the freaking charity case ?
Boss doesn’t do charity, Lea. I believe that he made that clear the night at the diner.
Then if he doesn’t do charity, why am I still alive ? What stopped him from pulling the trigger ?
I could picture Darrell shaking his head, a small smile on his lips, I can’t answer that.
Yea well, apparently neither can None.
I’m only going to warn you this once, Lea.
Warning duly noted, Number Two. Now, if you don’t mind, I have to clean up.
It’s Darrell, Lea.
I could hear hear the frustration in Darrell’s voice and the smirk in Lea’s, What is ?
What is what ? I chuckled as Darrell played right into Lea’s hand.
What. Is. Darrell ?
My name, Lea. I could hear Leon and Paul trying to hide their laughter as Darrell growled out, Has anyone told you how annoying you are ?
Lea laughed bemusedly, I do believe, Number Two, that I told you and Number Three and Number Four earlier this morning that I knew exactly how annoying I could be. Didn’t I ?
Darrell let out a frustrated sigh, Yes, yes you did. I was really hoping that you were just blowing smoke up our asses.
Well, too bad, so sad Chad, because I wasn’t. Now, leave me the hell alone so I can clean up my mess.
I had leaned against the wall and waited for Darrell to come around the corner. He met my eyes and shook his head.
Have I told you that you have met your match with that one, Boss ? I matched Darrell’s steps as we headed to the firing range.
I nodded as he ran a hand down his face, Yes, I believe you did.
She’s an infuriating one.
Again I nodded in agreement and looked down at my watch as I pushed open the door to the gun room.
We have two hours before the operation commences. I stated as I pulled my Glock from my waist band and checked the clip. I grabbed five extra clips from the ammo supply and made my way to the table in front of the targets.
How about a wager, Boss ?