58

Book:The Queen of Crime Published:2024-8-24

I nodded and walked to the showers, turning the water to a scorching degree. I stripped out of my sweats and let the heat from the pounding spray work against my tensed body as I laid my hands on the walls of the shower. As I let the steaming liquid flow over my hair, neck, and then my back, I released my fears, allowing the tears I had been fighting back to mix with the water.
I turned and sunk to the floor of the shower and watched the water swirl down the drain until it ran cold. I knew the danger Lea was in. And I knew that if she was going to have a chance at survival, I would have to pull myself together. I would have to be strong for her.
I drew in a breath and used the wall as support as I stood. Turning the water off, I reached for the towel and dried off before walking out to the lockers. I slipped on my pants, an old tee, and shoes and made my way down to the medical wing.
I stopped just inside the doorway as Dr. Martin walked over, a deep scowl on her face. You could have killed him with that kick Boss.
I know. How is he ? I continued to focus my gaze on Titus’ still body.
He was adamant that he was fine, but with the force of the kick and the bruising over his heart, I wanted to keep him for a day or two. The only way I could do that is to knock his stubborn ass out.
Let me know when he’s awake.
Of, course.
I left Dr. Martin staring behind me and begrudgingly made my way to my office. I pulled out a shot glass and the bottle of aged Napoleon Cognac, relishing the burn of the liquid as it slid down my throat. I poured a second shot and pressed the glass to my forehead as I sat on the edge of my desk.
Tony knocked and walked in with a box. What do you want done with them Boss ?
I pointed to my desk. Did you have them deactivate their security codes ?
I picked up one of the phones and slid it open.
Yes. Some were a little more reluctant than others, but after a little persuasion, they decided to see it our way.
I picked up a random phone and thumbed through call logs, photos, emails, and browser history. Was anyone able to clean any of the devices before they were confiscated ?
Tony was quiet for moment before answering. We can’t be one hundred percent positive Boss.
I held back the urge to throw my fist through a wall. Room sweeps ?
Lewis, Leon, Paul, and Samuel finished up about thirty minutes or so ago, Boss. I watched as his lip twitched. He was hiding something.
Tony didn’t meet my eyes as he picked up a pager and scrolled through the information on it before dropping it into a second box.
I want you, Darrell, and Darrien to go through each phone, pager, tablet, and laptop thoroughly but as quickly as possible.
Tony raised his eyes to meet mine, his face blank as he spoke, Darrell has locked himself in the interrogation room with Lewis and Leon, Boss.
Why ? I dropped the phone as I studied Tony.
Tony shook his head. I don’t know. His lip twitched again, letting me know he was definitely hiding something.
Did you see if he took anyone in there with him ?
No. But he went in there not long after your match with Titus.
I clenched my jaw and shoved past Tony. He knew I knew he was lying to me and that I would deal with him later. I was sickened by the sense of betrayal I felt and hoped I was wrong as I made my way to the interrogation room. I punched in the code and slung the door open as I stepped inside. I could feel my eyes darkened and my blood boil as they landed on the last person I had expected to see.
I stalked to the table, throwing the empty chair backwards, and growled out the one question on my mind as my eyes met with wide, fearful, dark green ones, Why ?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mole’s P. O. V.
I left the meeting and went to my room, pacing as I debated my options. Room sweeps had been implemented and I knew it was only a matter of time before one of Lea’s four guards would find their way to mine. They weren’t leaving anything untouched. I had passed by some of the members’ rooms and seen the destruction. Drawers had been dumped out, clothing had been tossed out of the closets, and mattresses had been flipped. Every nook and cranny had been violated.
I could hear the four men walking down the hall. They only had a few more rooms ahead of mine and I listened quietly as I waited for them to enter the room four doors down. I slipped out and made my way to the gym. I knew that Carter would be there. I had heard a few whispers from some of the members as they talked about a match between him and Titus.
I pushed through the crowded hall. I wanted to run, but knew it would be pointless, I would be shot in the back as the guards had been the first ones to have their rooms searched. Darrell, Darrien, and Tony had done that so the house wouldn’t be left unprotected while they searched for the mole, while they searched for me.
I continued to force down the urge to run. I had gotten myself into a deadly situation by involving Lea in my vendetta. And now it was time to do what I could to save myself.
I made it to the gym and stopped one of the low ranking members, knowing they wouldn’t think anything suspicious if I asked where Carter or Darrell was. They would just assume that I was following up on a task I was assigned.
Where’s Boss ? I kept my tone neutral.
In the locker room with Darrell.
Thanks.
I entered the gym and quietly made my way to the locker room. I could hear the desperation in Carter’s voice as he confessed his feelings for Lea to Darrell.
I took a steady breath and knocked on the door, Boss ?
I heard Darrell’s voice float through the room, I’ll see what they want. Shower, have a drink, and as hard as I know it will be, try to relax.
I steeled myself as Darrell walked out and looked me over.
Hey, I kept my voice soft as I tried to soften the blow I was about to deliver, I need to see Boss.
What do you need him for ? Darrell was guarded. I knew that he was protecting Cater right now. And I knew that he saw Carter, not only as a boss, but as his older brother.
I need to talk with him. I met his eyes, trying to keep the fear of my unknown fate from showing through.
He can’t deal with anything else right now.
Darrell, I really need to.. I paused as Darrell looked past me and to Lewis and Leon, his face hardening as he looked back at me.
I was afraid to turn around. I knew what I would see if I did.
You are going to walk very quietly with me to interrogation. Darrell spoke through gritted teeth. The disappointment in me was clear in his eyes. Lewis and Leon both have their weapons ready to fire if you try anything. Do you understand ?
I nodded.
Good, let’s go.
Darrell walked quietly beside me. I glanced sideways and could see the vein in his neck pulsing. He wasn’t just disappointed, he was pissed. And he was hurt. They had trusted me and I let them down. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why their hurt and disapproval bothered me as much as it did.
As we passed by my room, I glanced in and bit back anger. It was a total chaotic mess. It had fared worse than the others and I could only guess it was because of what they had found. My mattress had been flipped and shredded. The bed frame had been tossed against the far wall of the room and laid in splinters. My dresser was flipped on its side and every book and every piece of clothing I owned littered the floor.