As Rhea told Morticia the whole story about Valerie’s uncle, Morticia felt anger and worry rising in her chest.
The urge to find the man named Drake triggered her.
“He said that bastard is in town. Definitely has a motive… a dangerous one, I presume,” Rhea sighed. “Val asked me not to tell anyone… but I think you already know the reason why I’m telling you.”
Morticia nodded, knowing what Rhea meant. “Sure, that bastard needs to be caught. How dare he return after all he did and still have the guts to appear at Nana’s funeral?”
“I know, right? I wish I could break both of his legs!” Rhea’s jaw clenched, and Morticia gave her an assuring squeeze.
“It’s okay… we’ll find him.”
****
“Drake Grayson,” Klaus’s jaw clenched. “I know that bastard.”
“You do?” Morticia asked, a slight hint of hope lacing her voice. If Klaus knows him, then they can have their revenge for what he did to Valerie.
“Yes. And as a matter of fact… he is after me,” Klaus said, his voice devoid of panic. He looked as though he had everything under control.
“Why?”
“Drake works for Cassian. Before the previous Don was killed by Katie, he made an alliance promise to Cassian. Now that he is gone, Cassian wants me to fulfill that alliance. I can’t do that because the Moores don’t do things that harm people’s lives, such as human trafficking… and we don’t do that,” Klaus explained.
Morticia sighed, a worried look on her face. She asked, “What about Valerie?”
“She just needs to stay down, but trust me, I have everything under control,” Klaus said with an assuring smile. “I think Cassian wants me to marry his daughter. But that is surely not possible.” Klaus kissed her forehead. “Things might get wild soon, but trust me on this, okay?”
Morticia nodded. “Okay, I trust you. Just promise me to be careful.”
“I will,” he said, kissing her forehead.
*******
Klaus had just finished his work. Reaching his parking lot, he halted, sighting Valerie leaning against his car.
She was wearing a jean jacket and trousers, looking badass as always.
“Hey, Val,” Klaus greeted, his voice gently edged with curiosity. “How may I help you?” he asked.
Valerie stood upright and approached him gently, her expression serious as she replied, “I heard you know my uncle, Drake, and also know how to stop him. I’d like to join.”
Klaus’s eyes narrowed.
Valerie explained, “You tell your wife everything; your wife tells her best friend everything. My babe tells me everything.”
“I know, but it’s quite dangerous,” Klaus warned, his voice gentle. “This isn’t simple. Your uncle works with Cassian, a dangerous man in the underworld.”
“When have I been afraid of danger? I just need you to help me get my hands on my uncle. I’ll finish the job,” Valerie said with utmost solemnity.
Klaus nodded in understanding. “Fine. Let’s take a drive, and I’ll explain everything to you.”
Valerie smirked. “Thank you.”
********
After a day of work, Morticia stepped into the parking lot, ready to head home.
Unknown to her, there was a shadow watching her. As she got into her car and drove off, the shadow did the same, trailing her.
Driving through the streets, the shadow’s face was revealed; it was Drake.
He pulled out his phone and made a call. “I’m on her.”
“Don’t lose her no matter what. Klaus is not in the country; this is our only chance,” Cassian’s voice sounded from the other end.
“Okay, boss,” Drake said, dropping the phone and focusing on trailing Morticia.
As she weaved through every corner, he did the same. He made another call, ordering his men and letting them know where she was going so they could trap her.
After a while, a car suddenly came before Morticia’s car, making her hit the brakes.
A frown settled on her face as she looked up. Several men in black got out and approached her car.
Morticia took a deep breath, calming her nerves.
“Open the door, miss,” one of the men ordered, while the others pulled out their guns, aiming at her car.
—
A little while later, Morticia was in a dimly lit room, tied to a chair with a bag over her head, which prevented her from seeing anything.
The room was silent; the only sound she could hear was her own regular breathing.
Finally, the sound of the door opening reached her ears, followed by several footsteps approaching her.
A hand reached for her head, removing the bag and revealing the dim glow of a single overhead light that flickered weakly.
Morticia squinted, her eyes adjusting to the harsh contrast after being in darkness for so long.
The figure before her was tall, dressed in a sharp black suit, his presence radiating authority.
His face was partially shadowed, but his cold, piercing eyes locked onto hers.
“Do you know why you’re here?” Cassian asked, his voice low, smooth, and dangerously calm.
“No,” Morticia replied, her voice steady and calm. There was no fear in her expression. “Care to tell me?”
Cassian smirked. “I thought you’d be shivering by now. I thought you’d be scared, but I guess I was wrong. This is going to be fun,” he said, grinning dangerously.
Morticia then noticed another figure: a lean, muscular, tattooed guy. He bore a slight resemblance to someone she recognized.
That must be Valerie’s uncle, Drake.
The bastard flashed her a smile, and she felt nauseous.
“It doesn’t look like this is the first time you’ve been kidnapped. Am I right?” Cassian asked, walking around like a predator.
Morticia’s lips curved into a faint, defiant smile as she tilted her head slightly, her sharp gaze never leaving Cassian.
“Kidnapping? Is that what you’re calling this?” she said, her voice laced with mock amusement. “You might want to work on the execution. I’ve seen Mr. Whimp do better.”
Cassian stopped circling around her; he leaned closer, his face inches from hers.
“You can play tough all you want, sweetie. Hasn’t your husband told you how dangerous I am?” he murmured, his voice silky, dripping with venom. “How cruel and brutal I can be, especially with those who disrespect me with your fucking mouth?”
Morticia leaned closer, their foreheads almost touching. A crazy grin on her lips as she whispered back, “Oh, he told me you’re nothing but a loudmouth with a god complex. All bark, no bite.”
Cassian’s eyes darkened, is jaw clenched hard.
Morticia snickered, her words sharp like a razor cutting through Cassian’s nerves. “Did I hit a nerve? Or is it just hard hearing the truth from someone who isn’t afraid to call you what you are?… A little sad man playing king.”
Cassian saw red, but before he could react, loud gunshots erupted in the room.
“What the fuck is that?” Cassian asked and even Drake stood alert with a frown.
Morticia answered his question with a smirk. “Your doom.”