“Is the safehouse for Davina ready once we have what we need from her?” I ask, knowing of course it is.
“Yes, and her minder is already there waiting. She will be taken care of once we get all the information from her.”
It’s then I hear a little voice from the back seat. “You promise you won’t hurt her?” Asha needs reassurance.
“Even if she wants you dead?” Ghost’s voice is blunt.
“Yes, even then. It’s just not me, I couldn’t live with myself.”
“And that is why I like you and allowed you into my world. You’re a good person, Asha, never forget that.” Ghost’s words are code for I never would have invited you into my family home if I didn’t trust you.
“Thank you.” I can tell she’s holding back the tears that are likely from his kindness but also her rising fear.
A few more instructions from him and then he signs off as we start to see the city in the distance.
Like Asha, I can’t get my head around Davina being involved in this. But it does show that you don’t always know the real person behind the outside shell sometimes.
The ringing again echoes through the car, but this time my chest tightens and fists clench when I see Davina’s name come up on the screen. Asha and I know to keep quiet as Hawk answers it.
“Davina.” His voice is straight forward and to the point right from the beginning of the call.
“I’m here, where are you?” She sounds scared and not her usual confident self.
“Almost there. Go inside and wait so you aren’t in view of anyone. You did come alone as arranged?”
“Fuck, Scott, I told you I would, now hurry the fuck up. I don’t want to be here for long. Time is precious.”
My phone lights up in my hand.
Ghost: Target is at the place.
Kurt: Roger, on phone to Hawk.
“Just remember who is running the show now. Be there shortly,” Hawk replies and hangs up on her. Exerting his authority to keep her guessing.
She’s desperate, I can hear it in her voice.
Ghost: Okay, they have eyes on her moving into the house.
Kurt: Roger that. ETA?
Ghost: Seven minutes.
“I’ll stop down the street from the house like we discussed, so you’re both out of sight. Ghost will route the sound from the house to your phone, and I will detain her until you arrive. Are we good?” Hawk looks sideways at me, and I see the one vibe I need to give me the confidence that we can do this: his trust. Scott is trusting me, and I need to show him the same courtesy.
“I’ve got your back, every step of the way. Until the end.”
“Until the end,” Scott repeats.
The look between us cements what we both want the other to understand. This time no one gets left behind.
We are in it together.
Until the end!
Scott pulls the car up behind a scraggly looking bush that has grass growing through it. The street is full of houses that are either abandoned or have cars that have seen better days parked on the lawn or in front on the street, some with mismatched panels. We’re in the part of the city where no one gives a shit about what is happening, and I guess if a gun were fired, it would be a common noise. This is gang territory, for sure.
Just as Hawk pulls up and opens his door, Asha’s unsteady voice calls him. “Be safe, don’t die for me.” I know she is a mess, but I can’t turn around, otherwise I’ll lose focus.
“No intention of it. Listen to him, don’t do anything stupid.”
With those words, he jumps out and slams the door behind him. Watching him stalk up the street, you can tell he is on a mission. My head swivels all directions trying to make sure I can see any movement.
“Kurt…” her timid voice starts.
“Nope. We talked about this.” I sound harsh, but I need her to understand.
Silence then fills the car again.
My phone buzzes in my hand and connects into my earpiece. “Patching you in now.” Ghost’s voice is short and straight to the point.
I hear the noise of a door opening and closing.
Footsteps on the floor.
“About damn time, Scott! Where the fuck have you been?” Davina’s stressed voice comes through my ear, loud and clear. “You asshole, you totally screwed me and stabbed me in the back. Where the hell is Asha? You’d better talk and make it fast.”
“Nice to see you too… actually, that’s not quite right. Nice is not a way I’d describe you anymore. Evil is more like it. I think you are the one that needs to start talking, Davina.” Hawk’s voice is calm and controlled.
“Don’t start with that shit. Just tell me where she is. My life depends on it.”
“Oh, your life, so it’s more important that Asha’s, is it? You sold her out, didn’t you? I can’t believe you’ve gone to the dark side and used her for your own gain. What sort of money did you sell her soul for…? Hmm, I hope it was a large amount, because nothing is worth this.”
My gut drops at the thought of someone taking a bribe to end Asha’s life, and it makes me want to storm in there and end her.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about. I had no choice. Anyway, what does it matter to you? Just tell me where she is. I won’t even tell anyone you were involved. None of this has to touch you.”
“Bitch, I don’t give a shit what you think, but this involves me from start to finish. I, unlike you, still uphold my oath every day, to protect the innocent.” Hawk is now screaming at her.
“Yeah, like you protected that couple that night they were killed because you didn’t do your job? That’s all on you.” I hear feet moving, but they don’t sound like Hawk. It must
