The Wrath Walker (The Wrath Series Book 1) by Matthew Newson (moboreader txt) 📕

very tight lipped about his dealings with us. So, if it wasn’t any of you, then it could be his old partner, Brandon? He swore to get even with us for using him like a puppet, but I don’t see Ron telling him about it. We were all very careful not to leave any loose ends for someone to follow later on if they got curious.”

Enzo politely lifted his index finger to get my attention.

“Yes Enzo, what do you got?”

“Would you like me to pay him a visit, or perhaps have a little chat with him to get him to confess?”

“I appreciate that, Enzo, but not at this time. I think we should keep a close eye on Mr. Farmer and see what he does next. Ron was very clear that he didn’t share any of our dealings with Brandon, and I’m still inclined to believe him since Brandon hasn’t ever tried to make a move against us or even go after any of our interests. So, if it is him, I don’t understand why he would wait all this time to do something.”

“So, what do you want us to do, boss?” Joey asked.

“I want him to be watched to see what he does. Who knows? He might have finally snapped and killed Ron and have plans for coming after each one of us. This also could be the Riccis retaliating for us killing most of them, running the rest out of the city, and taking over all of their territory. Maybe Brandon is working with them, but either way, no killing unless I say. We have a tight hold on this city because we went about it in a smart way, and we continue to operate as such. The last thing we need is a bunch of bodies showing up bringing unwanted attention from the good cops left in this city or the feds. If the feds show up and start looking into things, that could jeopardize the entire operation.”

“But if it is any of the remaining Riccis, then couldn’t we just take them out as well, Skeeter?” Enzo asked.

“We could, but if we get into another big war, that will assuredly bring down the feds on us. Trust me when I say that is the last thing anyone of us wants. So, in the meantime keep an eye on Brandon Farmer without letting him know he’s being followed, and I’m sure we will get to the bottom of what’s really going on. Either Mr. Farmer has decided to become a vigilante, he’s working for the Riccis, or the red suit guy has teamed up with one or both of them for some reason. If that reason interferes with our business, then we will deal with it quickly and thoroughly.”

I walked to the bar and grabbed the bottle of whisky and refilled everyone’s glass for another round.

“But one thing’s for sure.” The guys waited for my response. I downed the second shot of whiskey and looked into my glass, wanting another. “We have one less on the payroll.”

We all broke out in laughter and poured each other a third round.

Chapter SixBrandon Farmer

The City of Black Castle

I REPEATEDLY KICKED myself as I pulled out of the police station parking lot. I couldn’t believe I had slipped up like that and said something about Scott to Lizzie right when things started to turn a corner. She had let her guard down a little, and for a brief moment it felt like old times between us. As quickly as it had come, it was gone. Any hope I had of winning her back was crushed the moment I said Scott’s name, and all I succeeded in doing was pushing her further into his arms. I provoked her when I should have said I was sorry and that I was in the wrong, instead, I did exactly what she wanted me to do. I proved I was all the horrible things she thought about me and more in that interrogation. She treated and looked at me like I was a would-be criminal, and it ripped me apart. But why did she have to say those things about me being a waste of time? I knew I had made mistakes, but we had a lot of great times together, and it was the memory of those times that added to the constant pain and regret I bore every day. That hurt, but the words about my father tore into me the most. My father loved her and told her all the time how great and special he thought she was. She didn’t need to bring him into it, and I felt it was low, especially coming from her.

As I drove down the road, I relived the conversation in my head. I condemned myself a little more each time as I saw all the moments when I could have shown her how much I still cared for her. I just wanted things to go back to the way they were before, and I wished my dad was still alive so I could have someone to talk to. He always knew what to say when I was upset, and I found myself looking at his name in my contact list while I was stopped at a light. I needed something familiar at that moment, and when I looked up, I saw the church my dad and I attended back when he was still alive. I stopped going after the stuff at work went down the way it did. I felt like I couldn’t ever show my face there again, but as I drove toward the church, I found myself compelled to pull into the parking lot. I parked in the back of the lot where there were no cars, turned off the engine, and stared at the building. I got my familiar alright because the building hadn’t changed in the slightest over the last few years. The large back-lit sign still read