Vengeful Lies

The smart thing would be to pack all of my shit and leave the country. But the undeniable truth is, I’ve never stepped away from a challenge, especially from a man. Especially one who I’m being paid a large amount of money to fuck with. Tonight was a failure. I contemplate the events as I stare up at the ceiling of the hotel room.noveldrama

Of course, I wasn’t going to let his thugs drive me straight to my apartment, so I booked a hotel in a different neighborhood. It should only be for a few days until I think of something. But does it really matter if he figures out where I live? I do believe Eli about one thing he said. If he wants to find me, he will.

I should’ve killed him. The moment I had the opening, I should’ve embedded that blade in his chest; then, there would have been no way he could’ve followed me. Sure, his men would most likely haunt me for the rest of my days, but at least I’d have finished the job.

I stare at my phone screen, furious at my situation. My client hasn’t sent me another message. The longer they have me stretch this out, the more my life is in danger. And besides, isn’t it pointless now that he knows my identity? Well, he sort of knows; he only has a first name.

I sigh, ridiculously pissed, and hit one of the two numbers I have saved in my phone. Craig answers on the second ring. “It’s late. Everything okay?”

“Hypothetically, what would you do if your identity was compromised on a hit?” I ask.

“I’d get the fuck out of there. I’ve never had it happen, though,” he says cautiously.

Fuck. That means I’ve majorly fucked up.

Craig has been like a father figure to me since my dad died, and he’s been a source of information to help me navigate strange situations in the business. But even I know this is a doozy. “Has your identity been compromised, Jewel?”

I consider his question.

I mean, technically, no.

Just a first name, right?

“No. I just had a close call, that’s all.”

“I don’t like the sound of that,” he growls.

“Yeah, well, it’s high on my shit list too. Don’t worry, I’ve got it sorted.”

“Who’s the target, Jewel? If there’s even a slight chance you’ve been compromised, it could be a matter of life and death.”

“Yeah, I know. Hey, I’ve got another call coming through, so I’ve got to go,” I lie.

“Jewe—”

I hang up and call the only other number I have saved. Rory answers on the eighth ring, and before they can even complain about the time, despite the fact that they’re a night owl, I blurt, “I need you to get as much information as you can on the Monti, Ivanov, and Taylor families. Dig further than the files you’ve already given me. Add in anyone else of interest I need to know about. You know I’ll pay your price.”

If we are going to play this cat-and-mouse game, I’ll make sure to be fucking prepared.

Eli Monti made a mistake letting me go.