23. Cannon

23

CANNON

Beckett and I watch Rossi lead Kinsley out toward the patio. My gut tells me to follow, but I don’t. Instead, I prop myself against the wall and wait.

Ten minutes pass, and Beckett continues to lean against the opposite wall, just as restless. We were once friends—until Anna. I was angry at the world back then. One of my few regrets is that, after all this time, I still can’t call him my friend. I really fucked everything up. I was too proud to do anything about it. Until now.

I rub at my chest while staring at Beckett until he meets my gaze.

“I’m sorry,” I say. “I was angry back then and lashed out at you, my only friend.” I pause. “On my mother’s life, I swear that Kinsley will come to no harm by my hand or my orders. You have been fed rumors by a man who wants everything. He’s always been jealous of you. Hates how you’ve never come after me.” I narrow my eyes. “I think he wanted you to take me out so he would only have you left to worry about.”

Beckett moves from the wall until we’re nose to nose. “Why the fuck are you telling me this now?”

“Because you’re in love with Kinsley, and with all this shit, I realize I miss my friend.” I offer a wry smile. “And don’t think I don’t know Xavier tells you everything he hears.”

Raising a brow, he takes a step back and chuckles. “And he lives?”

“He’s my brother.” I glance into the living room where Xavier is speaking with Saul. “He’s clever, Becks. Not meant for this life.” I stare back at my old friend. “I haven’t told him yet, but I’ve sent off some college applications in his name to the schools he used to talk about. I don’t want him to grow bitter like me. I want him to have a life away from all the shit we deal with.”

“And Cleo?”

I wince. “My sister is…difficult.”

“That’s one way of putting it.” Beckett holds his hand out, and as we shake, he says, “Apology accepted, asshole.”

“Thanks for that, fucker.” I smirk, feeling good to have my friend back. We’ll have to build our friendship up again, which I’m sure we’ll do. “It’s been too long.”

As if on cue, we head out onto the patio, only to find it empty.

My heart sinks.

“You check out the barn; I’ll head to the lake,” I instruct, noticing how torn Beckett is. “Go!” I give him no choice and make my way toward the water.

As I get closer, I spot two silhouettes by the jetty. I frown, noting that neither looks petite. What the fuck?

Something doesn't add up. I move toward the lake, using the forest for cover. As I reach the edge of the shadows, I recognize Rossi and the other man. Fucking Elf!

Where is Kinsley?

Fuck! The boat.

Other than my pocketknife, I don't have any other weapons. Nine took them from me at the door.

I grab my phone and type out a message to Beckett, hoping he won't ignore it. I curse when it won’t send. I need to come up with a plan fast. I must find a way to rescue Kinsley and stop whatever Rossi and Elf have planned.

I have no choice but to reveal myself. "What the fuck are you two up to?" I shout, making myself known.

They turn, and I delight in seeing Rossi stumble. The giant of a man, Elf, moves toward me, picking up speed. This is going to hurt. I stand my ground and brace for impact, willing to die to save Kinsley.

As Elf lunges at me, I dodge his attack and reach for my pocketknife. I don't get the opportunity to use it, as 1,200 volts of electricity surge through my body. I collapse to the ground, my muscles spasming uncontrollably. The last thing I see before losing consciousness is Rossi on the jetty, a smirk on his ugly face, as a needle jabs into me.