The Syndicate have been quiet since the attack on Wren at the club. Why would they need to get involved, after all, their two problems were ripping at each other’s throats. They’re probably waiting to see who wins this and then will aim for the victor.
It was clear Valentine was a loose canon.
Ainsley has disappeared. There’s no way to find her, track her or contact her and I need that information she has. I won’t be able to use it right now but when Valentine is dead and the war has been won, the city won’t settle into peace.
Enemies don’t just disappear.
They just sit and wait for the right opportunity, the right time to strike but I’d be sure to be ready for them.
And I’ll have Wren by my side.
My queen.
My little bird.
“Clean it up.” I order the men lingering at the edges, faces unable to hide their fear, it shines in their eyes every time they look at me, their minds wondering when I’ll finally snap at one of them.
They are smart to be cautious with me.
I haven’t heard from my father despite his promise to give me what he knows about the syndicate. His phone has been disengaged but I know he’s still alive. He may be out of the city and away from the carnage, but my men talk. He still has ties in this city and he’s pulling the strings. Making my messes go away, watching, observing.
It's why I haven’t lost my shit with him yet, because despite his sealed lips, he’s still helping in all the ways he can.
I can feel the tension leave the room with me, the heaviness easing as I step into the cool air of dawn. Sirens wail in the distance and dogs bark from the houses a few streets down. It’s early morning, the city still sleeps, oblivious to the battle raging all around them.
One way or another, this was ending now.
The only way I wasn’t getting to Wren was if I were dead.