If it weren’t for Priest, she’d be in a full-blown anxiety attack.
“Wait here,” he said.
She wasn’t going to argue. The trunk was opened, and the car bobbed up and down briefly as they pulled the man from the back. She watched as two men dragged him into the center of the factory where chains were hanging down from the rafters.
Priest’s window was open so she could hear some of what was being said.
Viko stood in front of Boss, his arms folded.
“So the girl has two problems. Gustavo Bianchi wants revenge for his nephew’s murder. Then we have the group of mercenaries looking to punish The Circle of Monsters. As you know, it’s never smart for a hitman to have a family.” He winked at Boss.
“As you know, Graciella can handle herself just fine.”
“Okay, then. We’ll deal with Bianchi, put a torch to his human smuggling and prostitution ring. That’s what you have a hard-on for, isn’t it?” Viko asked.
“And in return?”
“Get answers. Find out who’s signing the checks for this militia. Eliminate them all.”
“Then we’ll be even,” Boss said.
Viko held out his arms in agreement. “As for the girl, her name is out there now. This will happen again, and I need Target at his best. Enemies using his daughter against him is a weakness I won’t tolerate.”
“She’s not your concern,” Boss said. “She’s his.”
Everyone turned to Priest. Her heart began to race. Would he accept the responsibility for her or was she just too much trouble?
“He’s one of yours?” Viko asked. “His conscience makes him dangerous.”
“All my men are a cut above. I only hire the best.”
“I hope so. Daughter or not. If she poses a problem for my business, I’ll fucking kill her myself.” Viko made an invisible circle in the air above his head, and all his men began filing out of the factory. Some glared at her as they passed the car, so she sank lower in the seat, wishing she were completely invisible.
Once it was just Killer of Kings in the factory, Boss approached Priest.
“You really know how to pick ’em, don’t you?” Boss said.
Priest shrugged. “She’ll keep me on my toes.”
A circle formed around Boss as he addressed the men. “I don’t like being caught off guard. This piece-of-shit militia took us all by surprise, and I don’t want it happening again. We’ll find out who paid them and finish this.”
“Maurice said they cut power to the entire grid. He was blind,” Bain said.
“And before the power was cut? I don’t want fucking excuses. Everyone needs to pick up their game.” He took off his jacket, handing it to Gabriel. “Priest, I suggest you get that girl out of here before I start asking my questions.” The small crowd parted, revealing the man chained up in the factory.