Gritting my teeth, I jab the button to turn off the water. With the steam continuing to bellow in the shower, I settle on the Venetian plaster bench.
A voice scrambler comes in loud and clear. “You got your hands bloody, Leith. I knew you had it in you.”
“You knowshiteabout me,” I growl.
“When you took a position at Infinity Corp, I assumed it was to align your interests with mine for the sake of your family.”
The hot steam surely does not exceed my internal core. “Ye assumed I was operating on behalf of my clan. I’m a man apart from them. Dinna think that makes me weak or someone ye can threaten.”
“Threatening you wasn’t my intention, Mr. MacKenzie. Though I’m not a fan of assumptions, you’re right. I presumed you created an app for Infinity Corporation to have a bit of fun. All the power in the world—data—my friend, is at the tips of our fingers.”
Nae, I still feel the tips of my fingers pushing down the eyelids of the deideejitfrom earlier. “I’m a good lad.”
The caller laughs at my hypocritical statement. “I understand. You keep your families separate. The big, powerful one from the tiny, intimate one you have there.”
“You dinna speak of them!” I snarl so hard spittle flies from my clenched lips. “As a matter of fact, I’m parting ties with ye.”
“You’re dissociating yourself with me? Tell me, Mr. Leith MacKenzie, what’s my name?”
My eyelids twitch, fingers clamp along the edge of the shower seat. The name behind the automated voice is beyond me.
“I take it you’re not aware of who I am?” A clipped snigger comes through the line.
I bite my tongue. Let ‘em keep talking, and he does.
“That’s alright, Mr. MacKenzie. My identity isn’t important. Earlier, you were quite the hitman. You may have thought that nobody was around.”
“Next, ye’re gonna say that ye’re bloody everywhere?” I snort.
“Everywhere that matters. I saw your patience when you attempted to deescalate Mr. Jiang. You had no idea why he was angry. Then you defended yourself as is your right as an American citizen. First shot to his kneecap—such a courtesy. But the one straight between the eyes, priceless.”
I contemplate.Give me something to identifyyeby, ye bawbag.And what was Mr. Jiang’s connection to the stranger blackmailing me? Who at Infinity Corp had reprogrammed the social media app I created for their own gain?
“Poppa MacKenzie trained you well. Ultimately, you chose the straight and narrow for Chevelle and Mia.”
“Say their names again,” I threaten. The steam continues to dance around my hard, focused gaze. “If my clan were to learn about you—”
“I welcome it.”
My eyes shut, burning. All the promises I made Chevelle warp in my mind, tormenting me, reminding me of the lad I became, and how I blew it toshitetoday. “What of the cops, ye son of a rats-faced cunt!”
“Not possible. Your actions today made you more than culpable, Leith. Rage is not your friend.”
I let out a heavy, silent sigh, considering the life I took.
“Mr. Jiang’s murder has forged our relationship. I’ve taken six million and deposited it into an off-shore account with your name on it.”
“I’m gonna kill ye.”
“I just placed six mill in a Grand Cayman account—all for you! A ‘thank you’ will suffice. And trust me, the little shit you did today wasn’t worth it. I have a few more assignments for you, Leith. Then we can part ways or continue our mutually beneficial relationship.”
“Listen to me good!” I command. “Stay away from my family.”
“I respect you, Leith.” Every time thefeckmentions my name, another dose of venom unleashes in me. Somefecktwadknows me, has something dark, sinister hanging over my head.
“Therefore, I’ll give you time to come to your senses. You can thank menowfor adding an extra zero after your name. Or thank me later, just don’t wait too long. Because, too long, and your appreciation will come off as begging and groveling for the lives of your family. Your call.”
The connection cuts. Seconds later, the smart house's automated voice gives the warning that Chevelle has entered from the sliding glass doors. I continue to sit in a heated haze.