I notice he’s holding my purse like it’s his own and would normally laugh at the sight, but I’m worried about Gio. Two men accounted for, two men I know are fine and one in the wind.
“We have to get him. Then we can go, okay?” I press.
“You’re not going anywhere.” The unwelcome voice comes with averyunwelcome presence in the doorway.
John. He’s as average and slimy as I remember. Sure, he’s groomed, but no amount of moisturizer can hide a slimy personality. He waves a gun at me. “Over there. Let’s spare a mess. With any luck, I can make this my office soon.”
“My father will never give it to you,” I hiss.
“He won’t have much say if he’s dead. And I know a man who can do a thing or two with wills. Unfortunately, there might be some collateral damage, but don't worry your pretty head about that.”
I grit my teeth at that response. I push Kon’s arm towards the ground. He sets down my purse obediently. I see him shove his hand into his pocket.
“Jane left,” I tell him. “She’s done with this. There’s no payday. Just walk away.”
“Money is a bonus. Putting you rich assholes in your place is enough for me. Looking down on me, the false accusations, all of this bullshit your family has put me through. I deserve this office. I deserve everything I have coming to me.”
Max is unusually quiet. I’m not sure if it’s the gun or his divided attention. Whatever it is, it’s not a good sign. John waves the gun again. “Let’s be civil. On your knees and I’ll make it fast. Bodyguards are up first.”
I take a step closer and he trains the gun on me. “Get on your knees. Should be a command you’re used to, rich bitch.”
“That’s almost a compliment. Try again,” I dare.
I just have to buy time. That’s all. My eyes flick to Nolan as the asshole of the hour processes that. I keep my voice to a whisper. “Sick ‘em.”
“Be cooperative for once in your-”
Nolan goes for the leg and it distracts John enough that he tears his eyes from us. He kicks Nolan hard and Konstantin rushes forward. At the same time, I see Gio attack from the back.
But I hear the gun go off and scream. I can’t help it. It’s an instinct.
John falls to the floor, obviously alive and very obviouslynotshot. I check Charlie, then hear a groan.
Looking over, I see Max clutching his side. I go to him as he gets off my father and put my hands on his side. “Max? Max, please are you-”
“I’m okay, doll. It just grazed me.” He rubs my cheek. “Lucky.”
My eyes go to my father and I just stare as red blooms on his chest. I don’t know how the angling works. I gape as a sound no human should make falls out of my throat. My dad gurgles – not breathes – fucking gurgles and I’m at his side.
I try to push the blood back into him. “Daddy!”
His eyes roll violently, then close as I feel his chest collapse under my hands.
20
KONSTANTIN
Ilet Gio handle the hitman and hurry to Juliana’s side. She’s panting and definitely about to hyperventilate. I try to pull her from her father, but she pushes me away.
“Daddy, please!”
I put two fingers against his neck and wait. I check his wrist after a full minute without anything. Still no pulse. Juliana looks at me through teary eyes. “Kon! Fix him. Fix-”
“Juliana,” Max tries. “He’s not ...”
“He’s passed,” I whisper. “I can’t-”
She beats against my chest. I flinch but grab her wrists. She fights me. “Fix it! I know you can! Fix him!”