Chapter Twenty-Six
Mark fell to the floor, with a bullet hole in his chest.
Vick curled into a ball, making herself into as small a target as possible. Through spread fingers, she watched as Jasper advanced on the man, kicked his gun away, and then put another slug into his skull. Blood welled from the wound, dripping down his face.
Vick shuddered.
Jasper ran over to her. “Are you okay, Vixen? Are you hit?” He hauled Vick to her feet, then patted her down for injuries.
“No, I’m fine.” She was still streaked with blood, but it belonged to Simon. On the wall behind her, there was another bullet hole in the plaster.
She took in the carnage surrounding them. “Oh, Jasper. What are we gonna do?”
They’d just gotten themselves into an even bigger bind. Once Byron and Dix figured out what happened, they’d be dead.
Oh, God. What if they sent Ten after them? Or Butler? Or, worse, both psycho twins?
“Come with me, Vick.” Jasper led her down the hall into the living room away from the corpses on the floor. They sat down on the leather couch together, and he hugged her.
Jasper felt warm and familiar, and she buried her head in his neck, soaking in the comfort.
“Let’s talk this out. Earlier, did Simon… hurt you?”
Vick’s skin crawled as she thought about the way he manhandled her.
“Simon tried, but then the hitman walked in and shot him.”
“Good.” He blew out a breath. “I shoulda been the one who killed that sonofabitch.”
“I’m just glad we don’t have to worry about him anymore.” Simon had been given several chances to make a different choice. He’d brought this on himself. At least she never had to worry about him again.
“We’ve got two big problems lyin’ on the floor in there. How much do you think the cartel knows?” Vick tried to calm down and think it through, but it was difficult not to panic.
“No clue.” Jasper sat back on the couch.
An idea occurred to her. “What if we make it look like Simon and Mark made a run for it? Or, hey, what if they were cooperatin’ with the FBI?”
Jasper frowned. “Can you do that?”
“Well, there won’t be any activity on their bank accounts or credit cards, because they’re dead. But what if I canceled some accounts, withdrew some cash, that sort of thing?”
“So, it’d look like somebody getting’ ready to live off the grid?”
“Or like they had brand spankin’ new identities.”
Jasper scratched his chin. “Then I’d need to get rid of these bodies and clean this place up.”
“We could pack up some of Simon’s stuff and make it look like he made a hasty exit.”
“And we’ll find out where the hitman was stayin’ and do the same with his crap.”
Vick nodded. “It might just work, but what about Rodriguez?” That was the one big snag.
“Aw, fuck. Under normal circumstances, I’d take care of it, but I won’t be able to get near him again.”
“No, but he’ll be gettin’ a new lawyer and another trial when they find out Simon’s gone missin’.”
“So, he won’t be in solitary anymore. Then I could have one of the outfit’s friend’s pay him a visit.” Jasper sighed. “Although, solvin’ the cartel problem, leaves us with a Lone Star issue.”
“It could get back to Byron and Dix.” Vick groaned. This situation was a freaking Gordian knot. For every issue they solved, another one popped up.
“You know, they might never find out. Communication with prisoners is monitored, so we don’t do it often, and whenever we talk, it's brief and in code.”
It was by no means a guarantee, but they had a better shot with the outfit than the cartel.
“What do you say, Vixen?” Jasper asked.
“Let’s do it, but we gotta have a contingency plan in place, just in case. We’ll put together go bags—throw in some cash, clothin’, and I’ll make us new identities.” In case they needed to run for it, they’d be ready.
“And I’ll figure out an escape route, grab some weapons and ammo, and stash away a vehicle.”
“Sounds good.” They’d just covered all their bases. “Together we’re a pretty good team, huh?”
“Yes, we are. I’m just glad you’re safe.” Jasper kissed the top of her head.
“We both are, for the time bein’.”
“And I’ll make sure it stays that way. I’d better take care of these guys.” Jasper hooked a thumb at the bedroom. “What are you gonna do?”
“I need to sort out a couple things with Jack and send him on his way, and then I’ll start on our plan.” Vick had hours of work ahead of her, but she’d get it all done tonight.
His face darkened. “I’ve gotta talk to Grace, too, especially now.”
“I know what you mean.”
“I’ve got a little bit of money set aside, and I’ll add it to her college fund. My folks are tryin’ to push her into hospitality, instead.”
“But she’s always loved biology.”
“I know, so my last act as big brother is helpin’ Grace achieve her dream if she wants it.” Jasper sighed. “God, I’m gonna miss her.”
“I’m sorry.” Vick squeezed his hand.
“Me, too.” Jasper shook his head. “I can’t let her get caught up in this mess. I guess it’s just you and me now, Vixen.”
“Yep. Against the world.”