Page 56 of Morally Corrupt

"Am I clear?"

"Yes."

19

THEO

Waiting for Marcel's phone call, I sneak a glance at Bianca, where she's lying on the hotel bed, still shaken from what happened. Her entire body is stiff, and she darts her eyes around, almost expecting another attack.

After taking care of her small wound, I try my best to soothe her, but the shock doesn't seem to wear off. Or so she says. So many things have gone wrong tonight. So many things have happened that I simply can't wrap my head around.

She killed three men.

I didn't analyze the cartel men's bodies, but for a simple civilian to put down three criminals is just beyond me. I've seen trained professionals in my day struggle with hitting targets in that amount of time.

No matter her explanations, something doesn't add up.

"Are you okay?" I ask as I sit next to her and hand her a glass of water.

"Yes… just in shock, I guess." I put my hand over hers to comfort her.

"You just went through massive trauma. It's understandable. You should sleep."

"I can't…" she whispers.

"Wait here," I say and quickly go to my car. I remember Marcel leaving some sleeping pills there. They should help her rest.

Returning to the room, I hand her the pills. "Take these, they'll help you rest."

She eyes the pills and almost reluctantly takes them.

"Thank you," she murmurs.

We lay on the bed, and I spoon her from behind, waiting for the pills to kick in. It doesn't take long for her breathing to regulate. I slowly get out of bed, leaving the hotel room again.

I head to the car, and I look at the dashcam footage, seeing the three men exit a vehicle and haphazardly organizing their attack. I try to look for some clues in the footage when Marcel calls.

"Can you talk?" Is the first thing he says.

"Yes, why?"

"I'm at the lake house with a cleaning crew. Damn, that aim," he whistles his appreciation. "I never knew you had it in you," he says, and I frown at his praise.

"I didn't kill them."

"What are you saying? If you didn't kill them, then…"

"Bianca."

"Are you certain?" Marcel asks, and I get the feeling that whatever Marcel is seeing there isn't great.

"Yes, positive."

"Man… I don't know how to tell you this."

"I'm on my way. I'm not far."

"Your wife?"