Page 71 of Poisoned Pawn
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
CARTER
Once the clean-up crew arrive and after a quick change of clothes, we set off to Koda’s. My eyes are on the road, but I’m not really paying attention past knowing which direction I need to be heading in.
I realised that I killed Brian before securing Koda’s server, but hopefully he’ll be able to get control back using Brian’s laptop, and if not, then he can just use the set-up Brian has until he can figure it out.
Should I be concerned about it?
Probably.
Should I be concerned that Zak managed to get a clean-up crew to the house fucking sharpish?
No, but I sure am aware of how far their reach goes.
The only thing I can think about right fucking now is, is Rook really alive or is whoever set Star’s bounty just toying with me.
It’s a bucket load of shit either way.
Zak hasn’t quizzed me anymore since I told him Rook is a guy I killed three years ago. He can read a room, but the questions are going to be like bullets from a firing squad once we get back to Koda’s.
When we pull up at Koda’s, Roxanne is waiting for us outside. I grab the laptop and phone from the back seat. Zak instructed the clean-up crew to bag anything else they find that might be useful.
“Inside,” is all I say as I pass Roxanne to the front door.
Koda’s basement is almost bulging at the seams with people, several I don’t recognise, and from the look on his face when I finally make it through the throng, he’s pissed.
“This is not fucking cool, man,” he grits out as I pass him the laptop and phone.
“I know. Just work your magic for me.” I turn and face the room, eyeing the guy sitting in the seat next to Koda before taking in the tall dark-haired guy standing behind him. His wide set stance and folded arms scream ex-military. Passing over him, I see Zak talking quietly at the back with Roxanne and Maddox.
“Er…Carter, you might to take a look at this,” Koda says behind me.
I turn around and look at the screen. There’s a pop-up message.
Carter,
nice of you to take out the trash for me. Saved me some work and money. At this point, I’m guessing Brian gave you my name. You always were persuasive. I would love to have seen your face when you realised your biggest ghost had come knocking. But there’s plenty of time for a face to face. For now though, I’ll satisfy myself with the knowledge you know who I am and that you and your little slut are back in town. I must admit she was an unexpected but welcome pawn. Can’t beat a good old game of chess.
Your move, Carter
I hold back the need to smash my fist into the screen as though it were Rook’s face.
“Can you track it?” I growl, aware that all eyes are on me. There is no denying that Rook is alive now.
“Working on it. Who is this guy?”
I don’t waste time answering him, instead I’m running up the stairs two at a time with my phone to my ear.
“Pick up!” I mutter as I burst out of the basement door into the kitchen. Frankie picks up as I grind to a halt.
“Carter?” Frankie questions down the line.
Ignoring the man before me, although maintaining eye contact and despite knowing exactly who it is, I say, “Just checking in. Everything good?” I’m aware of bodies behind me too. A quick glance over my shoulder confirms it.
“All good. Star is helping me cook dinner.”
“Check the perimeter and pull the blinds. We’ll be back soon.” I end the call, pocketing my phone.