Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 49961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Marcus’s eyes constantly roamed from side to side to assess for threats as he drove the car deeper into the heart of the city’s east side. This was the territory of the local mafia. While navigating in this area was not to be taken lightly by average citizens, Marcus’s only concern was to avoid attracting the attention of the local authorities.
In the front passenger seat, Bram finished clicking on his laptop. “I have control of the Escalade and am downloading its data. Do you want to stop it here?”
“No,” Marcus’s voice reverberated like a low, menacing growl. “We’ve already tried making someone an object lesson for his boss. Whoever is in charge hasn’t chosen to heed that warning. It’s time to talk to the boss directly. Chances are that’s where this guy is heading and who he’s meeting. We’ll let our spy make his report. I want to make sure our message is clear.”
Titus leaned forward from the backseat and gestured at the scene ahead through the windshield. “It looks like this is the place. They’re pulling over.”
Ahead, the Escalade parked in front of a nondescript, four-story office building. Its bland gray exterior blended into the background of the deserted city street, giving no hint of the violent men who operated the organization inside. Marcus noticed even the homeless avoided this area.
From a distance, the vampire’s enhanced vision easily spotted his target emerging from the vehicle. Gone was the confident swagger the spy had shown while pursuing the attractive party girl. His tense body language screamed discomfort with his mission. When a guard stepped forward into the light, the tall guy nodded and scurried inside. The patrolling man paused and lit a cigarette, unaware that anyone observed him.
Marcus shook his head as he parked the Maybach a couple of blocks away. “Our spy is worried about the report he has to deliver, and this guy has gotten sloppy.”
Bram focused back on the screen and tapped furiously. “I have locked all the cameras, security, phones and cell signals in the building. You’re good to go. That makes our job easier.”
Marcus rolled his neck and shoulders before opening the door and disappearing into the shadows. Titus did the same and gave Marcus a slight nod and sent, Try not to slow me down too much, old guy.
I’ll do my best, asshole.
Advancing with supernatural speed, Marcus raced through the shadows to wrap his arms around the driver. With a flick of his wrist, Marcus broke the man’s neck before stowing him neatly in the driver’s seat with a blur of motion that prevented anyone from following his movements. Marcus smirked as he shut the car door when the lit cigarette struck the pavement. So much for slowing down as I get older.
Titus’s laughter filled his mind as he stepped on the glowing tip. Show-off. I guess he didn’t guess these things would kill him.
Bram mentally reached out to the duo, interrupting Marcus’s response to the jokester. Instantly, Marcus and Titus blended back into the shadows as they listened.
I’ve hacked into the rear camera feed. Two men are positioned behind the building vaping. Nice of them to take a break so you can pick them off quickly. Don’t they realize the chemicals in those are as dangerous? The rear door is clear beyond them.
So many bad habits. Shows a lack of discipline from above. Marcus pointed out.
We all have our vices, replied Titus as he motioned to the alleyway next to the building. After you.
They silently moved down the shadow-filled alley, following the sweet aroma. As Marcus walked, he drew his preferred weapon. The short sword slid from a sheath at his spine to fill his hand with a familiar weight. He didn’t need his vampiric senses to lead them to the men standing in the gloom. The chemical smell of vapor polluted the space over their heads.
One man stood with his back to the entrance of the alley while the other leaned against the door. Preoccupied with scrolling through their phones between puffs, they didn’t appear to have a care in the world. They were wrong.
In an instant, Marcus surged forward and thrust his sword through the man’s back before him. The finely edged blade slid deftly between his target’s ribs and through his heart. Using his weapon as a handle, Marcus pushed the man to the side, clearing a path so Titus could slip by.
Titus gripped the other man at the door by the neck before he could react and twisted it sharply, turning the man’s head completely around. The sound of the bones snapping echoed against the hard surfaces of the bricks. As Titus released the body to fall to the ground, Marcus noted the victim’s eyes widened, reacting from nerve impulses triggered before his death. Now, that was slow.
Bram updated Marcus. The interior monitors show one more at the front desk, and you’re clear until the fourth floor. I’m unlocking the rear entrance.