Page 113 of Scarred Ruin

The asshole who’d dared be a part of destroying aspects of my world was whimpering, snot running from his nose mixing with blood spilled by my fists.

You bet I was taking out two months of rage on his face and body without care of how much he was suffering. I had every goddamn right to do so.

“Max,” Roman cautioned and I snapped my head in his direction, offering a deep growl that echoed.

He threw his hands up, backing away. “We could use him alive.”

I took a step away, taking the time to roll my sleeves further up my arms. As soon as I did, I flexed my ruined arm, watching the snake undulate as my muscles tightened. Fred. Yeah, Fred was definitely angry tonight.

So much so I spun around, smashing my fist into the man’s face. Hearing the shatter of bones in his nose brought some sense of peace. The force pitched him against the steel wall where he slowly slid until he was crumpled over.

I waved my hand indicating to leave him right where he was. The fucker certainly wasn’t going anywhere.

Mario walked into the chamber carrying a bag with him. I’d asked him to find me a few things for the interrogation. Implements that might coerce him into talking with us.

If the man’s identity was any indication of who we were up against, I’d underestimated the Cosa Nostra in that they’d destroyed our unwritten alliance. If that was the case, they’d soon face the wrath of God.

I took a few seconds, flexing and fisting my hand due to the severe ache.

Sergei moved closer, offering me water. “Do you want me to take over?”

Snatching the plastic from his hand, I sucked down half of the cool liquid then wiped my mouth with my arm. “Don’t handle me, Sergei. This I need to do.”

When I took the time to make eye contact, he finally nodded. He knew the score. No one else could handle the situation or I’d lose confidence with the captains. If what I anticipated was correct, I’d need their loyalty as a war was about to begin.

I handed him back the bottle then moved toward Dante, crouching in front of him. There wasn’t a sound to be heard inside the compartment even with six men waiting for my final determination on how I wanted to handle the man. “Dante. As you might imagine, I’m in a shitty mood. Now, I don’t mind playing with you for a little while, but I have a family to get home to and it’s fucking Christmas. So what’s it going to be? Are you going to tell me what I need to know or are you planning on making this difficult?”

His response was a moan and a shake of his head.

With a heavy exhale, I glanced toward the ceiling. Loyalty was one thing, but he certainly knew of my reputation. “Very well. We’ll do this the hard way.”

I stood and headed toward Mario, who was holding the bag open. After searching through the items, I laughed. “You couldn’t do any better than this?”

“Sir, it was short notice.”

“True.” I pulled out a set of kitchen shears that had seen better days.

“Allow me, Pakhan. I thought Dante and I were friends once. We grew up together.”

I thought about his request and nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that. Very well, Mario. But it all depends on Dante’s level of cooperation.”

I turned to the captured man. “Well, Dante. In truth, we can do this however you’d like. This tank is a perfect sound deadener and since you interrupted a lovely Christmas party at which I got to play Santa Claus for once, I have time on my hands. And I’m pissed. So, what’s it going to be? Who the fuck is behind the attacks? Who is the bald man?”

Moaning, he managed to lift his head. Tears were streaming down his face mixing with strings of heavy sweat. “Who?”

I’d wanted to get home before my child awakened early in the morning, but I could see that wasn’t going to be possible.

I leaned in closer. “How many fingers do you want to lose?”

I could tell by a look on Mario’s face he had another thought in mind. “Sir, a moment?”

“Alright.” I backed away from Dante while Mario approached. “What is it?”

“He has a wife, a baby on the way.” As soon as I snapped my head in his direction, he shook his head violently. “No. No, sir. I’m not suggesting you hurt them.”

“Then what the fuck are you suggesting?”

“Incentive. You are a generous man.”