Page 106 of Asher Black (The Five Syndicates)
Asher continues his interrogation, “How did you get in here?”
“Some lady gave us a key and helped us get through the biometrics. The client also gave us a file with all of your security protocols.” He eyes the guards’ clothing. “Well, I guess not all of them.”
Asher nods, and then, in a movement too quick for me to track, slits the guy’s throat. He turns to his night guard and says, “Stage it and erase the security footage from tonight. Make it look like they did it.”
The guards nod at Asher, and I watch in shock as the guy is untied and sprawled on the floor, so it looks like he was killed during the fight. He’s still faintly alive on the floor, but he’s losing so much blood. It’s pooling around him in a crimson halo.
The sight is so gory, I lean over and throw up onto the floor. Half of it lands on one of the dead attackers, and I grimace before throwing up again. I run to the closest bathroom, and thankfully, Asher doesn’t follow.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Fate loves the fearless.
James Russell Lowell
“Did you have to kill him?” I ask Asher, my arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
We’re in the office, standing disturbingly close to the three bodies Asher killed in here.
“Yes.” At my disgusted look, he explains, “He knew about the bulletproof clothes. He had to go. It’s us or h—”
“Him,” I finish.
Asher’s right. I can’t fault that logic. I’ve seen firsthand how effective the clothes are and the potential they have for tricking enemies. But if people were to find out about them, they’d be prepared. They’d go for headshots and make sure that those who are down are dead.
It’s us or them, and I’ll always choose us.
That’s just the way this world operates.
“So, it was René?” I ask, even though I know the answer to that. I just need him to confirm it, to make it real.
Asher nods and pulls out his phone. When I glance at it, I see an email from Owen.
Subject: Emergency Board Meeting
Dear Mr. Black,
I am writing to inform you that the board has convened an emergency meeting in response to Mr. Toussaint’s actions tonight. In a unanimous vote, the board has decided to dismiss Mr. Toussaint from his position at Black Enterprises, effective immediately. He will receive no pension nor severance pay, given his actions against your fiancée.
On a second note, we have also decided to cancel the upcoming vote regarding your position as CEO at Black Enterprises. We feel that you have suffered enough at the hands of Mr. Toussaint, and his claims against your competency are little more than a personal vendetta against you that has already been allowed to manifest itself long enough.
Mr. Toussaint has just been sent a similar email, informing him about our decision to let him go effective immediately. He has also been made aware of the cancellation of the upcoming vote concerning your position at Black Enterprises.
We suspect Mr. Toussaint will not take too kindly to his dismissal and will apprise you of the situation as it develops further. Until then, we suggest you brief your security detail on Mr. Toussaint, and we will do the same with the company’s security team.
Thank you for your time. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at any time.
Very Best,
Owen Carter, COO
When I’m done reading, I say, “It was revenge.”
Asher nods. “It looks that way.”
