Kill for Me

“Obviously. And what else?”

“Nothing.” Except that Susa

And I’m scared. There were too many unexpected and unwelcome developments. This had the feel of an iceberg lurking beneath the water. Impact was certain and imminent. Bobby hated to be scared. Charles could always sense fear.

Charles stood up, his lips curled in disgust. “I have to be going.”

“Where?”

“The Cu

Despite sincere efforts to not meet his eyes, Bobby finally looked up, and as always, could not look away. I hate you, old man.

“You disappoint me, Bobby. You are afraid. And that, more than anything else, makes you a failure.”

Bobby wanted to speak, but no words would come and Charles laughed bitterly.

“Your ‘guy’ did not fail at Mansfield ’s house, Bobby. Your ‘perso

Charles leaned forward. “You wish you were a master, but you’re no more than a shadow of what you might have been. All you command is a chain of mobile whorehouses that pander to truckers on the interstate. You play at being a high-priced ‘purveyor of fine flesh,’ but you’re nothing more than a glorified pimp. You were much more interesting when you were a high-priced whore yourself.”

Bobby’s heart was pounding. Say something. Defend yourself. But no words came and Charles’s mouth twisted into a sneer. “Have you found out why Susa

Charles stepped back and Bobby’s eyes followed, like a bird hoping for the smallest morsel. I hate you, old man. Charles shoved his ivory box of chess pieces under his arm. “I’ll not return until you can show me you deserve my respect.”

Charles left and Bobby sat stewing. But Charles had been right. I’ve become insulated. Completely out of touch. The decision was clear. “Ta

Ta

“I do. Charles was right. I’ve been hiding here for two days, pulling weak strings that keep snapping. I don’t have a lot of time. Where is that trunk of old clothes?”

“You’re going to wear your mother’s clothes? Bobby. That’s so wrong.”

“Of course I’m not going to wear Mother’s clothes, she was too short.”

“And she had hideous fashion sense.”

“Well, that, too. Grandmother was taller. Her stuff should fit. Where is Rocky?”

“Off licking her wounds, I would imagine.”

“Find her. She’s going with me. But first she’s going to show me all the girls she has in the pipeline. Glorified pimp, my ass. Charles will eat those words. But I have given Rocky too much power. I’ll oversee the new acquisitions from here on out.”

Ta

Bobby blinked. “How?”

Ta

“You wily old man. I always underestimate you.”

“Yes, you do.” But he smiled as he said it.

Bobby started up the stairs, then stopped and looked back down at him. “Was I more interesting when I was a high-priced whore?”

“Infinitely. But you can’t do that anymore, so you adapt and move on.”

“You’re right. Make sure the girls are shackled to the wall. Who’s on duty today?”

“It was Jesse Hogan, but…” Ta

“But Beardsley killed him. Hogan was stupid to let a prisoner get the drop on him. Call Bill. If he whines about the overtime, tell him I’ll pay him double.” The guards were one group Bobby kept well-paid. “We need to hire another guard to take Hogan’s place.”

“I’ll take care of it. Anything else?”

Bobby looked around the foyer. “Charles called this house a relic.”

“About that, he was right. This place is drafty and none of the appliances work correctly, especially the stove. It’s impossible to make a good cup of tea when the water never boils.”

“So let’s find another house. I have enough money. Let’s blow this relic.”

Ta

Bobby laughed. “In good time, Ta

Charles looked in his rearview mirror as he pulled away from the curb. Ta

Part of it came from the man who’d raised Bobby with an iron fist. He was long dead, having raised his iron fist to Bobby once too often. Bobby raised an iron fist right back and beat the man to death with it, along with his wife. Ta

But Ta

It was as indelible as a brand.

Speaking of which, Charles had to admit he was a bit surprised at Susa

That’s where Bobby and Susa