Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Reino gets behind the wheel. “Home?”
“The office.”
He shoots me a look as he starts the engine. “Now? You’ll make Penelope think her concern is founded.”
“Not my office. Teszner Agglomerate.”
I need to bury myself in work.
“Are you going to sink the company?” he asks.
Destroying what Tatiana’s father has built seems like a logical move, but Leander already drove it into the ground. I have other plans for it.
Reino grins. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“On second thought, let’s take a detour to the Bronx.”
“You sure about that?”
“When am I unsure about anything?”
He stops at a red light. “I’m just saying it may not be the best idea, not in your current state.”
My smile is sardonic. “What state is that?”
“After a kill. You’re volatile. You need to blow off steam.”
My retort is dry. “She was already dead.”
“It’s not only that. You’re worried about Mrs. Morici. You’re worse when it comes to her.”
“Are you developing feelings for Teszner?”
He chuckles. “I’m not pitying the guy, although I should. But you may kill him if you go there now, and that’s not what you want to do.”
I drum my fingers on my armrest. “Then stop me.”
He only shakes his head, but at the next intersection, he turns the car around and heads toward the bridge.
When we arrive at the sorry excuse for a house into which Leander Teszner was forced to move because he had to sell his fancy apartment to cover his medical bills, Reino parks in the street.
As predicted, there’s no one around, not only due to the hour but also because Teszner can no longer afford protection. None of the men who served him remained loyal. He never inspired that kind of devotion. The men stayed in his employ because he paid them well. I have no doubt if I lose everything tomorrow, my allies and men will fight at my side to the bitter end. That’s the difference between Teszner and me. He bought respect. I believe in earning it.
Reino cuts the engine and takes a gun from the glove compartment. Mine is resting loosely in my grip. I get out and slip the gun into my waistband under the hoodie, keeping an eye on the sleeping neighborhood.
The broken planks of the porch steps that lead to Teszner’s door give me great satisfaction. So does the flimsy door. It takes Reino three seconds to pick the lock.
We enter a small room. The place smells like rot and disease. In the predawn light that filters through the window, I can make out a ratty sofa.
I close the door and flick the light switch.
At least there’s electricity.
Bloodied bandages are strewn over the coffee table next to a bottle of disinfectant. Empty takeout boxes litter the floor, flies buzzing around uneaten pizza crusts.
Reino covers his nose with his hand. “Jesus.”
Not bothering to keep my steps quiet, I make my way to the room next door and pause in the doorway to flick the switch on the wall. A naked lightbulb hanging on a cable from the ceiling throws bright white light into the room. A cockroach scurries across the floor and takes refuge in a suitcase that lies open in the corner.
Teszner pushes up from a reclining chair that, judging by the blanket, serves as a bed and feels around for a cane that stands within arm’s reach against a nightstand. Bandages cover his eyes and hand. In contrast to the dingy environment, he’s wearing expensive silk pajamas, which must be a keepsake from his more privileged life.
Letting him struggle, I take in the rest of the room. A few shirts, pants, and jackets hang in an old armoire that’s missing a door. He really lowered his standards.
When he finally gets hold of the cane, he pushes to his feet while holding it like a weapon in front of him.
“Relax.” I chuckle. “It’s me.”
He stiffens, his bandaged face pulling into a mask of hatred.
I go closer. “I thought I’d check in on you to see how you were doing.” My smile is mocking. “Apparently, not so well.”
The cane shakes in his hand, but he doesn’t say anything because he can’t form words without his tongue. The unintelligible sound that comes from his mouth is the best he can do.
“Don’t worry.” I push the cane away. “I didn’t come here to kill you.”
He steps back, loses his footing, and drops down on the chair.
“I just wanted to see for myself how low you’ve fallen.”
Reino opens an adjoining door that leads to a closet bathroom with a moldy shower cubicle and a dirt-brown toilet.
Sticking his head around the jamb, he mutters, “Nice place.”
From the smell wafting from the bathroom, Teszner isn’t big on cleaning. I bet he never cleaned his own shit from his toilet before.
Even with a bandage covering his eyes, the helpless anger on his chubby features is clear.