Chapter 14
Aldric descended the grand staircase, adjusting his suit jacket. The bright, vivid lighting of the foyer illuminated a scene of total subjugation. The two surviving hitmen were on their knees, their hands brutally secured behind their backs. Marcus stood over them, a menacing monument of violence.
"They aren't talking, Boss," Marcus reported, his voice a low, gravelly rumble. "But their tattoos confirm it. They belong to the Roman Syndicate out of Miami."
"Roman," Aldric mused, his dark eyes narrowing into lethal slits. "Richard borrowed money from a cartel to fund his failing investments."
Heloise was sitting against the wall, clutching her broken nose, sobbing hysterically. "I didn't know! I swear, Aldric, Richard just said he needed the deed to secure a bridge loan! I didn't know he was dealing with the cartel!"
"You sold my home to cover your brother's gambling debts," Aldric stated coldly, walking slowly toward her. "You thought you could outsmart me, but all you did was paint a target on your own back."
"Please, Aldric, protect me!" Heloise begged, crawling toward his polished shoes. "They'll kill me! I'm your wife!"
"You are nothing to me," Aldric whispered, looking down at her with profound, sociopathic detachment. He turned to Marcus. "Throw her out."
"What? No!" Heloise shrieked.
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"Drag her to the perimeter gate and leave her on the asphalt," Aldric commanded. "She has no money, no phone, and no protection. Let her brother's creditors deal with her."
Marcus grabbed the screaming woman by the arms, hauling her out of the estate. Aldric turned his icy gaze toward the kneeling hitmen. "Now. Tell me exactly where Richard is hiding."
