Free Blood Relations by Michelle McGriff Page A

but violence was in his blood. How could he not be affected? He’d only known that way of life. As a boy, he’d watched his own father commit the most violent of crimes, just to get what he wanted—his life back, taken from him through betrayal. His father was a genius and didn’t deserve to be executed the way he was, not for killing a traitor. Call it revenge, call it a revisit; now Roman wanted only the same thing as his father. But he would not be treated as a common criminal in the end. For one, he was much too brilliant to be caught. His father allowed emotion to cloud his reason, but Roman had no such emotions. Roman’s father was betrayed by a man who had claimed to be a servant of God. Roman had no weaknesses where God was concerned—maybe because he felt rather godlike most of the time.
    â€œSo it seems Reggie was easy to persuade.”
    â€œPersuade? What do you mean?” Roman asked.
    â€œI’m thinking, all you had to do was offer him a chance to play ball for a bunch of ducks.” Both men chuckled at the funny sound of the team’s name. “At just the promise of fame, he jumped at the chance.”
    â€œWhat makes you think I had to trick him? He’s my son; he should be more than ready to help me.”
    â€œRight, letting you kill him in the name of science. If you think I’m just gonna believe that he went for that deal without a fight ... phhhst.” Hap snickered.
    â€œIt’s all in how you approach people,” Roman said before bringing up Craven. Hap looked at him as if knowing what he was implying even before he said her name.
    â€œCraven and I had our differences, but, yes, it was unfortunate what happened,” he said.
    â€œYes, it was. By the way, she didn’t happen to mention anything about ... some extra money I’d given her? You know, before she ... died.” Roman emphasized the word.
    â€œExtra money?”
    â€œYes, I had given her a bonus before I realized she had gone against my instructions—bringing you on board without my permission.” Roman smiled wickedly. “I’m sure you knew about it. I’m sure she told you about it.”
    â€œShe didn’t tell me about any money,” Hap fibbed. She’d promised some, but had not delivered yet—nor told him she’d had it already. She claimed she hadn’t gotten it yet from Roman. Lying bitch .
    â€œThat’s too bad. Well, I guess she was faithful about keeping that little secret—it’s just unfortunate that she didn’t follow the rest of my instructions. Oh well, good thing she didn’t die in any pain.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI said,” Roman paused dramatically as if Hap really could not understand what he was saying, “I’m glad I didn’t cause her any pain. Actually, she was quite ... relaxed,” Roman smiled wickedly, “by the time I gave her the injection.”
    â€œYou bastard!”
    â€œSo I’ve heard. But listen to me, Hap,” Roman said, as if tasting the name in his mouth and rolling the bitterness around. “Craven jeopardized my entire operation. She brought you on board without my approval, promising to pay you with my money—which is the only reason you’re not dead. I figure I might as well use you. I’ve paid you—of course, it’s up to you to find where she put your share. Anyway, just so you know, I hate when people don’t follow instructions.”
    Hap’s face was covered with all sorts of mixed emotions now. Gone was his look of confidence. “She didn’t give me anyth—”
    â€œSave it,” Roman said. “You were a fool to trust a woman—especially one who’s willing to sleep with the boss. Now, about Reggie, I need you to make sure the plan goes as I have designed. You’re not quite as seductive as Craven,” Roman said, smiling wickedly, “but surely you can find some