Free That Was Then (The Re-Do Series Book 1) by Nia Arthurs Page B

Alistair turns on me next.
    But something about his take-charge, bossy attitude rubs me the wrong way. I hit a guy with my car so basically, I’m already in a load of trouble. If the police asks, I’m not sure they’ll take my explanation with a dash of sympathy. Especially when I admit that I drove without looking.
    I’m in this too and I want to know what the heck is going on. I want to know right now.
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 16
    A listair
    This is a bad, bad idea. Taking Kendall along will not only prove to be dangerous, since I’ll be too distracted by her presence to focus on Shadow, but it will also involve her in my mess.
    Unfortunately, she’s determined and as stubborn as the day is long. I can’t have her calling the police on me. Shadow moves in circles not … appreciated by law enforcement. If Shadow goes down, so do the Brotherhoods who rely on discretion and secrecy. I may have retired from that life, but the values and principles are still ingrained in me.
    Discretion is prized above all else.
    Kendall is still a problem. I could just knock her out cold. But I’d never hit a woman and especially not one that I care about.
    “Fine,” I agree grudgingly, “but don’t say a word.”
    “I won’t,” she promises and then promptly peppers me with questions. “Who is that guy? Why does he want to kill us? Where did you learn to fight like that?”
    I’m not too keen on answering her questions. Not only is it dangerous for Kendall to know too much, but I’m afraid of what she’ll think of me when the truth comes out. So far, she’s the first woman that I’ve ever let this close.
    She’s a beautiful, smart, wholesome person. I don’t think there’s room in her life for an ex-assassin. Especially not one with so many notches on his belt he can barely sleep at night.
    “Kendall,” I warn.
    She glares at me, but I don’t care. She’s the one that agreed to silence. If Kendall won’t cooperate, I’ll have to find some other method to get her out of the way.
    I’m sure I can recall the pressure point between the shoulder blades if I’m pushed. It’s been a while, but since my retraining with the Belizean Assassins, the old instructions are rushing back to me.
    Thankfully, it doesn’t come to that. She falls silent. It’s a good thing too. We’ve almost reached our destination. I flip off the headlights and let the car ride the rest of the way in neutral. I half-expect Kendall to ask where we are, but she doesn’t.
    I’m grateful for small miracles.
    The car comes to rest on a grassy enclosure with a broken hut structure only slightly visible in the thick, tropical foliage. I glance at Kendall’s face. She knows. We’re going in there. She doesn’t seem too pleased.
    “You can wait here.” I offer.
    “Not a chance, buddy.” She pokes me in the chest and hops out of the car.
    I don’t know if it’s bravery or fear of the dark that motivates her. Whatever the case, I’ve seen rookie assassins with less spunk than Kendall Villanueva. The circumstances are far from light, but she puts a smile on my face anyway.
    I hop out of the truck and round the back. Shadow is awake. His eyes convey his anger. If he gains even a mustard seed of an opportunity, Kendall and I are as good as dead.
    I understand the risks, but know I’ve got the upper hand. I’ve tied Shadow soundly. Though he squirms, I don’t fear him. I’ve already relieved him of all his hidden weapons. If he gets away, I know I can take him in hand-to-hand combat.
    I could kill him now, but he has some answers to give first. I can’t let Shadow slip away from me without finding out who sent him and why. Assassins rarely act on their own power. We don’t hold grudges unless a brother has broken his honor.
    I left my league with my honor intact. I performed my missions to the satisfaction of my clients. Once a name was delivered, the target was pronounced dead within the very week, month, or year depending on how tight