The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3)(15)

“May I?” I motioned and waited.

“Be my guest.”

I moved closer, so someone outside wouldn’t be able to see, and checked each sidearm. They were just as good up close, if not better. Bane had a solid reputation, so I wasn’t worried about quality. The guns would shoot straight, and their aim would be dead-on. Of that, I was positive. There was, however, the matter of money.

“How much?”

“A grand each.”

“You’re sure they’re clean?”

He nodded. “Totally untraceable.

“If you include the ammo, we have a deal.”

His grin told me he was going to barter. “The guns and ammo for three grand. Custom rounds aren’t cheap.”

I would have bargained, but I was short on time. I had to get home, store the weapons and ammo, and pack my things before Goose arrived.

“Deal.” I put the guns on the soft mat inside the van. “I’m going to step inside Cleaver’s and get your money.”

“Not so fast.” Bane clucked his tongue. He reached inside the van and pulled away a piece of cloth, revealing a large, gleaming sidearm. It was a thing of beauty, with an unmarred chrome barrel and a hard black plastic grip.

I’ll be damned. Bane had gotten his hands on a Desert Eagle.

“It’s clean as the others and more powerful. Want to kiss someone good-bye? This is the way to do it.”

I lifted the gun. It felt perfect in my hand. Just heavy enough to know it was there but light enough not to be a bother. “Do you have silver rounds?”

“Usually I don’t bother with questions, but one day I’m going to ask about your obsession with silver.” He reached inside and produced two large boxes. “How about some fifty action express?”

“How many bullets per box?” I looked down the barrel, taking in the craftsmanship.

“Fifty.”


“What if I need more?”


“You know where to find me.”

True enough. “How much?”

“Two grand. Non-negotiable.”

Fuck. No way could I go there, even if I wanted to. Two thousand dollars.

I couldn’t afford the Brownings and the Eagle. I’d only brought four thousand in cash, leaving me a grand short. The rest of the money I’d received from Disco as a monthly allowance had been tucked away in a safety deposit box. I wasn’t sure if I’d need it, but I wasn’t willing to piss it all away on sidearms.

“I’ll take the Eagle and the rounds.” I placed the gun on the mat and started to make my way to Cleaver’s to dig the money out of my shoe.

Bane frowned, and damn if it wasn’t a terrifying sight. “You don’t want the others?”

“I can’t afford it.” I glanced at the Brownings. They’d be nice to have, but the Eagle would put a hole in a vampire—or a demon’s—chest. I needed that kind of firepower. The amulet and Sucker only got me so far.

“How much do you got?” He studied me, starting at my head and taking his time, working his way to my toes.

I couldn’t bite back my temper or stop my smartass mouth this time. “If you’re asking if I’m willing to work off the remainder of the cost with a piece of my ass, piss off.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, princess. Believe me when I say you’re not my type. Don’t make me ask again. How much do you got?”

It was dangerous confessing how much money I had on me, but since Marigold’s amulet was around my neck, I figured I would be able to defend myself and my cash if it came down to it.

“Four thousand.”

“A grand short.”

Well hello, Captain Obvious. “I’m aware of that,” I gritted through my teeth, “which is why I said I’d take the Eagle.”

He moved closer and gazed down at me. “A woman shouldn’t have to have a gun to take care of herself. You need a man to protect you.”

Arching my neck, I looked directly into his light blue irises. “That’s your problem right there. I don’t want a man.”

To my shock, his hard face softened. “Your soul has been carved out. I can see it in your eyes.”

Son of a bitch. I hated it when people could read me. And he did so with ease.

Looking away was my only defense. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. When you want to talk, give me a call. I’ve been around a long time and have seen more than you might think.” He waited until I looked at him to add. “No strings. Just someone to talk to. I wasn’t kidding when I said you’re not my type. No bullshit.”

I hoped he didn’t hear me gulp as I swallowed down the enormous lump that had formed in my throat. I had enough enemies without making new friends I wasn’t certain I could trust. Bane had provided me with a gun I desperately needed, but I wasn’t willing to take our relationship any further. Not that he had a romantic interest in me, obviously. It was more like a weird curiosity.

“I’ll be back with the money.”

“Four grand for all of it.”

A warning prickle ran up the back of my neck. “The Eagle is more than enough.” I pivoted to walk away. “I’ll be back.”