Among the Echoes(82)

"Okay, Slate. Let’s get to the point. As very entertaining as your little show was, I’m getting bored. Tell me where Leo James is at and I’ll be out of here before you know it. Who knows? I might even leave your little girlfriend here when I leave."

"You are not taking her anywhere. Ever," I say menacingly, but it does nothing to sway his cheery demeanor.

"Last chance." He smiles, moving the gun back to Erica’s head. "Where. Is. Leo?"

"I have no f*cking idea where he is. He left us over a week ago," I bite out, but my eyes flash to Erica. Her chest is heaving, but she has the strangest look on her face.

"He’s lying," she squeaks out. My eyes go wide as I look at her, confused. "If I tell you where he is, you have to promise to let Slate go. He’s not involved in this."

"Oh, of course, my love. I would never harm your dear Slate. You tell me where Leo is and I’ll leave Slate unharmed." He winks at me from behind her. Lying son of a bitch.

"Erica, what the f*ck are you doing? Don’t try to be brave here." I call out.

"I’m sorry. Don’t be mad at me, okay?" She swallows before looking over her shoulder at Wilkes. "He’s in the security room with two of his men. Just don’t hurt Slate."

Wilkes’s eyes go wide as his smile grows to epic proportions. "He’s here?" He exclaims before leaning in and whispering, "This just got interesting." He nods his head toward the back hall and three of the four men head that way.

"I’m sorry," she whispers before squeezing her eyes tight and covering her ears.

"Erica?" I jump to my feet, immediately concerned about why she is apologizing.

Suddenly, I hear shots fired and shouting down the hall. Wilkes uses his gun to signal his last man to investigate before aiming it back at Erica’s temple.

I stare down the hall, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. Leo’s not in that room, but I have no idea who the hell is. Just as suddenly as it started, the whole room goes silent.

Wilkes yells, "Mark!" but no one answers. He nervously takes a step forward and shouts again, "Dan!"

With his attention focused somewhere else, I see it as my chance to make a move. I quietly rise to my feet, but Erica’s head swings toward me. Her eyes are desperate but fearless as she mouths, "No. Sit down." The determination and bravery on her face has me momentarily willing to comply.

As soon as my ass hits the chair again, I hear a thick Spanish accent roll through the room. "Lucas Wilkes. It’s so nice to finally see you again."

At the entrance of the hall, all four of Wilkes’s men reappear. Only now they are unarmed, restrained, and being pushed forward with guns at their back. I’ve never seen the four new men who are escorting them. They are definitely not on my payroll, but they are clearly here to help.

Wilkes spins, pulling Erica completely in front of himself.

The group of men split as a young, well-dressed Hispanic man saunters into the room from between them.

"Mateo Rodriguez. What the f*ck are you doing here?" His eyes are surprised but he never lets his smile falter. Wilkes swings his gun forward, pointing it at our newest guest.

"Looking for you, of course." He grins as three more men follow him—guns raised and aimed directly at Wilkes. "My new friend, Leo James, paid me a little visit this week. He informed me you were on the way here to find him. I have always wanted to visit the Windy City, so it was actually quite fortuitous." He pushes his hands into his pockets and shrugs casually.

"You are an idiot, Mateo! It was their testimony that landed Dom in jail. Now you are working with them? Have you forgotten about your family’s honor? Because I sure as hell have not."

"Oh, I know all the facts, Lucas. I also know that Dom was a traitor and should count his lucky stars that he gets to serve a life sentence on the inside of a prison. Because, should he ever be released, he will unquestionably share your fate. So you see, I owe Mr. James quite a bit. He killed your stupid brothers and got rid of mine as well. Seriously, I don’t know why he didn’t come to me sooner. My apologies, Erica. It appears I’m a bit late to the party," he says, taking a step toward her.

"Back the f*ck up!" Wilkes yells, but Rodriguez ignores him.

"I have to admit, Erica. I’m impressed. I have heard you are quite skittish. I had my doubts when Leo told me of your plan. But you managed to prove me wrong." He moves even closer.