The Assassin's Blood: The Confradia Assassins 3

Chapter 19: Instincts

Declan

I'm on my way home when my cell phone rings. My feelings are in turmoil. I can't shake the feeling that something is really wrong, and it's driving me nuts. Looking at the screen, I hit the answer button and snicker.

"Yes, Priest?" I answer curtly. His reply is just as curt. "We have a lead on Christoph. I spoke to Cameron earlier. He told me something interesting. Apparently, when he and Reaper began investigating Willem's activities, they discovered that Willem had procurers in his prostitution ring. Christoph was one of the main procurers of girls. They each divided a territory where they scouted "talent." I want you to look into it. He might still be doing business in those places, or there might be someone there who might know what's going on."

I nod my head in agreement. "It might be possible, but didn't Cameron and Reaper shut down "recruitment" in these places?" He scoffs. "Come on, Outlaw, you know that these places never fully shut down. They hide for a while until the heat dies down, then they come back and continue on as if nothing ever occurred."

My lips tighten with rage. Priest is right. Men like Kazik are like roaches. They always manage to survive. "Yeah, you're right. Is there any information you gathered?" I listen as he pauses for a moment and shuffles what I assume are papers before he releases a tired sigh. "I sent you all the information we gleaned. Hunter, Reaper, and Savage are searching on their end too. I think we're getting close, though. All we need is to find Christoph. I really believe that he's the key to finding Kazik." Releasing a deep breath, I lick my lip and reply. "Alright, I'll see what I can find. But first, I need a favor."

He sniffles then answer. "Sure. What's up?" I pause for a moment before I reply. "I think something is going on with Connor and Santana. Can you do a little research on their current status?" Priest doesn't' answer for a moment, then he clears his throat and asks. "I thought that you decided not to interfere in their lives, Declan?" I clench my teeth in reply. "I know, Priest. I just got the feeling that something has happened to them. Can you just do that for me? Please?" Priest lets out an exasperated breath. "Fine, I'll see what I can find. But here's some advice. You need to cut the cord if you're not planning on being a part of their lives. It's not fair to them." I nod my head and tighten my lips. "I know, Priest. I know."

After I disconnect the call, I tuck my phone into my jacket's pocket. The night is still and quiet, which is odd, considering I live in the city that never sleeps. I look at my phone again, recounting the last conversation I had with Connor and Santana. I can't help but feel unsettled by the whole thing. As if pulled by a string, I turn the car around and head towards Brooklyn. I want to say that it's a sense of responsibility that leads me, but I know it's more. I knew that from the moment I met Santana that a part of me was connected to her. Then, after meeting Connor, this invisible tether has solidified.

I manage to make it to their place within minutes. My eyes narrow when I spot several SUV's parked in front of the apartment building. There's definitely something going down in the building, and I can't help but think that Santana and Connor are caught in the middle of it. Before I'm spotted, I drive a little further down and park in a dark alley. Thankfully, the area is quiet, and other than the SUVs, there's no one else around. Taking my knife in hand and securing my gun behind me, I stealthily make my way into the building. It doesn't take me long to get inside. I can hear loud voices, but there are no men in sight yet. My body grows cold with anger the moment that I see that Santana and Connor's apartment door open is open. Angry voices echo across the hall. That's when my inner killer takes over. Using the shadows of the hallway as cover, I stand against the wall and listen. Then there's a scream, and I'm no longer waiting.

Without a thought, I rush to the front door and come face-to-face with their assailants. Everyone freezes at the sight of my imposing form, standing in the doorway. My face hardens at the sight of Santana's shuddering body coiled protectively over Connor's beaten form. One of the men steps forward and points a gun at my head with a growl. "Who the fuck are you?" He asks in a belligerent tone. Stepping into the room, I run my gaze around the room and take inventory of each man with an uninterested snigger. "Well, hello, boys. Isn't it a little late to make house calls?"

They all remain standing there thrown off by the stranger standing in their midst. They don't know what to make of my presence. One of the men snaps out of his haze and aims his gun at my chest. "It looks like you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, stranger." He says with a belligerent sneer before he cocks his gun. However, before he can blink, I take the gun and punch him in the neck. He chokes loudly and falls forward wheezing. Another one tries to attack, but I flip and kick him in the face.

Before they can recover, I release my knife and dig it into another's thigh. One of the men wraps his arm around my neck while another punches me. I throw myself down and toss the other man over my shoulder and into the other man. Connor finally gets up and punches one of the men in the face. I turn back, elbowing the one I stabbed and punch him in the face. The other men must realize that I'm a formidable hunter because they quickly clear out of the room, leaving their fallen behind.

Santana's mouth is gaping open, and Connor looks angry. Without another word, he takes Santana by the hand and lifts her from the floor. "We need to go, San." Santana doesn't react as she follows behind him, dazed. Before I leave, I look around the room and point to Connor's bag. "Gather what you need, and let's go." Connor doesn't question any further and takes action.

Concerned with Santana's well-being, I pull her into my arms and whisper, "Are you okay, Santana?" She rubs the cut on her head and nods. "I'm fine. He just shook me up a little. I'll be fine, though."

Everyone is solemn as we make our way out the door. I keep a vigilant eye out, but no one appears. I'm guessing that the men that left are on his way to get recruits. That's why it's important that we get out as fast as we can. Without another word, we make our way to the car and jump inside. Santana gives the vehicle an odd look before she slips into the front seat. Her body trembles as she huddles inside the seat warily. "Anyone want to tell me what that was all about?" I ask, keeping a vigilant eye across the dash.

Santana swallows hard and looks at Connor. There's an underlying message there, but I can't guess what it is. Gazing at Connor from the rearview mirror, I grit my teeth and ask again. "What the fuck is going on, Connor?" To my consternation, Connor doesn't answer me right away. Instead, he tightens his lips and gazes angrily out the window. Feeling discomfited by his attitude, I look back at Santana and ask. "Well?" Santana's lips tremble and eyes well up with emotion as she begins her story. "There's this man named Perroni. He's…he was friends with your father. He bought the diner I work in a few weeks ago…" Her voice cracks with emotion. "He has always had a thing for me, but I never encouraged it. After he bought the diner, he began hitting on me and making me uncomfortable. I tried to stay away from him, but it was no use. He asked me out a couple of nights ago, and I turned him down. He wasn't very happy about it, so he fired me. Connor was there when it happened. I was more than happy to leave as soon as I got my check, but Perroni refused to pay me."

She lets out an exasperated breath and gazes at her brother from over her shoulder. "Instead of pushing the issue, we decided to leave things as they were. Perroni is a very powerful man, and I was worried he'd make things harder for us. I thought he'd forgotten about us until he showed up tonight and accused us of stealing from him. He and his men broke into the apartment and threatened to kill us if we didn't pay it back."

She stops talking, wipes at a stray tear, and closes her eyes. I have to give it to her because she doesn't fall apart or rant at her brother. She looks fragile, sitting in my front passenger seat.

Connor slides forward in his seat and rests his hands on the headrests. "What he did wasn't fair. She worked hard for years, and the bastard didn't want to pay her! So I…, I decided to hack into his system and take the money he owed her. I swear San, I didn't think he'd figure it out. I'm sorry!"

My anger simmers at the bastard's actions. I've always hated bullies. And to terrify a young man and a helpless woman in the middle of the night is low. I don't blame Connor for trying to help his sister since it's what I'd do too. Several moments pass until I am finally able to get myself under control. However, inside, my mind simmers with the need to find Perroni and kill him. Taking a few deep breaths, I calm my heavy breathing and look back at my brother. "So who is this Perroni guy? Tell me what you know." Connor clenches his teeth with a hiss. "He's this rich guy that Alistair knew. I think he might have sold drugs to him or something. He owns a few businesses around town and is always throwing his weight around. I hate the asshole!" Santana shakes her head grimly and tightens her lips. "What are we going to do now? If we go back, he'll kill us."

Connor covers his face with frustration and takes a despairing breath. "There's more. After I hacked into his accounts, I did a little digging and found some interesting information. Shit that would interest the police. I wasn't able to go through all of it, but what I saw was pretty bad." He mumbles brokenly before extending a thumb drive out to us. "Maybe you can help with this?" Taking the thumb drive, I nod my head. "Alright. How about we take this to Priest's garage and see what's in it.

"Don't worry, San. Declan's taking us to a friend's place. We'll be alright." Santana gives me, and Connor penetrating look then wraps her arms around her chest protectively. She's definitely not buying Connor's explanation, but she doesn't call him out on it either. Instead, she looks out the window and ignores us. Giving him a grateful nod from the rearview mirror, I pick up my cell phone and dial Priest's number. He answers in one ring. "What the fuck do you want, Outlaw?"

Clearing my throat, I look at Santana and Declan. Both are lost in their own thoughts. Santana's brown eyes look haunted, and Connor's still fuming over the night's events. I want to tell him that everything is going to be alright, but I don't know if it's true at the moment. "Hey, Priest, I need a favor." Priest sighs. "What is it now?"

"Connor and his sister Santana got into some trouble tonight. I need your help." He remains silent for a moment then releases a deep sigh and answers. "Fine, bring them to the garage. I'll have Hunter wait for you by the door." Relief washes over me at his response. I don't know what I would have done if he had declined. There's no way that I can take Connor and Santana home with me. It would make things too personal, and I'm not ready for that. I don't know if I'll ever be ready for that.