Page 82 of Savage Throne
“It’s all about theatrics,” he said, gesturing with his hands. “The right moment. The right words. Therightmessage.”
Song shook his head, clearly exasperated. “She doesn’t need to say anything. The heads will speak for themselves.”
“But that’s boring.” Leo sighed, like a disappointed child. “This isn’t just about killing, Song. It’s about making an impression.”
I blinked, struggling to keep up. “Animpression?”
Leo turned to me. “Exactly. You’ve got to let them know you mean business. It’s like Die Hard. Bruce Willis was always coming up with those one-liners. Remember?”
“Die Hard? What the fuck?” I was close to passing out.
His grin widened. “‘Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker.’”
I blinked.
Song rolled his eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “This isn’t an action movie, Leo. It’s real life.”
“Real life needs flair, too.” Leo shrugged. “How about something like, ‘Hope you didn’t miss your friends too much. They’re already here.’”
I stared at him, absolutely dumbfounded. “You want me to throw severed heads onto the floor. . .and say that?”
Song uncrossed his arms. “It’s unnecessary. If she does her job, they’ll fall in line without needing jokes.”
Leo waved him off, undeterred. “It’s not a joke. It’s a statement. A declaration.” His voice took on that same persuasive hum, the one that curled around me like smoke. “Something sharp. Memorable. Hmmm. Maybe you can say, ‘Heads up, motherfuckers!’”
"Absolutely not.” I inched back. “And can we get back to my needing to carry a bag of heads in the first place. Can I get a break tonight? I already have to risk my life by going in there—”
“Heads upwould be funny.” Leo grinned and this time it was a true grin. He was absolutely tickled.
“No more weed for you tonight, brother.” Song exhaled sharply through his nose. “This isn’t the time to play Bruce Willis. And yes, Monique. . .you deserve a break. But for now. . .just go in there, spill out the heads from the bag and start shooting immediately.”
I was close to pissing myself.
Song watched me. “Are you ready?”
“No. I’m not even close to ready.”
Leo nodded. “Still. . .let’s begin.”
Chapter fourteen
The Walk Up the Mountain
Moni
We walked for fifteen long minutes up the steep, winding mountain path.
My two loaded guns lay in their holsters at my sides.
My breaths came in short, ragged gasps.
So late into the night, the air was crisp and cool.
The moon hung high above, casting a pale glow over the uneven trail, turning the shadows of the surrounding trees into long, dark fingers that seemed to reach for me.
The mountain path wound ahead. Each step was heavier than the last, like chains were dragging behind me.
My shoes scraped against the loose gravel.