I pulled my coat tighter, wishing I could escape the chill as easily as I could escape the city’s hustle and bustle. The river, a silent witness to my turmoil, seemed to offer a gentle reminder that, like its flowing waters, change was constant. As the moon rose, bathing the scene in a soft glow, I felt a sense of resolve beginning to form. I knew I couldn’t escape the shadow of my past, but perhaps, like the river, I could continue to flow, to move forward and leave the torment of my revelations behind.
With a deep breath, I rose from the bench, feeling a sense of peace amidst the chaos. The river had offered me the solace I needed, and now it was time to return home.
“Good evening, Dante.”
“What do you want, Sinclair?”
“To talk, of course,” the man said, taking a seat on the bench. “Please sit.”
“I need to get back—”
“Sit down, Dante.”
It was an order. Plain and simple.
I hesitated, then slowly lowered myself back onto the bench. The moon reflected off the river, creating a serene atmosphere, but my muscles tensed, ready to flee at any moment. Sinclair, a figure shrouded in mystery, had a way of appearing when I least expected it and never with good intentions.
“What is it this time, Sinclair? What do you want from me?” I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.
Sinclair smiled, a cold, calculated expression that sent a fresh chill through me. “I think you know why I’m here, Dante. We have unfinished business and I’m afraid it can’t wait any longer.”
My heart sank as I realized Sinclair wouldn’t let this go. “He still doesn’t remember, Sin.”
“But he will.”
Sinclair’s words hung in the air between us, heavy with implication.
The moonlight reflected off the river, casting an eerie glow on his face, and I felt a shiver that had nothing to do with the chill night air.
“He has something I want.” Sinclair’s eyes, cold and unblinking, held mine. “I know of a way to make him remember. It won’t be pleasant, but it’s necessary.”
I felt a surge of anger at the thought of putting Danny through more pain. “Why can’t you just let it go, Sinclair? He’s suffered enough.”
A faint smile played at the corners of Sinclair’s mouth, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Because, Dante, some debts must be paid in full. And this one is long overdue.”
I stood abruptly, unable to remain seated any longer. “Don’t do this, Sinclair. I’m begging you.” My voice was desperate, pleading.
Sinclair rose as well, his gaze unwavering. “It’s out of my hands now, Dante. The wheels are already in motion.”
I felt a surge of panic as the implications sank in. “When?” I asked, my voice hoarse.
“Tonight, Dante. It ends tonight.” Sinclair turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart pounding. I knew there was no stopping Sinclair; the die had been cast.
As I watched Sinclair’s retreating figure, a sense of dread settled over me. The night had taken an ominous turn, and I knew that whatever happened next would change everything. With a heavy heart, I walked, my footsteps echoing on the pavement as I made my way back into the bustling city. The river, with its tranquil flow, felt like a distant memory now, and the chill in my bones seemed to deepen with each step I took.
Chapter Fourteen
Reaper
Oklahoma City, earlier that same day.
As we stepped out of the car, the bustling city of Oklahoma enveloped us. The vibrant streets, filled with people going about their lives, seemed at odds with the secluded apartment building we sought. Montana’s brother, Kansas, was the president of the Diamondbacks MC and lived a quiet life in Lawton with his family, so this bustling location didn’t quite fit.
But we had to be sure.
Sypher’s involvement in this mysterious trail of breadcrumbs led us here, and I was determined to uncover his secrets.
“This doesn’t feel right,” Montana muttered, his eyes scanning the three-story structure.
