And waited.
The key sliding into the lock felt almost anti-climactic.
There was aclick,and the door creaked like it always did, a slow and casual sound that made Thane’s stomach knot.
Rubin stepped inside reeking of sweat, whisky, and overconfidence. His boots were heavy. He didn’t even bother to close the door behind him at first before he changed his mind and locked it. He set the foil trays on the side of the door.
He grunted as he moved further into the room.
Maro stiffened.
Thane’s thoughts closed around the plan in his mind.
Rubin muttered, “Dumb shits. You think I don’t smell when you’re up to something?” He chuckled to himself as his hand moved to his belt before using it to pull his pants up.
“Now!” Zel sprang.
They exploded into action.
Zel rammed the shiv into Rubin’s arm, metal piercing flesh with a wet squelch. Rubin bellowed, twisting just as Maro drove forward, blade aimed high, but it hit his ribs before skidding with a sickening gritty feel.
“Get the taser!” he shouted, lunging for it.
Rubin’s elbow caught Maro in the jaw.
Zel went flying with a spray of Ruben’s blood hitting the wall.
Rubin grabbed for the taser and came up empty. He looked up just in time to watch as Thane pushed the button.
Crack.
Electricity surged through the prongs.
He knocked Rubin’s arm sideways, grabbed the handle, yanked the taser from his grip, and pressed it to his side.
Rubin’s body jerked violently, arms flailing as his knees buckled.
Thane didn’t stop.
He pressed the trigger again, buzzing it once, then again, until Rubin lay spasming on the floor, back arching, foam gathering in the corners of his mouth. Blood oozed from the wound in his chest, pooling beneath him in slow, widening spirals.
The smell of burnt fabric and singed skin filled the air.
Rubin tried to speak, but all that rolled out was a wet gurgle.
Thane’s hand trembled, but he held the taser steady.
Zel crouched beside him, voice like steel. “That’s enough. He’s done.”
Rubin twitched once more, then went still.
A dark stain spread across the floor.
“Key,” Lirian said.
Fingers slick with blood, Thane unclipped the ring from Rubin’s belt while Lirian was already at the door, jamming the first key in.
Click.
