Page 104 of Desecrated Saints
“I see,” he deadpans. “How did you get this number?”
We all watch with trepidation.
“If this is an attempt to scare us off the case, it’s entirely misguided.”
“Hunt?” Enzo asks with concern.
Meeting the wide eyes of his best friend, Hunter puts the phone on speaker mode. Every single person inside the church stiffens at the light, conversational tone in Bancroft’s voice. He sounds far too fucking happy.
“I do apologise for breaking up this sad, sad affair.”
“What do you want?” Enzo blusters.
“It seems you’re intent on destroying the hard-earned reputation of your firm by associating with these convicts. I’m willing to offer you a final chance to step aside.”
Hunter scoffs bitterly. “You killed one of our own. This is no longer a professional endeavour. Believe me, I will take great delight in demolishing your organisation overnight.”
“Well, your confidence is amusing at least.” Bancroft laughs sadistically. “Since you’re all mourning, I thought I’d offer you a gift. Patient Delta has been punished for her transgressions.”
The heat leaches from my body, leaving me cold and empty.
“Punished for letting us escape, you mean,” I accuse.
“Ah, Brooklyn. You know better than most what disobedience gets you.”
“What do you want?” Kade steps in front of me.
“Mr Knight! I thought I recognised your voice. It’s been a long time. There’s someone here who would like to speak to you.”
With a shuffling sound, a deep throat clear causes my heart to somersault. Hudson rests a hand on his brother’s shoulder, staring at the phone with trepidation. I’d recognise Leroy Knight’s voice anywhere.
“I expected more loyalty from you, son, after all I’ve done for you.”
“Father,” he grits out. “I’m doing what’s right.”
“I wonder if the authorities will agree when they charge you with first-degree murder. Poor old Stephanie, killed in cold blood. How is my adoptive boy? Gotten over his short-lived grief yet?”
“Fuck you,” Hudson shouts.
“Hello, Hudson. In all fairness, she was a whore. The world is well rid of your mother.”
His foot connects with several of the chairs, sending them flying across the church in wooden splinters. I attempt to approach him, but Hudson hisses at me in warning.
“What about my mother?” Kade interjects. “You can’t keep up this manhunt for long. She won’t protect you anymore. You’re going down, along with this entire corporation.”
“Sentiment,” Leroy hums. “It’s something I’ve warned you about. When everyone you love is dead, we will have this conversation again. Perhaps then you will learn your lesson.”
“We’ll see about that, old man.”
“Shall I add harassing my clients to your list of charges?” Hunter intervenes smoothly. “Along with torture, unlawful imprisonment, illegal experimentation, and a million human rights violations?”
“I think you’ll find the law to be on our side of this, Mr Rodriguez.” Bancroft takes charge from Kade’s father. “Turn the fugitives over or I won’t be held responsible for my next actions.”
Staring ahead at Sadie’s coffin, Hunter’s face transforms into a mask of terrifying determination. He looks ready to go to war, win or lose.
“Go to hell, sir.”
“Poor choice, Mr Rodriguez. Let’s see who will believe you after this.”
