The Black Fox (The Dirty Heroes Collection Book 1)
Page 9
“Men can be bought.” Henrik said plainly. “And without the head of their family, they’re lost. Easy pickings.”
Christian relaxed in his seat, unbuttoning his jacket. He could relax now. Wars between the families had to be dealt with delicate hands. Even with Jackson’s permission to take out the newest family to the Network, it was best the Creon’s didn’t handle it themselves. Sending Henrik to deal with it assured no backlash from any of McKinley’s allies. Not that there were many. McKinley was a backstabbing cheap steak. Families within the Network didn’t look kindly on that.
Now with McKinley handled, Christian would be gifted the abandoned territory and he could peddle his whores and his drugs without competition.
A commotion outside the office drew Christian’s attention. The door flew open and a man rushed through. Henrik’s men followed, hunger for a fight written all over their faces.
Henrik waved them back. “It’s okay. Let him in.”
“What is it?” Christian demanded, getting up from his chair. “You don’t just barge in when I’m in a meeting.” He chastised the man, whose lips curled inward at the sight of Henrik sitting so casually at his desk.
“Henrietta.” He spat out the name of the woman upstairs. “She’s dead.” He pointed a finger at Henrik. “He killed her.”
Christian’s eyes were wild when he spun back around. His cheeks reddened as words attempted to form on his lips.
“She’s up there naked. Looks like he raped her too.” Anger shook his words.
Henrik lifted his shoulder. “Rape suggests she wasn’t willing. Which she was, even more than I was to get in her pants.”
He sighed. Obviously, his humor was lost on them.
“Henrietta was fucking McKinley. She was giving him information. That’s how your shipments were being messed with.” Henrik hadn’t cleared the kill with Christian. When he agreed to take care of the McKinley situation, he took the matter seriously. Both the original target, and the traitor had been dealt with.
Christian’s shoulders slumped, and he waved his men out of the room. “Get the car, I’ll be right out.” He ordered them when they hesitated. “Go!”
The three men filed out, and Henrik’s men shut the door, leaving them alone.
Christian helped himself to the bourbon, pouring himself a healthy glass. Henrik declined joining him. In one quick swallow, Christian downed the liquor, pulling his lips back and sucking in a long breath as it made its way down his throat.
“Henrietta was my niece.” Christian’s gaze settled on the hard wood flooring. “My sister’s only daughter.”
Henrik folded his hands on his desk. A choice was made and carried out; regret played no part in the future. A traitor was found and dealt with.
After a long pause Christian dragged his gaze up to Henrik. “Did she suffer?”
She’d been in the throes of an orgasm when he twisted his hand into her hair and yanked her head back. A simple tug was all it took for him to snap her neck.
“It was a quick end.” And better than she deserved. While he’d had his way with her, she’d spilled all of Creon’s secrets. Admitted to helping McKinley end her uncle’s reign because he’d been mean to her, wouldn’t shower her with the riches she thought she’d deserved.
Christian huffed. “She was a spoiled bitch. I’m not surprised she would sell out her family.” He put up a hand. “My sister passed away last winter, breast cancer.” He sighed. “At least she won’t have to suffer the pain of her daughter’s betrayal.”
“Henrietta has brothers.” Henrik didn’t need fallout from this, and assurances would have to be made.
“I will handle my nephews.” He agreed. Christian picked up his hat from the desk, holding it front of him. “They may want reparations,” Christian said cautiously. “Although I can’t say I disagree with your actions, you did move without consulting me.”
Always looking for another bite of the pie. Not that he was completely wrong, but Henrik didn’t owe this asshole anything.
“I’m sure my father will have something you’ll find beneficial. He’s due here tonight,” Henrik assured him. Let the old men work out payment amongst themselves. Henrik didn’t play the diplomat between the families. His father, being the majority owner of the Network, dealt with all that. Henrik was simply the muscle.
“Would you like Henrietta’s body brought-”
“Burn it.” Christian waved a hand in the air. Even as a traitor, the niece of one the most powerful men in the Network could still be given a proper burial. Her family could still mourn her. But as one of the most powerful men in the city, Christian Creon needed to send a message. Traitors are not family.
“It will be taken care of,” Henrik promised. Christian took the betrayal and death of his niece better than expected. It could be a cloud of smoke, or it could be true relief that the woman is gone.
“Thank you.” Christian inclined his head then took his leave. The door closed softly behind him, sending Henrik’s office into full silence. A sound he hadn’t enjoyed since his morning run.
It’s short lived, however. Olivier steps inside, curiosity wrinkling his brow. “So?”
“So.” Henrik claps his hands. “It’s done. Did his shipment move through yet?”
“Yeah. The women have been moved into the barracks on the east side of the property. The handlers are due to arrive in the morning. They’ll be gone by the afternoon.” Oliver assured him.
The Network was made up of over twenty different families. Some moved drugs, some cleaned cash, but they all dealt in flesh. Every family was afforded the protection of the Network, mostly provided by Henrik and his men, for a small fee paid to the owners. Jackson and his brother Haden. The men all made their millions, Henrik kept the law at bay and squashed the skirmishes between the families. It was an easy set up, and fucking hell the pay was good.
“And the girl upstairs?” Oliver asked.
“Get the room cleaned. Her body can go in the incinerator, he doesn’t want her.” Henrik looked at his watch. “My father should be here soon. I’m going to change.”
“What do you suppose your step mother wants? She never comes without an agenda.” Oliver follows behind Hendrik.
Hera will have a task for him, of that Henrik is positive. And whatever it is, it’s going to set his anger ablaze. Just looking at the woman soured his mood. But for the love of his father, he will keep himself in check.
“Whatever she wants will be dealt with. As always.” Henrik stopped at the foot of the stairs. “Creon took the death of niece easily. Even with knowing I fucked her before I snapped that little neck of hers.”
Oliver’s eyes widened. “You just can’t keep away from the fire, can you?”
Henrik slapped him on the back. “The deal was McKinley. Fucking Henrietta was payment for dealing with her.”
“I hope you’re right about him taking it well.”
“I didn’t say he took it well. I said he took it easily. Just to be sure he’s not secretly mourning the loss; I want a guard at the gates tonight. Another in the security room here at the house.”
“I’ll get it done.” Oliver, Henrik’s top man, and closest friend never let him down.
Henrik made his way up the staircase. A few more hours then he could get his ass into bed. It would be a short night, but the headaches of today would be in the past.
“Henrik. They just pulled up.” Olivier’s voice carried up the stairs, smacking Henrik in the back. Fuck.
He was going to have to greet his father and step mother with the aroma of pussy still lingering in his beard.
ONE CLICK
https://amzn.to/2UpvH8i
Also by Brianna Hale
COME TO DADDY
CONTROL FREAK
LITTLE DANCER
PRINCESS BRAT
SOFT LIMITS
MIDNIGHT HUNTER
THE PROTÉGÉ
THE NECROMANCER’S BRIDE
VOW OF OBEDIENCE
LAP OF
LUXURY
About Brianna
There’s nothing Brianna Hale likes more than a large, stern alpha male with a super-protective and caring streak, and when she's not writing about them she can usually be found with a book, a cocktail, planning her next trip to a beautiful location or attending the theatre. She believes that pink and empowerment aren’t mutually exclusive, and everyday adventures are possible. Brianna lives in London.
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