Page 74 of The Stalking King

“But you can narrow it down. We’ve got two options. The data center, or the warehouse?”

“I don’t know,” he repeats, but I can tell he’s lying.

“You know something,” I snap. “I know you do. I can see it on your face. You remember something. It’s time to start talking. Now.”

When he doesn’t answer me, I do something I never thought I would. I punch my baby brother hard in the gut, then I hit him again. My mind is flooded with all the vicious things Vale and his men could be doing to my Lia.

He coughs blood, wheezing.

“Tell me,” I roar.

I hit him again, and now there are tears in my eyes too. He’s the only person I’ve ever trusted unconditionally, and now he might’ve killed the love of my life.

“Tell me,” I roar again, hitting him harder. “Where has he been hiding? The data center or the fucking warehouse?”

“Data…” He bows his head, sniffling. “They’re going to kill them. Rachael. Mikey. They’ve sent me pictures every day. They’ve had them for weeks, Max. It all ends here.”

I drag Nikolai over to Anton, shoving him toward him. “Put him in the trunk. He needs medical care. We’re hitting the data center as soon as possible. Rally the troops.”

“Boss.” Anton grabs Nikolai’s arm and drags him roughly. I resist the urge to tell Anton to go easy on him.

This means death for Nikolai. People don’t betray the Bratva king and get away with it.

Before Anton shoves him away, Nikolai looks up at me, broken. “I love her,” he says. “She’s the only person I’ve ever loved. Wouldn’t you do the same for Lia?”

“I would’ve come to you,” I snap. “We would’ve handled it together.”

In the car, I hold onto my side, wincing as the bullet wound tugs at me. Anton glances at me, and I let my hand drop.

“There’s nothing civilized about this anymore,” I growl. “We’re not above the other Bratva wings anymore. This is brutality now, Anton. This is war. This is death.”

“I’ve been waiting for this,” Anton says coldly and picks up speed.

I take a minute or two to control myself and call Conrad Vale.

He sounds even more arrogant than usual. “Maksim, what a lovely surprise.”

“Hmm.” I grind my teeth. “Have you hurt her?”

“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Cut the shit,” I snap. “We both know what’s going on here. I’m not bugging this goddamn call. You want the other half of the key. I want my girl back.”

“She’s sustained some injuries,” he says. “But that wasn’t us. That was the car crash. Your brother should get driving lessons. Did he survive?”

“I thought you’d want to take your asset,” I say in disgust.

“He’s outlived his usefulness. I assume you understand the gravity of the situation now.”

“You want the second half of the key,” I say. “And I can get it. But it’s going to take some time. There are passcodes and fail-safes and security measures.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Conrad says. “Finally, progress.”

“I bet you’re looking forward to being the undisputed king,” I growl. “Conrad Vale, the holder of all the city’s secrets. I bet you can’t wait.”

“Don’t be a sore loser,” he says. “How long will this take?”

I can’t say something outlandish, like days or weeks. That will just motivate him to hurt Lia. I need to be smart about this.