I took in a steady breath, raised my gun, and fired off my shot. The bullet cut through the air and landed in his arm. His gun dropped to the ground and clattered. I got up and jumped off the top, crouching as I landed.

I ignored the small ache in my knees. I was getting too old for this shit.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” He was bent over, holding his arm.

I sauntered over to him, my gun still raised. He lifted his head, and our eyes met before I brought the butt of my gun down against his temple. He slumped over, and three more of our men turned the corner.

“Tie him up and get him to the warehouse.”

“Yes, boss.” They moved in unison.

I found Benito standing next to his car. “Tell me I don’t have to get the entire shipping yard scrubbed.”

I shook my head. “Single bullet wound.”

He nodded. “Find out everything. Someone is fucking us over.”

Gin jogged over to us, a light sheen of sweat coating his skin. “The guy usually on duty around here said he was dismissed multiple times in the past week. By our guys.”

Benito swore. “Loyalty mean shit nowadays?”

“We will get this under control, Benito,” Gin said.

It was rare Benito ever lost his composure for more than a split second. He took in a measured breath. “I know.” He met each of our gazes before getting behind the wheel of his car.

“I just hope it’s not a fiasco like two years ago,” Gin said.

My stomach turned and I nodded in agreement. He placed his hand on my shoulder.

“We need to get out of here. We’ve caused enough of a fucking scene. They’ve derailed the police as much as possible.”

The mention of police brought up Tex’s face in my mind. Gin whistled.

“Enzo,” he said in a warning tone.

“I know.”

He stared at me before nodding. I turned on my heels and headed for my car. Before I pulled off, I checked to see where Tex was. I had a single tail on him now.

Tex was working but he was far across town and a relieved sigh slipped free. I needed to get things under control. Soon.

* * *

I dug the scalpel under the nail and moved it back and forth slowly as muffled screams echoed around me. The fingernail came off, strings of blood and flesh sticking to the back of it. It was a decently clean take off. Beads of crimson bubbled up to the surface before running over and dripping onto the floor, joining the growing puddle.

The stench of urine perfumed the air, and I scrunched my nose in disgust. I glanced up at the man at my table. His green eyes were wide and red as he stared back at me, pleading without words.