Chapter 9 - The Handler
I stared at Arthur, my mind completely unable to process his sudden appearance.
He was supposed to be dead, executed by the syndicate three years ago.
"Help me get him inside," Arthur ordered gruffly, gesturing to Larkin's bleeding body.
Arthur grabbed Larkin's shoulders, and I grabbed his legs.
We dragged the unconscious syndicate boss down a narrow set of concrete stairs into a hidden basement clinic.
The room was filled with stolen medical equipment and blinding surgical lights.
Arthur heaved Larkin onto a stainless steel operating table and grabbed a pair of trauma shears.
"Why are you helping him?" I asked, trembling as I watched Arthur cut away Larkin's ruined shirt.
"Because if he dies, Thomas takes over, and Thomas will not stop hunting me," Arthur replied coldly.
My brother began packing Larkin's gunshot wound with sterile gauze.
I had infiltrated Steves Financial entirely to find the men who had murdered my brother.
Finding out he had faked his own death and left me grieving felt like a physical blow.
"You let me believe you were dead," I said, my voice cracking with betrayal.
"I did it to protect you, Penny," Arthur sighed, not looking away from his work.
"Then why did you let me walk into a crime syndicate?" I yelled, tears finally falling.
Arthur stopped working and looked at me with deep sorrow in his eyes.
"I tried to stop you, but you were determined to find my killers."
Larkin suddenly gasped, his eyes flying open as the pain medication kicked in.
He grabbed Arthur by the throat, pinning my brother against the surgical tray.
"Larkin, stop!" I screamed, rushing forward to grab his arm.
Larkin released his grip, falling back onto the table and gasping for breath.
He looked at Arthur, then slowly turned his head to look at me.
"You know this man?" Larkin rasped, his dark eyes narrowing in confusion.
"He is my brother," I confessed, preparing for Larkin's rage.
Larkin did not look angry, he looked completely horrified.
"Your brother is Arthur Woods?" Larkin asked quietly.
I nodded, gripping the edge of the metal table.
Larkin closed his eyes, letting out a long, ragged breath.
"I knew exactly who you were the day I hired you, Penelope," Larkin confessed softly.
"I have been protecting you ever since."
May you like
Arthur picked up a bloody scalpel from the tray and pressed it against Larkin's throat.
"Then tell her the truth about why you really hired her," Arthur threatened darkly.
