Trickster [Aidan Hunter series book 1]

Chapter 8

The Trickster's call was unexpected. This was my chance to get as much as I could out of him.

"Gotta admit," I said. "I didn't expect you to call."

"I wanted you to solve that damn case already so we can get down to business," he spoke. "Don't bother tracing this call. You won't find me that way."

I expected him to be prepared against tracing anyway. He wouldn't be so dense to call me from an ordinary number.

"I didn't think so," I replied. "What was the point of the heist, anyway? You steal the diamond, then have it planted in my house. Not to mention your weak attempt at getting me framed. Gary Spence and Rhodes were murdered for no reason. This isn't about money."

"Nah. They were in the way. I had no choice. Honestly, all I wanted was to grab your attention."

"Well, you could've just called."

"Now where's the fun in that?"

I rolled my eyes. "It was an effortless heist, I'll give you that. A fake diamond made of ice? It sounds bizarre when you think about it, yet you pulled that off somehow. Then you got those security guards and that woman doing your bidding."

He chuckled. "You know, the ice thing was experimental, so to speak. I did puzzle you for a moment there. As for those three idiots, they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Mary was the prime witness. She saw my face. I couldn't risk her spilling the beans, so I did my research and found leverage against her. Against them. If you have something precious to them, people will do anything you ask."

"Their families."

"Bingo. You're quick."

"What do you want?"

"Ah yes, the important question. I want to kill you, is all. It won't be simple, though. I want you to suffer first. I want you to break. When you do, you'll be wishing you were dead. And then I will take pleasure in killing you."

That was intense. Then again, I had received threats like this before, so it failed to take me by surprise.

"Sounds fun. You'll have to get in line though," I said, coldly. "'Cause how many criminals wanted to kill me? Oh yeah, all of them."

"I have a couple of spies in place. They report to me regularly, so I know everything. If I want them to, they'll put a bullet in Henry's head, and you won't see it coming. You'll watch him die in front of your eyes and there'll be nothing you can do about it."

That struck my nerves. And along with that spark of anger, I felt apprehension too. I didn't give a damn if someone threatened me, but I couldn't stand those threats being directed at Henry. It was a line that should never be crossed, considering how extremely protective I was of him. I glanced to find him and Martin staring at me.

"Do I have your attention now?" the Trickster said.

I turned away, lowering my voice. "This is between you and me. He's not involved."

"Oh, he is. This has something to do with Amanda, and someone else."

"What about her?"

"You'll see in time. I told you, I want to break you first. Whatever you do from here on out, it's all on you. Starting now, you play my game. And remember—I'm watching."

The call cut. Martin and Henry stared at me.

"Who was that?" the latter asked.

"Trickster," I replied.

"You mean the guy behind all this?" Martin asked, surprised. "What did he say?"

"That he wants to kill me." I shoved my phone in my jeans pocket. "He's going to kill many people to get to me."