Bounty: Hitman Duet, #1

By K.L Humphreys and Ruby Wolff

LUCY
This isn't your typical love story.
My life was great, I was happy until I heard something I shouldn't have.
Now I'm running and there's only one man that can save me.
He's also the one man I shouldn't trust.
Will the bounty be too high for him?

CASH
It was meant to be an easy job, Probably the easiest I've ever had.
But something about her threw me.
The Bounty on her head is tempting.
But then again, so is she.
The question is, can I save her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K.L Humphreys
• Release date: Jan 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393727460

Book preview

2

Lucy

So, how is school, sweetheart? my dad asks as I look at him on my computer. God, I love Skype. I finally finished my teaching degree and got a job straight out of college. Being the step-daughter of a very powerful man definitely helped.

It’s good, the kids are sweet, having Ruby there too is a huge plus. Not many people get to work with their best friend, I tell him. I started to feel really alone when I came home from college since I didn’t know anyone here. Ruby has been my best friend since day one of college and my dad loves her.

My mother’s friends are people that I don’t want to be around, let alone be friends with. They’re so stuck up and, my God, the drama. It’s the worst thing about the rich living lavishly, too much drama. Every other day, rumors are rife about infidelity.

That is brilliant. Are you happy to be close to Mom again?

She’s always with her fancy friends, so I don’t see much of her. The sound of Dad’s laughter filters through the speakers, and I know it’s because he knows how I feel about Mom’s so-called friends. I spend most of my time planning for the upcoming school week or I’m out with Ruby. God, it sounds so boring to put it like that. Are you finally settled in London? I ask.

I never thought my parents would get divorced, but it was the best thing for them. They would fight all the time; it was getting so bad that my dad wouldn’t even come home until she was sleeping. So, when they told me they were getting a divorce, I was happier than they were. Mom met Henry at a charity event, and they hit it off straight away, and not even a year later they got married. I won’t lie and say I’m his number one fan, because I’m not. There is something about him that doesn’t feel right, but I can’t put my finger on it.

For a few years, my dad stayed in America. Once I finished college he said that he was so proud of me and it was such a joy watching me grow. But now it’s time for him to move on, that watching my mom and Henry together isn’t helping him. That he’ll only be a call away. That he wanted to do something he’s wanted to do since he was a teenager, so he moved to England.

I am, and I can’t wait for you to visit me. Do you have plans this weekend?

No, meeting Ruby for lunch, then going back to hers, going to this new bar she wants to check out, I tell him. The only time to let my hair down is the weekend. After a week of little ones running around screaming all day, I need to let loose.

Good, you can find me a nice son-in-law. My dad gives me that look. He has never been that protective dad. He taught me well, and he knows that I would never date someone for the sake of it.

The other reason being Henry had security watching me like I’m the president or something. All through college I had a shadow. No one was allowed to get close to me, and if they did, the security would tell them to move away. Dad has always thought it was funny. I, however, don’t.

When that lucky man does come along you will be the first to know. My cell starts to vibrate on the desk. Picking it up, I show Dad with a smile on my face. I better go, that’s Ruby calling.

I love you. My dad blows me a kiss.

And I love you more. Ending the call, I smile. He always likes to get the last word in, but today I wanted it. My dad is my best friend, and I hate that he’s so far from me, but there’s a plus side to him being in England. I get to visit, and being a teacher, I have a long summer break, which I’m already looking forward to.

Sending Ruby a quick message, I let her know I was talking to my dad and I’m about to leave now. I grab my bag and head into the kitchen to get a bottle of water. Closing the fridge, I jump as Henry is standing a little too close.

Hi, Henry, I say, putting the bottle in my bag as I dig out my car keys.

Heading out? he asks, watching me. Whenever I’m around him, I always want to leave as soon as I can.

Meeting Ruby, I will see you tomorrow, I say, running out of the door before he starts asking more questions.

I can’t wait until I have enough money to buy my own place. My mom kept saying that she will pay my rent or buy a place for me, but I won’t let her. I can earn my own money and buy my own place. It’s going to take a little longer than I thought, but that day is coming.

Getting into my BMW that my dad got me when I got the job at the school, I head out to meet Ruby for lunch.

I spoke to my mom and told her that once I started work Henry couldn’t have his security team following me anymore. She had a choice, stop them or I move to London with Dad. I have a life and want to live it.

Mom said that I'm a young girl and should be out enjoying myself, it was Henry who kept telling her that I need them with me. In his position, anything can happen, and he needs to make sure I'm safe. He finally agreed, and today is the first day in a long time that I’m free, and I’m so happy.

About time you got here. Ruby stands from her seat to give me a kiss on the cheek. She wanted to start our day early, so she picked a place that started cocktail hour early.

Sorry, Dad called. He’s finally settled in London. Taking a seat in front of her, I smirk. I see that you are starting the cocktails without me. I grab her glass and take a sip. I’m keeping this, this is good.

How does it feel to finally be able to go out without the herd behind you? Ruby starts looking around the streets. Just checking that they aren’t here. She starts laughing, which makes me look around too. Nope you’re free, and tonight we are going out and we can finally enjoy it. You know they affected my life too.

Yes, yes, I know, you made sure that you told me every day. I look up at the waiter as he starts telling us the specials of the day. Placing our order, Ruby starts telling me about the plan she has for us tonight.

It’s been so long since I’ve been out for a night; by the end of college, I stopped going out because of security. It was getting to the point where I was feeling suffocated with them around me and the thought of staying in watching movies was so much more appealing. So now I’m free of them and I’m going to finally enjoy my nights out.

We still going shopping after? Ruby asks.

Yes, I need to buy something to wear tonight, I tell her, and I want to buy a few other things too.

I love shopping for things to put around the house. When Ruby asked me to help her buy things for her new home, I jumped at the chance. I can’t wait until I’m able to get my own place.

Did you hear Henry talk about Senator Fitzgerald’s murder? Ruby asks me.

No, he’s been in the office all morning. He deserved everything he got. All the shit that he does, it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. Senator Fitzgerald was a dirty politician, and I believe that they all are. Even my step-father, Senator Henry Colin.

Yeah, I know, it was on the news this morning. Ruby puts a few mugs in her cart. If you find anything out you have to tell me. She looks over at me as I shake my head at her. She knows that I’m not interested in any of that stuff and if I had my way I wouldn’t even live in the same house as that world.

I promise you, you will be the first person I call. Throwing some towels into the cart, we continue to walk down the aisle. Mom thinks it’s an inside job. As I walk, looking at the shelves, I’m stopped short as I bump into Ruby, who came to a halting stop. I manage to grab hold of her jacket to stop me from falling. What the hell, Ruby?

Who does your mom think it was? Ruby whispers. For someone that says they don’t care about politicians and the crap they do, she wants to know everything.

She has no idea; all she said was it seems like someone on the inside had enough of the dirty shit he was doing, and no she didn’t elaborate on what he was doing, I whisper back as I look around the aisle to make sure that no one is listening.

I agree, this world is already fucked up, and politicians are the worst, she says, walking away as two women walk down the aisle. She’s not wrong. I’ve been around politicians long enough now to know they are all talk, and the dirty crap they do behind doors is just wrong. They should all be shot the same way Senator Fitzgerald was.

3

Cash

It’s been a long two weeks watching these two idiots. If I had the choice I would have broken my own rule about watching them before killing them, but I had to be patient. I want them both, and I want them in one night.

Sitting outside the Thorns’ house, I watch the shadows of them walking around inside the house. The more I’ve watched these two assholes, the more I’ve wanted them dead. I even wanted to call the person that put the hit on them to say fuck it, I’ll do it for free.

I see the third shadow walking past: The wife. How she has stayed married to that man, I will never know. I suppose the amount she drinks all day would make anyone forget they’re married to a piece of shit.

Hades, we’re a go for tonight, I hear Argos through my earpiece. Argos gave me the most detailed dossier on not just Brad Thorn, but his father, Fredrick Thorn. So, you are hitting them both tonight?

Yes, they’ll be in the same room at the same time. The security won’t be around, either. I already know that the wife will be in bed passed out from drinking all day.

You’ve decided to take them both out then? Argos asks. I hear the amusement in his tone. He kept telling me to get them both, but the hit was for the son. Although, the more I watched them together, the more I was happy to do both.

Fuck you, I tell him, and I know he’s smiling on the other end because he was right. I’ve killed some dicks in my time, but these two give asshole a whole new meaning. One thing’s for sure, I’m going to be smiling the moment I pull the trigger, right up until the moment the bullet goes through them.

I didn’t think that I could hate the son any more than when I found out he’s a rapist. But I found out the asshole is a woman beater too. One of the nights I was following him, I don’t know how, but he managed to pick some girl up at the bar. I watched as that girl was pushed against the wall, whatever he wanted she didn’t want to do. So, the little prick punched her. Were there any charges against him? No, because his dad got involved. That night my mind was made up; they both had to go.

I wonder how Brad got the shiner; you know anything about it? Argos asks me, already knowing the answer.

There was no way that I was going to let that asshole get away with hitting a woman. Don’t get me wrong, I have no qualms about killing a woman, but I would never hurt an innocent girl.

Do you want to do the hit up close or from across the street? Argos asks, and I know that he has arranged for both scenarios.

Across the street; don’t want them knowing that their time is up. I would love to look them in the eyes when I pull the trigger on them, but I have the best escape plan if I’m outside.

What’s the lucky gun? We have the M14 or the SVDK.

M14. I trust the M14—I know it has great accuracy if I’m in the house or if I’m five hundred yards away. I’m just about to get out of the car and kill these motherfuckers when a car pulls up to the Thorns’ gates. Argos, who the hell is that going into the Thorns’ house? I hate the unexpected; I know that I’ll have to wait to do the hit until whoever this is has gone.

I know he’s checking to see who the license plate belongs to. Senator Colin. What the hell is the senator doing here? Shit, how did I not find out that they knew each other? Argos says, sounding frantic, but I’d also like to know how the hell he missed such a vital piece of information. Shit, Hades, there is nothing that suggests these two should even know each other.

Well, they fucking do, Argos. The man has walked into the house like he’s done it a million times before. Something doesn’t add up. My gut is telling me this is a setup. Find out who the hell ordered this hit. My gut is never wrong. I don’t like this, and I’m sure as fuck not doing the hit feeling like this.

Whoever it is has routed the account to Thailand, then Dubai. Fuck we’re in the UK at the moment. Whoever this is, they’re good, but not that good. Got you, you can’t hide from me! He’s talking to himself again.

Earth to Argos? Mind telling me who it was? I wait as I can hear the clicking of the keys on his keyboard. "Argos?" I’m losing my god damned patience.

Fuck, it isn’t a setup, Hades, he says in a low voice.

You do realize that I’m the only one that can hear you?

Yeah, I know. Again, he’s speaking low in a hushed tone.

Who the hell set it up? I bite out, hate having to ask twice.

Angela Marks, he whispers. Fuck! The woman Brad raped. I don’t blame her for wanting revenge. Hades, what are you going to do?

Send the money back to her. And find out how the hell Thorn knows Colin. Damn it, how long is the senator going to be here?

So, we’re not going to do the hit? He sounds disappointed, but he should know me better by now.

Of course I’m still doing the hit, as soon as that fucking Senator leaves. Hack into their surveillance feed. I want to know what the hell they are talking about. I don’t know much about Senator Colin. He’s around these two assholes, so I know that he must be as corrupt as most of the senators on Capitol Hill.

I hear him tapping away on his keyboard. I’m in. The senator’s leaving, and I missed the conversation. Fuck, I should have hacked in sooner.

I watch as the senator leaves, thankful that he didn’t stay too long, I’ve been sitting in this car long enough as it is. Argos is tapping away on his keyboard again, that sound gets annoying after a while. You finished playing games, Bang?

You’re an asshole, Hades, you know that? I told you I found it and was curious what it was. How the hell was I supposed to know it was a sex game? Argos says indignantly; he hates when I bring up that indiscretion. Now, the Thorns are in the dining room. It’s now or never. There’s no one around, you’re clear.

I’m on it. I get out of the car and check the trunk, there in all its glory is the M14. I take it out of the trunk and make my way to the Carters’ house, which is located directly opposite the Thorn’s house. How long will the Carters be gone? I ask as I make my way up the stairs and toward the master bedroom.

They’ll be gone all night; it’s their wedding anniversary, and Mr. Carter booked a hotel for the night. Someone’s hoping to get lucky.

Okay, how long have I been in now? I like to have a timer going, that way I know if I’m taking too long. The longer I take, the bigger the risk of something going wrong. I start setting the rifle up.

Twenty-three seconds. The Thorns are still in the dining room, they’re making a fucking toast. Argos hates these guys. I don’t blame him, they’re lower than scum.

I open the window slightly, lining up the shot. I see the back of Fredrick’s head through the scope. I don’t hesitate; I pull the trigger, I don’t wait to see if the shot has hit its target. Lining up my next shot right between Brad's eyes. I see through the scope that his eyes have widened, probably at the sight of his father’s dead body slumped over the table. I don’t hesitate; I pull the trigger and wait for the all-clear from Argos.

Targets are down, time to get out of there, I hear Argos in my ear, and I smile. Good riddance. You have to be quick, Hades, Mrs. Thorn is leaving her room. Well, shit. I pack up the rifle and close the window. Always leave the house the same way you found it. I’m back into the car just as Argos starts bitching. Fucking alcoholic, she’s going to find them now. Get out of there, Hades. The place will be swarming with cops soon. He’s panicking.

I’m leaving now; calm your panties, yeah? I put my foot on the gas and get the hell out of dodge. Time? I bark at him.

Seventy-eight seconds. That’s a new record. Two kills in under one minute and twenty seconds. I was right; cops are thirty seconds out. Fucking cops, always on the scene quicker when it’s some rich asshole. Argos is getting himself worked up again.

Argos, chill. We’re finished for the night. I’ll bring the car to Carlos, and on the way I’ll get rid of the gun. There’s a housing development going up around the corner; they’ll be pouring the concrete out tomorrow. So, it’s the perfect opportunity to get rid of it, I tell him as I’m driving up to it; I drive past the development to make sure no one is there. All clear.

Good thinking. I’m going to keep an eye on this investigation, make sure the cops don’t think Angela had anything to do with this. I’ve hacked the bank records so it doesn’t come up that she paid for it. That’s why he’s on the payroll. He’s not just a geek, he’s one step ahead of everybody. He knows what to do and doesn’t generally need to be told.

Good thinking, Batman. See you later. I love teasing him about his superhero obsession.

Fuck you, Hades. You’re just jealous that I could be a superhero. You … well, you’d be more of a demonic demon or something. I know that he’s smiling as his voice gets a bit higher. I’ll let you know if there are any developments from this.

I take the earpiece out of my ear and look at the development site; there’s no fucking shovel. I’m going to have to dig by hand. I can’t be bothered calling Argos to help me out since the length of time I’ll have to wait for him to come here I’d already be half done.

An hour later and I’m covered in mud. The rifle is buried, and tomorrow morning, concrete will be covering it. I take the car to Carlos; thankfully, he’s busy so I don’t have to worry about his bullshit small talk. I get rid of the Corolla for only five hundred dollars. I’m not complaining; the car was a piece of shit, and I’ve no more use for it.

The hot water cascades down my body. I needed a good shower after tonight. I can hear my cell ringing, and I know that it’s Argos because he’s the only one who has that number, I don’t trust anyone except him. I switch the shower off and grab a towel, not even taking the time to dry myself. I answer the call and wait for him to speak.

Angela committed suicide twenty minutes ago. Her brother found her when he went over to tell her that Brad was dead. She was hanging from the stair banister. Pronounced dead at the scene. Argos doesn’t beat around the bush.

Fuck, that’s the last thing I expected. Let me guess, the cops think that she was the one to kill the Thorns?

Oh, yeah, and to make things worse, when the cops searched her house, they found pictures of Brad, so they believe she was stalking him. He sounds as if he’s the one wanting to kill someone now. What are we going to do, Hades? We need to do something to get the heat off Angela; we need something to shift the cops focus.

Find out all the shady shit those fuckers were into and send it to the cops. Cover your tracks, Argos; we don’t want them finding out where the info came from. Shit, this isn’t what I thought would happen.

4

Lucy

I love my job; I always wanted to work with kids, but today is not one of those days at all. Today is the day I wish I took a different career path. Why? Well, walking around with two blue handprints on my ass is not my idea of fun. Then to top off an already shitty day, one of the girls thought it would be fun to see what happens if she put glue in her hair. One of the other teachers had to look after the other children while I washed the glue out of the poor girl's hair.

I need wine. I walk into Ruby’s classroom and sit down in front of her desk as she looks through the books.

Me too, you got some? She starts looking through my bag.

Yes, I have a bottle of wine in my bag, which I bring to school. I slap her hand out of my bag. How much longer you going to be?

I’m going to be a while yet, have to get the plan finished for tomorrow’s lesson, she says, pulling a sad face.

I love winter time, but