Bullets Are My Business (9781101616413) by Josh K. Stevens Read Free Book Online

fixed on the toddler sitting on her lap and I realized that, if I left, Campbell would just send someone else to take care of this job. I told her she had three minutes to grab only the bare essentials for her and her little guy, put them in a suitcase, and put the suitcase in her car. She hesitated for a moment, letting it all sink in, but when she got her bearings, she moved like lightning. Four minutes later, I had her in her car and I told her to drive until she couldn’t drive anymore. She thanked me with a kiss on the cheek and then she was gone.
    Just like that, my world turned upside down. Campbell had known that this informant was a woman. I knew that beyond a shadow of a doubt, just as I knew that I was done with Campbell’s employ. I couldn’t work for someone that would kill a dame. Don’t ask me why. It’s a principle. After I watched her taillights fade into the distance, I drove back to Campbell’s place and told him I was through. I really wasn’t sure what to expect in his reaction. I banged into his office packing heat, willing to use it if I had to but hoping I wouldn’t. Surprisingly, Campbell was absolutely passive about my departure. He shook my hand and wished me well, reminding me, however, that, once I left his employ, I was never welcome back. I told him I understood and that was that. Levi Maurice was on his own and everything was kosher.
    For a while.
    It wasn’t until a couple of months later that I realized how wrong I was. That sly son of a bitch led me right into a trap with his coolness and I was too naïve to realize. Campbell taught me a lot about this life, but the most important lesson came after I left his employ. That’s when I learned that I should always be on point. In this business, death is always just a misstep away. I don’t want to have any missteps when I go to meet Bruiser.
    I pull into the parking lot of the gym and kill the engine. I open the door and move my flask to my lips before I get out of the car. Popeye has his spinach, I have booze. The gym seems to be in full swing. I reach up and adjust my shoulder holster under my jacket. Two guns should be enough to subdue the meatheads inside if the going gets rough. I have my drop piece attached to my calf just to be safe. Switchblade in my pocket. You never know what kind of assholes you’re going to meet at the gym.
    I wish I had a grenade.
    I push open the glass doors and walk inside as two gargantuan men walk out. One of them gives me a look. I reach into my jacket and wrap my fingers around my piece. I grit my teeth, trying to convince myself that they’re not worth it. Apparently, I’m right. They keep walking. They’re nothing more than your average run-of-the-mill meatheads. Don’t need to waste any bullets on them.
    I hold the door for a pretty young lady coming in behind me. She smiles as she passes. I can tell by the quizzical look on her face that she recognizes me from somewhere but she can’t place it. For a second, I get the feeling I know her, too, but I couldn’t tell you from where if you put a gun to my head. Or when, for that matter. I’ve met a lot of people and seen a lot of girls. I wouldn’t doubt that I know her, but at this particular juncture, she’s just one of many. I’m sure I’ll recall our connection at some inopportune moment. Until then, I’m content to go about my business as per usual. I follow her up to the front desk.
    â€œTowel?” grunts the ape behind the counter. The girl nods, takes her towel, and makes her way to the treadmill. My gaze trails her skintight spandex shorts as she walks away. Her ass is hypnotic. I could think of a thousand things I’d like to do with it, but I decide to stop there. My mission is to get the scoop on this Bruiser character, not have fantasies about random women I encounter. I can do the latter any day. Preferably a day when I don’t have a