KNOX: Volume 3 by Cassia Leo Read Free Book Online

it ain’t broke…. “My mother took me to the hospital and the doctor told her I would probably never hear out of my left ear again. He also told her I would probably have trouble learning how to speak and I’d be behind in all my classes. Basically, he told her I’d be in the fucking cripple classes for the rest of my life.”
    Nico’s chest rises and falls slowly, but he doesn’t acknowledge me.
    “But my ma wasn’t having that. She started me on speech therapy when I was one year old. And she didn’t listen when the therapists told her I needed a hearing aid. When I was four, she took me to a doctor who did experimental surgery on me and I regained most of the hearing in my left ear.” I laugh as I think of what a crock of shit this story is. “My ma was a real ball-buster. She was a fighter. She wouldn’t give up. And by the time I was seven years old, I didn’t need any more speech therapy.”
    I push my chair closer to Nico and he finally looks up. His left eye is swollen shut. His nose is broken and bloody. His bottom lip is split wide open and that’s why he’s drooling like a baby.
    I continue undaunted by his appearance. “So you see, I loved my mother. She liked to help people. So, naturally, I like to help people. And I want to help you, Nick. Do you mind if I call you Nick?” I pause for a moment, but he doesn’t say anything. “Of course you don’t mind. Anyway, I want to help you get out of this building alive. I want to help your mother, your sister, your girlfriend, and the baby she’s carrying, live to see another day. You understand what I’m saying? I want to help you, Nick. But I can’t help you if you don’t cooperate.”
    His head falls forward again and I let out a loud sigh as I stand from my chair and kick it aside. This gets his attention and he looks up at me again.
    “Fuck you,” he mumbles, his words tripping over his fat lips. “And your mother.”
    I nod as I chuckle. “That’s right, Nick. Make this more difficult. That’s exactly what your family wants.” I turn around and yell at the door, “Bruno! Bring her in!”
    Nico’s good eye widens as he watches the door. The metal door swings open and Bruno walks in with Geneva Angelo. She blindfolded and her hands are tied behind her back, but otherwise, she’s untouched.
    “Genie!” I call out excitedly. “Long time no see.”
    “What the fuck is this?” she asks as she walks in.
    “Let her go!” Nico shouts. “This ain’t got nothing to do with her.”
    “Nicky, is that you? What’s going on?”
    “Don’t panic, Genie. Stress is not good for the baby.”
    “Who are you?” she shrieks as she attempts unsuccessfully to break free of Bruno’s grip.
    I walk up to her so she can hear my voice clearly, but I leave her blindfold on. I pull a hunting blade out of my back pocket and Nico watches as I unfold the knife.
    “Should I tell her who I am, Nick? Or should I show her?”
    He shakes his head and fights against his restraints. “Please don’t do this. I’ll….”
    “What will you do, Nick? Will you tell me what I want to hear or will you tell me the truth? Because I’ve gotta be real honest with you. Genie won’t appreciate it if you lie to me. Will you, Genie?”
    I press the tip of the knife to her jaw and she flinches.
    “What the fuck was that? Nicky, what’s going on?”
    “I can’t!” Nico roars.  
    “Listen to your girlfriend, Nick.” I trace the knife down her neck and stop when it’s just above her belly.  
    “Jesus Christ,” she breathes. “Just tell him!”
    If Genie knew what she was trying to convince Nico to tell me, she’d probably rather I kill her and her unborn child. But she won’t find out until it’s too late.
    I smile at Nico as I make a little sawing motion in front of Genie’s belly. He gags then vomits a little onto his lap. I’ve never hurt a woman in my line of work, and I never will. But Nico doesn’t know that.
    “Fine. But get her out of