The silence that followed Ashley's words settled over the man's shoulders and crushed his chest. Somehow, it felt heavier than the boot pinning him to the floor.
He stared at Ashley, eyes stretched wide. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, and his knuckles scraped against the cold concrete. When his lips parted, they trembled.
His answer, however, came out loud and clear.
"They left," he said breathlessly. "He was summoned to headquarters, and he took that woman with him!"
Red's brows twitched. He cast Ashley a knowing look.
"Nikki."
Ashley didn't react. She merely stared at the man, her expression unreadable.
"I'm telling the truth!" he shouted. "We're just small-time gangsters. We only recently joined the Brotherhood! They promised to make us somebody in this district as long as we kept the business clean!"
"Is that why your friend dragged Rum away, stuffed him into a drum, and poured cement over him before trying to sink him?"
