Darwin's Nightmare Read online

  Paolo eyed the gun in my hand and nodded. “Yes, yes, all is forgiven, figlio. Now give me the phone.” The look in my eyes told him he would have to do better. “Fuck, after what happened today, I’m going to have more work than ever for you.”

  I looked around at the carnage in the restaurant. My eyes took in all of the bodies on the floor, and all the holes in the walls. I finally rested my gaze on Ivan, who was no less terrifying in death. His gun remained in his hand as though his body was still fighting even after it was left without a soul. I thought about how many times I had shot the huge man in the last few days and almost laughed. This was what Paolo offered. What his work would bring.

  “I don’t want more work. I know what you are, and I know what you think of me. I’m going to disappear. Don’t look for me. Stay in your jungle and deal with the Russians.”

  I eased my finger off the trigger and walked away from Paolo. Behind me I heard a whimper from the top of the food chain, then a sob as he reached for his phone.