It was insane as far as Kane could see. Someone broke in, stole money that was to be used by people who really needed it, and hurt Rebecca enough to render her unconscious. But if Nicki’s theory was accurate – and he was pretty sure she was dead on – then he could see where Rebecca would feel indebted to the one who kept her from being violated. After all, Rebecca had felt the need to take a fucking bullet for him because he’d saved her, hadn’t she? She would never betray even one good deed, no matter if it was outweighed by a hundred bad ones.
But that was Rebecca, not him. Kane was not as forgiving, nor as understanding, compassionate, or lenient. He was retribution personified. And he was going to ensure that those responsible would pay the price for their crimes.
––––––––
It didn’t take long to find the one he was looking for. A tip from Nicki sent him down to the park along the river banks where the teens tended to congregate. Most of the equipment used by younger kids during warmer days had been lost in the flood, but a few heavy benches bolted into concrete slabs had been salvaged. No doubt the community would replace the lost jungle gyms and swing sets with newer, better models come spring, but for now, the park belonged to the gangs of teens who frequented it.
Kane remained in the shadows of the evergreens surrounding the clearing. It was nearly three o’clock when JC appeared with five or six others. A few of them looked young enough to be in junior high, though it was hard to tell these days. They all looked like babies to Kane, too young to be hanging out with the likes of JC. Didn’t they have parents who cared enough to know where they were or what they were doing?
JC was dressed all in black, as usual, and he sported at least one new piercing through his eyebrow. It amazed Kane the kinds of shit kids did to make themselves seem tougher. He had no doubt he could create a scene that would have the toughest-looking among them shitting their pants in a matter of seconds.
His upper lip curled back in a snarl. He was sorely tempted. If nothing else, it might prevent one or more of these kids from doing something stupid. Like robbing a shelter and attacking the one woman who had treated them with nothing but kindness and generosity.
They didn’t even see him until he was right behind them; they were too busy texting and lighting up – and not all the sticks were the kind of cigarettes purchasable at the local WaWa, either.
“JC,” he said in his quiet, deep voice – the lethal one he used when he was really pissed.
The kid stiffened, but regained his composure rather quickly as the others looked worriedly at Kane, then back to JC for guidance. JC nodded, a curt gesture that was supposed to convey confidence and coolness. His eyes, however, never strayed from Kane. At least the kid had some intelligence. Too bad it wasn’t enough.
“I thought you and I might have a little chat,” Kane rumbled quietly, his voice like distant thunder.
“I’m a little busy. Maybe later.”
Kane’s eyes glittered dangerously. “I suggest you make time.”
As intended, Kane’s deadly tone and stone cold expression unnerved JC a little, made him reconsider. “Yeah, sure, whatever.”
JC began to walk away from the others. Kane let him take a few steps before following behind, being careful to stay to the side where he could also keep track of the others at all times. They were now murmuring among themselves, shifting nervously, probably wondering if they should be providing back-up. The idea was laughable.
“Yo, JC, you want us to come with you?” one of them called out. Kane almost snorted. He could destroy all of them before they could call for their mamas.
“Nah, it’s cool,” JC called back, no doubt hoping he sounded a whole lot more confident than he felt.
JC stopped on the far end of the clearing. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and lit up. The kid had some balls, Kane noted, though, like his intelligence, not nearly enough. His hands barely shook as he took that first deep drag. “So?”
“Tell me about the break-in at the shelter a few weeks ago.”
To his credit, JC’s stance and expression remained pretty much the same. But Kane watched his eyes. The eyes never lied, and JC’s pupils were doing a very interesting expand-contract type of thing.
“Yeah, I heard about that.” Truth.
“What do you know about it?”
JC took another deep drag. “Me? Nothing, man. Why would I?” Lie.
Kane stepped closer, shielding JC partially from the view of the others. JC automatically took a step back into the tree line. “I don’t imagine there’s much that happens around here without you knowing about it.”
That seemed to relax JC just a little, feed his swagger. The kid couldn’t possibly be that stupid could he?
“True enough. But I’m sorry, man. Can’t help you.” Lie.
“Ah, see, now that’s a problem,” Kane said, shaking his head. “I want to know who was involved.”
“Isn’t that a job for the cops?”
Kane smiled again, showing JC every one of his perfect white teeth. “They have to follow the rules, JC. I’m not bound by the same restrictions.”