Page 84 of Destroyer
As he made his way back into the kitchen, he said, “I’ll handle it,” and he hung up. “Idiots,” he bit out.
“Everything okay?” Aunt Valerie asked.
“All good,” he replied, but his fingers were flying over the keyboard of his phone.
The food was set out on the island and Kathrine handed Aunt Valerie a plate. “You start.”
“No, you go first,” Aunt Valerie insisted.
Her dad handed Sydney a plate. “Go, or we’ll be here all night.”
As Sydney filled her plate, she glanced over at Robby. He’d stepped away to make another call.
Busy guy.
The family had served themselves and were getting settled at the kitchen table when her cousin sauntered back in.
“I had no idea poker was such a stressful career,” Sydney called over to him as he plated his food.
“When you’re playing for millions, it’s a total pressure cooker,” Robby shot the fam a cheesy grin. “I’m a poker god with nothing but royal flushes in my hand.”
“And very humble,” her dad said, his sharp sarcasm front and center.
Sydney and Caroline laughed.
“Are your games televised?” her mom asked when Robby joined them at the table.
“They’re all private,” he explained. “Betting starts at ten grand.”
“Too rich for my pockets,” her dad said.
“Same,” Caroline added.
“In my world, it’s all about power,” Robby said. “And having the best damn poker face in the biz.”
“Don’t forget skill,” Aunt Valerie added.
As Sydney glanced across the table at Caroline, she wondered howpowerplayed into the game of poker.
In true Sydney form, she blurted, “Power?”
“Absolutely,” Robby replied with conviction. “Psychological power creates fear in the minds of my opponents. Manipulation is key too. Let them think they’re winning. Even throw ahand so theydowin, then go for the jugular and slit their throats.”
Sydney leaned back in the chair and peered over at him. “Sounds like you know what you’re doing.”
“I’m the king,” he said with a smile. “And the poker world knows it.”
TEDDY
Teddy street parkedin front of the Baker’s upscale Tysons two-story home. As he was exiting his SUV, Greystone pulled up behind him. With the flowers and gift box in hand, Teddy met his brother on the driveway.
He’d almost canceled, but Teddy wanted to get to know the couple who’d taken in his brother and loved him like a son.
Though they’d driven over separately, he and Greystone been on the phone hashing out the deets of the case like it was the first time. And just like all the other damn times, they’d come up empty.
“Read me the online message again,” Greystone said as he stopped on the Baker’s walkway.
Teddy didn’t need toreadthem. They were seared on his brain. “The raptors are back. The nest is full. Blessed be those who avenge the wicked. We will overtake and watch them fall one by one. Target one is marked for death.”
