The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 267

Santino stared at the gun in Clifford’s hand, took a step back, and chuckled. “Clifford, this isn’t fun anymore.”

“You like to play games?” Clifford asked, his voice flat.

Santino raised an eyebrow. “That depends on the game. Since you’ve brought a gun, why not just kill me? Right here, in front of Latisha.”

Even with a gun to his head, he showed no fear. His smile was wild, as if he was certain Clifford wouldn’t dare kill him in front of Latisha. The reason for that certainty was a secret only the two of them knew.

Latisha wrung her hands, her eyes wide with terror as she watched them.

At Santino's words, Clifford’s gaze flickered sideways toward her. Santino let out another laugh. “Oh, Clifford, Clifford. I’ll say it again: if you’re going to be the bad guy, be a thorough one. Otherwise, you’ll end up with nothing.”

The words had barely left his mouth when a gunshot shattered the mountain silence. Latisha screamed and covered her eyes. Santino dropped to one knee. A dark, round hole had appeared in his other leg, and blood was already gushing out.

Clifford lunged forward and grabbed him by the collar. “Kill you?” he snarled, his eyes blazing. “That would be too easy.”

A grimace of pain crossed Santino’s face, but he still managed a smile. “That sounds more like you.”

As he finished speaking, Clifford kicked him again, sending him flying. Santino landed hard on the wet, muddy stone pavers. Blood from his leg mixed with the grime, staining his white suit.

It took him a long moment to push himself up. He didn't seem to care about the mud, simply sitting down on the grimy ground. He turned his head to Latisha. “Latisha, pull up your pant leg and have a look.”

Latisha twisted her fingers together, her gaze flicking to the pathetic figure of Santino on the ground. Before she could focus, Clifford grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. “Look at me!”

His cold gaze was terrifying. She instinctively took a step back. That single step was her answer.

“Clifford,” Santino called out suddenly. Clifford turned to look at him. Santino held up his hand. In it was a tiny remote control.

“Twenty-three hours. You stay here for twenty-three hours, and I’ll let you take her.”

Clifford’s eyes were like ice. He rejected the offer without a second’s hesitation. “In your dreams.”