58. River’s Plan

River kicked at Marco’s jaw again. Marco groaned, slowly coming to as River towered over him, eyes cold as ice. Blood trickled from the traitor’s broken nose, pooling on the grimy concrete. River seized the front of Marco’s shirt, hauling him up to stare directly into those dazed, fearful eyes. “Start talking,” River growled through clenched teeth. “I want to know everything about Alexander Torres and his operation. Now.” Marco coughed, crimson spattering his lips. “I’ll tell you nothing,” he spat defiantly, though his voice shook. “You think I’m scared of you?” A humorless smile twisted River’s mouth. “Oh, you will be.” With ruthless efficiency, he set to work, each calculated blow fueled by the searing pain of loss. Images of Ellie’s lifeless casket being lowered into the earth, flashed through his mind as his knuckles split and bones cracked beneath them. After enduring a relentless barrage of beatings for what felt like an eternity, Nolan finally broke down and confessed the identi