“That he would think about it,” Molson pulled on his helmet.
“Do you think he’ll agree? Or was he just stalling?” Holly questioned as she got on the bike behind him.
“I think he’ll think about it,” he didn’t want to try to guess what Huss might do. That way he wouldn’t be disappointed. It was highly unlikely the man would agree to testify out of sentiment for a cousin. The problem was, Molson couldn’t think of another reason why. Why would any of them be convinced to testify? What would they get out of the deal? He needed to think of something solid and soon. “Where am I bringing you?”
“Home,” Holly gave him the address, falling silent during the ride as she thought about what had transpired.
When they got to her building, Molson insisted on walking her in. “It’s three in the morning. I just want to walk you to your door.”
“It’s a secure building,” Holly got out her keys. She frowned as she thought. “It seems to me that you need a convincing argument to get them to agree to testify for Michael. Something that is going to benefit these men.”
“I know,” Molson sighed. He threaded her fingers through his as they walked along the hall. “I’ve been racking my brain for an idea. Just cuz it’s the right thing to do isn’t gonna get no traction with these people.”
“What if they did it to get rid of David?” Holly wondered.
“What do you mean?” Molson watched her curiously.
“The FBI were investigating David,” Holly thought aloud. “The police were probably involved in that investigation. It’s likely that they might still be keeping an eye on him. That means that David wouldn’t be able to smuggle any more drugs into the country. His usefulness to the gang network might be over. Then he’d be a liability to them.”
“He’s probably got people working for him,” Molson pointed out. “Pop is an old man. I don’t think he’s out on the boat anymore, pushing barrels around. He’s higher up the food chain.”
“True, but who is the one coordinating all the drops?” Holly raised an eyebrow as she stopped at her door, unlocking it. “That has to be David. He didn’t strike me as a man who liked to lose control of a situation. He’d want to be on top of everything, in charge. If he’s not able to communicate with his people or the people he’s coordinating the picking up of drugs with, then he’s useless. That particular drug supply will come to a stop.”
Molson turned the idea over in his mind. “He was cleared of the charges. That means the FBI and the police likely aren’t investigating anymore since they believe Michael did it.”
“Can we make David believe that the police are still investigating? Then he wouldn’t be able to make any drops happen,” Holly leaned against her door. “What about Drew? Could he tell David that he’s still being investigated?”
“Drew’s not allowed on the case,” Molson shook his head. “Being Pop’s son, it’s conflict of interest.”
“And we both know he wouldn’t let it ‘slip’ to David out of family love,” Holly said dryly.
Molson thought for a moment. “What if it weren’t the cops or FBI investigating him, waiting for David to make a wrong move? What if it were the press?”
“What do you mean?” Holly questioned.
“I happen to know how to get a hold of Sterling Denver,” Molson had a slow smile.
“The tabloid reporter?” Holly was catching some of his excitement. “Would she do it?”
“It’s a story,” Molson thought it would work. “If we can get him to realize that the press are constantly stalking him, listening to his every call, reading his emails, knowing his every move, then David won’t be able to do anything. The supply of drugs dries up, hurting the gang leaders’ sales. Then they might be willing to cut David out of the deal altogether.”
Holly grinned. “That would work.”
“Thank you,” Molson cupped her face, leaning down and kissing her.
Holly was glad she was leaning against the door. If she hadn’t been, she surely would have swayed to lean against Molson. The kiss was long and lazy, leaving her wishing for more when Molson lifted his head, his hands still caressing her cheeks. He watched her as she opened her eyes, still a little lost in the kiss that had just happened.
“I think that we were made for each other Beautiful,” he said softly.
She drew in a shaky breath. “I think that was a very good first date kiss and it’s time for you to go home.”
He gave her another quick brush of his lips on the corner of her mouth. “Goodnight.”
Holly watched him as he walked away, ignoring the racing of her heart and her weakened knees.
“Seriously, you need to stop coming here,” Drew moaned, flinging an arm over his eyes against the bedside lamp that Molson had turned on.
“Get up sleeping beauty,” Molson told him, flipping back the covers. “We got business to do.”
