Jimmy enjoyed the rest of the ride cuddling with Cold, but his stomach lurched when they pulled up to the mansion.
Charlie Swenson was waiting for them at the front door.
Brow scrunching up with worry, Jimmy asked quietly, “What the hell is he doing here?”
“I don’t know,” Cold said, a sneer curling his lip, “but I am going to find out.” Once the limo came to a stop, Cold brushed by Jimmy to exit first.
“We need to talk,” Charlie said sternly. “The plan’s changed.”
“Hello, Mr. Eastwick. It’s nice to see you, too,” Cold drawled, offering his hand to help Jimmy step out next. “I assume your handlers don’t know you’re visiting today?”
“No.”
“Why don’t we have a drink, Mr. Eastwick?” Cold said, glancing to Jerry who was now flanking his side. As if on cue, Tamerlane and Lorre walked out of the house, wearing all too friendly faces as they surrounded Charlie.
“It’s a little early, isn’t it?” Charlie said, unflinching even with killers breathing down his neck.
“I insist,” Cold said curtly. He looked to Tamerlane, ordering, “Search him.”
“You got it, Boss,” Tamerlane replied and began to roughly slap his hands over Charlie’s small frame. He was thorough, turning out every pocket and opening up Charlie’s shirt to inspect his chest.
Lorre watched with a scowl, his hand resting over the gun at his hip. If he had any complaint about how Tamerlane was frisking Charlie, he kept it to himself.
Tamerlane threw Charlie’s wallet on the ground, took out his cell phone, and handed it to Cold.
Cold looked it over before tossing it over into the fountain. “Now, let’s go get that drink.” He took Jimmy’s arm and led him inside, murmuring quietly, “You may stay if you wish, but know that this conversation is not going to be pleasant.”
“I’ll stay,” Jimmy said quietly. “If it’s too much, I can always leave.”
Cold nodded, walking into the lounge and depositing Jimmy over on the sofa. He moved to the bar to fix himself a drink as he ordered, “Talk, Mr. Eastwick.”
Tamerlane and Lorre shoved Charlie down into a chair while Jerry watched silently. It was clear that Jerry was upset about how Charlie was being treated, but Jimmy didn’t think he’d dare say anything.
Although Jimmy suspected Jerry had more than a passing affection for Charlie, he knew that Jerry’s loyalty to Cold was without question.
“U.S. marshals are here, and they’re moving Mr. Potolsky to put him into witness protection,” Charlie said, brushing himself off as if Tamerlane and Lorre had left some filth behind. “Tonight.”
“Why?” Cold asked flatly, sipping at his drink. “What spooked them?”
“You’re not the only one who’s interested in his premature expiration,” Charlie explained briskly. “Seems Mr. Potolsky has quite the mouth on him. He’s also agreed to testify against several members of the Luchesi family in Perry City.”
“Oh?” Cold tilted his head curiously.
“Good,” Lorre scoffed. “We’ve been doing all the fucking heavy lifting. Let the Luchesis take out this one for us.”
“No, you daft ass,” Charlie grunted. “The Luchesis are still working against you. They want Mr. Potolsky to live long enough to testify against Cold.”
“They’re protecting him now?” Lorre made a face. “Come the fuck on!”
“At least until after Cold’s trial,” Charlie said with an exasperated sigh. “Once Cold is in jail, I don’t expect Mr. Potolsky will have very long to live. Mr. Blalock will certainly see to that.”
“I don’t suppose my little present to the FBI has stirred any more interest in his direction?” Cold asked dryly.
“You mean that cute little evidence Tamerlane planted?” Charlie rolled his eyes. “Look, contrary to what you may believe, not everyone at the bureau is a complete twat. They already know Blalock is dirty, but they’re much more concerned with you at the moment. They know what you’re doing, taking the case apart piece by piece, and Mr. Potolsky is all they have left.”
“They still have plenty as you have yet to deliver on your end of our bargain,” Cold pointed out sharply. “Let me worry about Mr. Potolsky now. Just tell me what hotel he’s being moved to.”
“The Wynne Hotel,” Charlie replied. “Big fancy one downtown.”
