“Well, right now, I manage a massive real estate investment operation. Eventually, I will head a multinational conglomerate. Some legitimate and some that operate in a grey zone.”
Nik snorts. “Grey zone?”
I look between them. The corner of Leanna’s mouth quirks up at the corner.
“The Campisi-Barkov organization is the most powerful crime organization in the Midwest,” Leanna says.
“I...okay,” I don’t know what else to say.
“We can make the Brownings go away, Liam,” she says.
“And then what? Do I have to work for you forever?” I ask, only half-joking.
She shrugs. “Only if you want to. We always need trustworthy people. But actually, I have a different idea.”
“Oh?” My guard’s still up. “What’s that?”
“Have you looked at property values in your neighborhood lately?”
I frown, shaking my head. “Not really. I’ve noticed some people buying up houses, knocking them down, building new ones, but that’s about it.”
She nods. “Your house isn’t tied up in any debt, is it?”
I let out a breath. “No. It’s free and clear. Honestly, that’s probably the only smart thing my dad ever did; he never put the house on the line. It’s all paid off, somehow.”
“Good. And he willed the property to you, correct? You now own it?”
“Yes.”
“I looked at the details. It’s on a double-lot. A little more, actually. A goldmine of a property. At face value, you could put that property on the market for two-point-five, and you’d probably have a bidding war.”
“Two-point-five.” I repeat. “Million?”
“Indeed. And you’d get higher, I suspect. So here’s what I can offer. I won’t lose money on real estate investments, so I can’t go a million above market value, but I could offer you two-point-seven-five, no inspections needed, all cash. We can close in nine days.”
“Are you serious?” I splutter. “Seriously?”
“She can split the lots and double her money,” Nik says, as if this should be obvious.
I do the mental math. This is a good deal.
It will leave me homeless, but it’s a good deal.
Just...not quite good enough. I’m still seven hundred and fifty grands short.
Nik seems to read my mind. “We can offer the lower amount, plus a slightly expanded operational territory and a case of weapons. They accept, and all of your debts are considered paid. They leave you alone. They have no claim on your loved ones.”
My mouth hangs open. “Why?”
Nik blinks, like he genuinely doesn’t understand the question.
“Why?” he echoes.
“I’m not part of your...family. Why would you do this for me?”
I look to Leanna for the answer. She may be young, but she’s clearly the one who has all the power here.
“In our world, Liam,” she says, “There are very few good people. You just sat here and talked about being in love with a woman you’ve loved since you were young. You told me you pay for the care of your mother, who did not give you a good childhood. You tried to help your father, even though he only manipulated you. And you asked for nothing in return. We have the capacity to help you, and you’re a teammate of Nik’s, so we have your back.”
