I handed her the bowl of pasta. "Not yet. We either go back in with him, or Rat follows Carlos to ensure he's at the house before we plant the bomb. We know which car he takes the most often, but we're considering setting them all up after Posey and Pepper leave."
"How do we approach Casper? He won't be easy to grab, and he's even less likely to agree to a meeting after we take out Carlos."
"I think we'll need to hash that out further. Are you with me tomorrow?"
Kinsley leaned over to retrieve the sippy cup Finn threw on the floor. "If I can get this homework finished tonight, then I can be yours tomorrow."
"Can you be mine tonight when Finn goes to sleep?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows.
"Not likely," she said in a serious voice. "There's too much at stake on my next test, and I want to study this evening."
I wasn't sure if I should lie and say I was just kidding, or let her know I was disappointed we hadn’t had sex in a while—since the impromptu blow job in the shooting range weeks ago. On the other hand, I was proud of all she'd accomplished and didn't want her to feel that I expected her to be available to me twenty-four hours a day . . . even though I kind of did. "Then we'll celebrate when you ace the test."
"That sounds like a deal."
The following day, we gathered in my office to discuss the best way to force a meeting between us and Casper.
Logan said, "Just send a note through the usual channels."
"But Carlos is about to go out with a bang," Caden said. "Why would Casper agree to meet with us?"
"If he wants peace," Kinsley said, "he'll agree."
"I don't know him very well, so I can't say if he's the peaceful type or if he's the come-and-take-it type." I paced behind my desk, tossing a longing glance at my liquor stash before moving on. "I would like to think peace would be more important, but there's zero evidence he's that smart."
Kinsley dug through her notes. "Have we sent word to the Navarros yet?"
"Yes, but they haven't responded," Logan told her.
Kinsley acknowledged his response with a nod. "Are we sure Casper is worth saving?"
"Honestly, no," I said. "But Carlos is the one who tried to kill an untouchable."
Caden shifted in his seat, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "It doesn't seem necessary to kill both of them when all evidence points to Carlos being solely responsible for trying to kill the two of you."
"But wouldn't it follow that he's the same in the White Family as you two are in this Family? Burke may make the ultimate decision, but you're right behind him with the same thoughts and actions. Casper is likely the same."
"Kinsley, you make an excellent point." I propped my shoulder against the fireplace. "The only reason I want to make the effort is that it's always better to have peace than constant bickering. If the rest of the Families remain in their territories and stop squabbling, then we can stick to worrying about our own issues and not watching our backs quite as carefully."
"That feels like a naïve stance to take."
The air in the office stilled at the same time as the occupants.
Caden cleared his throat. "Why do you say that, Kinsley?"
Before speaking, Kinsley was the one to stand and pace. "Every time a Family tells you they want to make peace, what do they do? They stab you in the back. First, Lucian Peralta sends a spy, then claims he wants peace so you relax your guard. Thinking he's bold to send Marcus, you kill him and have him delivered as retribution. What do they do? Do they abide by their claims of peace above all else?"
"Of course not," Caden murmured.
"Exactly. Then Carlos White says he wants to meet me, to remain friends and allies. After entertaining us in his home, ensuring he knows precisely where we are and setting us up as targets, he tries to kill us."
"So, you think regardless of what Casper says, he'll never want to form an alliance."
Kinsley pointed at me. "After we've killed his boss, his friend, why would he?"
"The target will be squarely on our backs this time." Logan scrubbed a hand over his head, mussing his hair. "It'll be obvious it was us, and it won't matter that it's in retaliation for them trying to kill your wife."
"Why are there rules if everyone breaks them?" Caden muttered.
