“What does this mean for my club?”
“Not much, but he’s pulled in his first favor.”
And this is why I’m here.
“He’s been receiving death threats and threats of his daughter being kidnapped. He didn’t take them seriously at first, said he was used to them. But last week, he received photos of his daughter as she went about her day, unaware she was being watched and followed.”
“He’s the fuckin’ mayor, surely he has power to protect her?”
“He doesn’t want to be seen spending taxpayers money, not this close to re-election.”
I know where this is heading. “He wants her protected on the downlow.”
Ritchie nods.
“So I guess she’s on the next flight out with you. Fuckers wouldn’t know where to find her in London.”
He laughs. “Not exactly, my friend.”
My phone rings and he looks away over the water.
It’s the prospect. I would ignore it but after been shot at not fifteen minutes ago, I answer.
“Yeah?”
“There’s a guy here with a woman, saying she’s to stay here with us.”
Looking at Richie out of the corner of my eye, I see the corner of his mouth hook up. The fucker laughs.
“Let her in. Don’t let her anywhere but the bar.”
I end the call and ask Ritchie, “How long?”
“Till the election is won. He said he ironically trusts the worst of society to protect her. Of course, you’ll be paid handsomely for it.”
“Of course,” I mutter. “What if this brings trouble to my door?”
“Then you handle it in the best way you see fit.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear, cause it’s what I was gonna do regardless.”
“Luca, we’re in a partnership with you and your club. Shit goes down, you don’t need our permission.”
“Wasn’t asking for it. Just wanted to see where we stood.”
“One day you’ll learn to trust us.”
I don’t see that day arriving, but I keep it to myself.
“I forgot to ask, how did you take Effie out?”
“We haven’t yet. Turned out Ford wasn’t dead, she was holding him captive all this time. I’m letting Ford put her to ground and he’s wanting to keep her locked up for every day he was.”
“Good plan in essence, you want to make sure it doesn’t blow back on you.”
“I’m on it. She ain’t going anywhere.”
He checks his watch. “I’ve got a plane to catch. We’ll be in touch, the next shipment’s coming up.”
