Through a family meeting, and with Josette’s encouragement, we’d decided the best way of handling their drug operation was twofold. Some destruction. Some interaction with the DEA.
With photographs floating across the internet of the Prince family heading out on the company jet to a meeting elsewhere, we had the element of surprise working in our favor. It was amazing how skilled the computer experts employed by the firm were. They were worth their weight in gold.
Our flight was due to arrive back in New Orleans later tonight, which meant all the players felt comfortable meeting in private. After that, I could only imagine that Santos would wait for my return, exacting his form of revenge in the middle of the night.
Now we were in position, waiting for the meeting my good buddy Greg had put into motion. He’d been watched carefully, steered in the right direction. Plus, he knew better than to cross me. In good faith, he’d already provided an impressive computer file on more than three dozen Brotherhood members that he’d come into contact with over the years.
Several were members of our private club. Another family decision had been to keep a few names and their crimes locked away for our future use. The rest would go to federal prosecutors and agencies where we’d already dangled another carrot.
In the end, if things went well, we’d come out as heroes. Imagine that.
The most impressive information obtained from Greg was his copied files of court cases involving several young women that had never reached trial. They were Zane’s accusers, the files containing reports on rape including photographs. And my old buddy had been savvy enough to keep copies of the bribes paid to the girls.
He’d anticipated he’d need something concrete to blackmail the Brotherhood with if push came to shove.
Good boy.
As nightfall approached, I leaned against the counter in the back of her coffee shop, keeping the weapon in both hands.
Josette paced the floor, throwing glances in my direction every few seconds. “What if he doesn’t show?” she asked.
“He’ll show. Arrogant entitled men are always determined to get what they want. Or as you told me, what they perceive to belong to them.” I placed the weapon on the steel table, beckoning her with a single finger. A gesture she loathed.
While I grinned, her look became full of frustration and she rolled her eyes. She’d also made me promise not to kill anyone, including Zane. However, as far as the man who’d sexually assaulted her, all bets were off. I’d had my fingers crossed behind my back when agreeing to her demand.
“Maybe you’re right. At least I’m much more educated at how to handle arrogant men.” She moved closer, running the tip of her finger down the bridge of my nose. “Yes, I’d say I’ve learned very well.”
I pulled her into my arms between my legs. “You are going to do everything I told you. Yes?”
She draped her arms over my shoulders. “Why, yes, sir. I wouldn’t dream of doing otherwise.”
“You had better not.”
“Or what?”
With a couple of minutes to spare, I couldn’t help myself. I jerked her partially over my knee, cracking my hand against herbottom while she laughed. Just hearing the sweet sound of her voice kept the desire high and the anticipation higher.
After a couple more, I brought her back to a standing position.
“You’re beautiful when you blush,” I gritted out.
“And you’re still a beast.” She tossed her long strands of hair back and forth across her shoulders.
“A step up from a monster. I’m moving in the right direction.” My hand twitched, longing to reach out and tangle my fingers in the silky strands. Her eyes were stormy, reflections of the contrast in emotions. I wanted nothing more than to be her protector but also so much more.
For the first time in my life, I wanted to be someone’s hero.
The blip on my text indicated the game was in the final stage. If all went well, the arduous night would quickly fade into morning light.
The dawn of a new day. A new life.
“You have your phone turned on?” My question sounded more like I was grilling her.
Another look.
Another sassy smile.
“In my pocket. Stop worrying. Every word will be recorded. There’s nowhere for me to run.”
