The look he threw me was full of amusement, even wearing his signature grin. “Now, why did you call me other than you’re not ready to discuss your wild evening with our Don?”
It was partially for that reason. At this point, I wasn’t in the mood to hear what Alexander would have to say, no matter if his concern would hold merit. “You’re better suited to handle my guest.”
“You mean Josette Samuels?”
I glared at him. There was nothing that occurred within the family that wasn’t potential folly. “She’s witnessed too much already.”
“And you still think she knows more than she’s willing to share.”
Nodding, I couldn’t shake the feeling, yet she was clearly confused as to why she’d almost been abducted. “I’m not going to lie, Jaxon. Her appearance in my life, while maybe karmainduced, has presented Santos and whoever is funding his move into our territory with an opportunity.”
“What are you telling me?” Jaxon cocked his head. My younger brother by all appearances acted as if he was the least interested in the Prince family business, but I’d always known better. He was simply the master of appearing nonchalant while his observation skills were well honed. That’s another reason I’d called him instead of Alexander or Montgomery, the latter only eagerly chastising my decisions.
“Enzo found a warehouse full of weapons Santos intends on selling. Or using. There’s definitely some corporation Santos is attached to. If I were a betting man, I’d say it was the same organization attempting to purchase the Strathmore property.”
His groan was exactly the way I felt. “Marcus Jeffries. If what you’re saying is accurate, it’s a pretty brazen move. What the hell has Jacques discovered about Jeffries we don’t already know?”
Snorting, I gave him a hard look. “Nothing yet. I will broach the subject with Alexander when I talk to him tomorrow. And don’t worry, I will.”
“Uh-huh. You better hope for your sake you do. Our brother doesn’t take kindly to receiving information last. Where is this warehouse located?”
“Outside of town.” I pulled out the photograph.
After glancing at it, he looked away briefly. “The Las Riveras are being used as muscle for this mystery corporation.”
“That’s what I believe. The warehouse theft. My guess is Santos didn’t anticipate my early arrival at the warehouse or the possible death of his son.”
“That means things are about to get ugly.”
“You mean uglier.” I hadn’t bothered sending a cleanup crew to the canal. It would be good for other members of the local Las Riveras Cartel to discover the carnage.
“What the fuck are you planning on doing tonight?”
I grinned. “Just showering New Orleans with some fireworks.”
He shifted closer, shaking his head. “You can’t do this without talking with Alexander. You know that.”
“I have an opportunity; I am going to take it. You forget, I almost died tonight.”
“For fuck’s sake, you’re the Underboss of the family. You can’t go off halfcocked with shit like this.”
I shoved my hands into my pockets, closing the distance between us. I was still an inch taller, although he’d bulked up over the last couple of years. “I can and I will. You weren’t there tonight. There were over a dozen bastards determined to end my life and take the woman inside my house being kept against her will still fighting to keep from having a panic attack. If sending a message by blowing up a warehouse gives Santos pause and perhaps an understanding of what we’re capable of, then so be it.”
Jaxon sighed. “You’re crazy. You know that?”
“I’m many things, brother. Just keep Josette and Indiana safe.”
After a few seconds of glaring at me, he smiled, his laugh almost annoying. “If you’re worried about the dog, that means you care about the woman.”
“Don’t go spouting off shit you don’t understand.”
“Ah, but I do understand. We both saw the sudden shift happening with Alexander. The love of a good woman can change everything in a man’s life.”
I clapped him on the arm. “Just keep her safe and hold the romance advice to yourself. Okay?”
Shrugging, he studied me as if prepared to say much more. But he didn’t.
Good move.
