“It turns out that Harroun was working for both the Giovannisandthe Popovs.”
“Damn,” Andre said.
“So, what now?” Sergei said. “The Popovs are hiding him?”
Roman shrugged. “That was what I started thinking, but he’s not anywhere that we could get to him now, wherever that is. I suspect the Popovs aren’t as forgiving as the Giovannis are. He’s got both of them on his ass now, plus us. He’s a dead man walking no matter where he tries to go. That’s what he can expect after dealing drugs for both of them.”
“That’s probably why Claire found him beaten at the hospital,” Andre said. “He probably screwed over the Popovs and got caught red-handed catering to the Giovannis.”
I glanced at Roman. “That’s confirmed, then? He was assisting them with their drug distribution?”
He nodded. “It sure as hell looks like it.”
Andre stood and cracked his neck to get the kinks out. “I’ll keep at it.” He gestured at his cousins. “You can keep working on the Popov angle and I’ll investigate who his inside could be with the Giovannis.”
They could delegate it however they wanted.
All I cared about was that they’d get it done. “I want him gone.”
“Understood,” Andre said.
“And anyone else who might have been connected to Claire’s capture. I want them gone. No questions asked.”
Roman smiled. “Damn. I never thought I’d see the day.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. He was always most prone to joke and tease, but I really wasn’t in the mood. The successes and victories of the day improved my attitude, but nothing about Claire’s safety was a laughing matter.
“You’re…” He stood, coming up toward me to pat my back. “You’re so obsessed with her.”
“Just wait,” I replied dryly. “You’ll see what it’s like one day.”
He barked a deep laugh, shaking his head. “No. Not me.”
“Yeah, he won’t,” Andre said, smiling more and lightening up. “He’s too much of a man whore.”
“That’s not true,” Roman protested.
“Well, I know I’m not going to be next.” Sergei rolled his eyes. “Don’t be looking at me like I’ll be the next one to fall head over heels for someone like you have for Claire.” His words were almost mocking me, but the ghost of a smile on his lips softened the blow.
“That’s enough.” Andre chuckled. “One thing at a time. It’s not like any of us have to change because he is.”
I shrugged, imagining more women around here. It would even things out.
What really gave me pause was the fact that it wasn’t such a headache anymore. Sure, it had taken a lot of time and resources to pull off this hit today—a hit coordinated on behalf of my woman being taken. But it no longer was an instant worry. Ididn’t have to wonder what Anya—or Claire—could do in my world of strong men wielding power. They just fit in. They belonged.
I left the room shortly after that, but as I strode down the hall to seek out Claire, I smiled to myself, amused that the hard part was over.
Getting Claire to want to stay was the biggest hurdle to my happiness.
She was here now, and she would stay. Her willingness to bend and fit into how I had to live my life as the top of the predators in this city was only the initial phase of what I’d been waiting my whole life for.
Securing her place at my side would be easier when I eliminated Jack. He was too involved with that capture.
But once I knew he was gone, nothing would stand in my way of marrying her, of concocting a plan for us to be partners, for us to begin a family. Andre likely wouldn’t care about having any more siblings. Maybe I was overestimating whether Anya would be excited for a brother or sister. That wouldn’t matter, though. They’d come around or learn to deal with it.
Fifty seemed like too old to be this excited for the rest of my life, or to feel that my life was only starting now. It didn’t matter how old I was or how much younger Claire was.
We were in this together.
