“In return for substantial financial compensation,” Petrov added.
“That’s right. Unless you can’t afford us. Your labs in Colorado and New Mexico both just took very big hits. Could be money’s tight right now.”
A muscle ticked in Petrov’s cheek. “I came from nothing. Now I am worth millions. Do you think the mistakes of a fool like Henson could begin to destroy my empire?”
Edge’s gaze remained on Petrov. “It occurred to me, but apparently not.” He took a drink of the thick, black coffee. “So, to point out the obvious, at the moment, one of your top men is no longer available. You need to move things forward. We can help you fill the void.”
Petrov toyed with the handle of his delicate cup. “Da, perhaps.” He nodded. “You could be of great service to me, but first I must be sure I can trust you. For that to happen, you must complete the task I have set for you. If you do it with the skill and efficiency you promise, the two of you will have earned a place in my organization.”
Adrenaline pumped through Edge’s veins. “What is it you want us to do?”
“Notus, Mr. Logan. Not this time. You alone will go with Dutch to handle the pickup. Ms. Delaney will remain in Las Vegas as a guest in my home.”
A chill went through him. He shook his head. “We work together. That’s the deal.”
Petrov tossed his napkin down on the table, an angry flush coloring the skin over his cheeks. “I give the orders here—not you. She stays. You go. Once you have proven yourself, we will do as you suggest and move forward. That is the deal.”
“And if I refuse?”
“You no longer have that option.” Petrov shoved back his chair and rose from the table. At the same time, Dutch stepped out of the shadows, putting a human wall between Edge and Petrov, the threat more than clear.
“Now if you will excuse me.” The Russian turned to the platinum blonde. “Sasha and I are leaving. Ms. Delaney will be joining us. Dutch will explain your duties.”
Edge’s blood pounded. He didn’t want Skye staying with Petrov. He didn’t want her anywhere near the Russian. He forced himself to stay calm.
Petrov’s gaze went to Skye. “I assure you, my dear, your accommodations will be as luxurious as your rooms at the Bellagio.”
Skye flicked Edge a glance, then gave a nod of acceptance. She was ready for this. Edge knew how capable she was. He needed to trust her to handle the situation. They were in too deep to turn back now.
Still, everything inside urged him to protect her, to haul her out of the restaurant and as far from Petrov’s slimy clutches as he could get.
He started to rise as Petrov led the women away, felt Dutch’s big hand on his shoulder, warning him to sit back down. “Take it easy. We handle the job, then you come back and get your woman. Long as you don’t fuck up, everything’ll be okay.”
Edge settled back in his chair, and Dutch sat down across from him.
“So what’s the plan?” Edge prayed he sounded as confident as he was pretending to be. The DEA would be listening—he hoped. He needed Dutch to be clear about what was going down.
“There’s a ship arriving tomorrow at the Long Beach harbor. The cargo we’re interested in is scheduled to be offloaded onto a truck and hauled to a designated location. You, me, and a couple of the boys will be driving to the location to make the pickup.”
“I assume this cargo is necessary for your meth operation.”
“That’s right.
“Same stuff you used to make the drugs produced in Blancha Springs?”
Dutch’s gaze darted around, but there was no chance anyone could hear.
Except the DEA. With any luck, Edge fervently prayed.
“That’s right,” Dutch said. “Ephedrine. We used to buy it from China. For a while, it came up from Mexico. Our best source now is India. Over-the-counter retail sales are illegal there, but bulk manufacturing is still okay. Just a matter of finding the right supplier and getting the product over here and delivered to its destination.”
“So we’re driving where . . . ? ”
Dutch shook his head. “That’s information you don’t need to know right now.”
“Why not? Petrov has Skye. There’s no way I’d do anything to put her in danger.”
“Tomorrow,” Dutch said, rising. “I’ll pick you up at your hotel at eight p.m. tomorrow.”
