“What about the plant in Colombia?” Cristian asks. “Do we have an update from our men on the ground?”
“The plant is clean. No rats or spies,” Massimo says.
“I think they were planning orareplanning to hit the plant,” Fiero adds.
“We need to assign more men to protect it,” I volunteer.
“We’re already on it,” Fiero confirms, slouching in his chair a little. “Juan Pablo is recruiting a hundred local men. Most are ex-military thanks to his contacts. If they go after it, we’re confident we can hold our own.”
“What about Vegas?” Ben asks.
“Anais hasn’t offered up anything yet, but I’ll be seeing her in two weeks at Christmas, and hopefully she’ll have something for me then.”
“Has she agreed to spy?” Cristian asks, looking a little wary.
Caleb bobs his head. “She was champing at the bit after I told her about that whore carrying her husband’s baby.”
“I’m not sure I trust Anais.” Cristian reiterates a sentiment he’s expressed many times over the years. “Be careful, Caleb. There has always been something a little off about her.”
“I know how to handle her. Your warning is redundant.”
“I didn’t get a sense of anything being out of place in Vegas when I was there,” Cristian adds, rubbing his hands down his face. “But my gut is telling me Cruz is all tangled up in this. I wouldn’t rule out Anais being aware and having her own agenda.She might know what he’s planning, and you’re her backup plan. I’d smother my dick in latex if I was you.”
“I’ve had the snip.” Caleb puts it out there like it’s no biggie.
“What? When?” This is news to me.
“A year ago.”
“That’s quite a drastic move for someone so young,” Ben says.
“I don’t want kids.”
“What if your future wife does?”
“I don’t want a wife either.”
Fiero bursts out laughing. “You sure you’re not my son?” he teases.
“Don’t tell me you’ve had a vasectomy too?” Cristian asks looking genuinely shell-shocked. I’m guessing Caleb told no one.
“Nah, but it’s not a bad idea.”
“You’re missing out,” Ben says.
“It’s always reversible if he ever changes his mind,” I say over a shrug.
“Well, that was a fun way to end our meeting.” Massimo grins, and at least it’s helped to ease some of the tension. “Stick close and watch your backs. We’ll meet biweekly from now on until we’ve got to the bottom of this and ended the threat. I’ll have my assistant reach out to yours and add the dates to your calendars.”
I groan at the reminder that Ben sent Sorella’s younger sister to my office as my new temp PA until Ruthie returns from maternity leave. The decision has been made to recruit temporary staff for our businesses solely from our community going forward so no outsiders can get close to us. I’m grateful he found someone for me fast, but couldn’t it have been someone without the last name Caprese? I have a feeling Sorella is going to become a problem.
After the meeting breaks up, I ask to speak with Cristian alone.
“What’s up?” he asks as we stand at the window in the conference room looking down on the city and the park below.
“That’s what I’d like to know.”
His brow creases. “I’m not following.”
