“No, the goal is to spook me. That port brings in some of the biggest shipments from China, and it’s growing. No point in shaking it up and risking them pulling out and finding another port.” It would cost them highly to do so, but they would.
“Not sure that they’d have much of an option,” Mac says, her brows furrowing together as she stares off. I notice she does that when she’s thinking.
“There are other docks they could use, and I’m sure in time they could be lured back, but why risk it? You want those imports. They are flush with cash. No need to rattle them in any way. Besides, that could get political. No one on the East Coast wants that.”
Naomi nods in agreement to what I’m saying. “Grant Term is too state of the art. It would take too much planning,” she adds.
“That only leaves the Folten River Docks.” Which I made sure was faulty and empty but not too empty to spook them. I lost four men, and the damage, I’m guessing, is around a few million, but I need eyes on it.
“Why not stop it?” Naomi leans forward.
“It’s best to let others think they’re winning. They’re hoping that I rushed off from California back to Charleston to see who could have done this to my docks.”
“Ahh, isn’t that what we have done?” Bonte asks.
“Yes, it’s what I’ve made sure to do any time even the smallest of things happen. I’m rather predictable.”
“It’s a trap,” Naomi says, a little aha in her voice. “They think they’ve set a trap.”
“Oh, it’s a trap.” Her eyes light up with excitement.
“Pull the blueprints back up,” Naomi tells Mac.
“What’s happening?” Bonte asks.
“This just became an operation.” Eros pulls out his phone. “You could have told us this information an hour ago.”
I don’t bother responding to him. We all have our reasons for what we do.
“Shit, I need to check in now,” Mac tells Naomi, pulling out her open phone. “Hey, Dad, I need a drop,” she says into it. “Really? So it worked.” Mac pauses. “Dad, that’s the whole point! If I can elude Mom, then I can elude anyone.” Another pause. “Okay, it might not have been the best time to try it, but I was bored last night,” she says defensively.
Mac’s mother is a very accomplished hacker. At one time, she was wanted by the FBI for crashing the stock market when she was younger. They didn’t arrest her in the end; instead, they worked out a deal. That’s how it appeared to me.
“Okay, I got it.” A small huff leaves her, but she quickly perks back up at whatever her father says to her. “Thanks, Dad,” she tells him. “Now, a drop.” Mac gets back to the task at hand. “I’d like two, but how long would it take Mom to get it there?”
“I might be able to help with that,” I tell them. Everyone’s attention is pulling back to me as I stand. “I have items you might need.”
“I’ll call you back,” I hear Mac say.
“If you don’t mind.” I nod to the long couch Bonte is laid out on with the kittens. She hops up so that I can lift and reveal the hidden compartment with almost everything they would need.
“Oh shit, is there one for me?” Mac asks.
“Some of it.” I knew Mac had a thing for drones, and they are rather handy.
Naomi peers into the box. “Are you flirting with my cousin?” she asks me. “Getting her drones is like getting her flowers.”
Bonte snorts a laugh.
“You enjoy when Mac is happy, and I enjoy when you’re happy.” I wrap my arm around her waist and turn her into me. “They’ll be used to protect you. That’s what matters.”
“Okay.” She gives a slight nod. “You can kiss me.” I have to fight a chuckle every time she says that, but I’m more than happy to oblige.
“There are items in there for you too.” I give her ass a light pat before letting her go.
“You really do know the way to a girl’s heart.” Naomi pulls out one of the boxes and tosses a bag over to Eros. Not any girl’s—hers. I have been watching her for years. “It’s time to play.” A whisper of a smile plays on her lips.
“Consider it an engagement present, Sunshine,” I tell her, knowing that by the time she finishes, there will be no place for anyone to hide inside.
