Ares watched me before nodding once.
“Let’s go. You got a flight to catch.”
By the time we reached the private strip close to two hours later, the jet was already waiting.
Engines low.
Night air cool far out in the California deserts.
Clean.
Ares walked beside me, hands in his pockets.
Quiet.
Thinking.
When we reached the steps, he spoke.
Low.
Controlled.
“La prochaine fois... Ne sois pas si négligent, and give me that other phone you have.”Next time… don’t be so sloppy.
I looked at him.
He added, “Maintenant, je dois effacer les bandes.”Now I have to clear the tapes.
I shrugged and gave him the phone.
Unbothered.
“At least I went to handle business,” I said, stepping onto the jet, “and not drugs. You missed that in plain sight.”
He watched me for a second.
Not smiling.
Not upset.
Just… calculating.
Then he followed me on.
“Whatever… Emily and Lil Z are waiting for you inside.”
And just like that?—
California was behind us.
CHAPTER 59
Ares
WEEKS LATER… BACK IN FRANCE
“I Like Ownership”
