“I know. You merelypromisedpayment. Fortunately for you, Javier’s currently locked up in a Mexican prison for another crime. He assured me when he gets out, he’ll be seeking one of two things: restitution or retribution. He said it was up to you.”
Her eyes widened.
“He’ll be out in three months, so you might want to change your address. And perhaps your name.”
I turned to leave, but Monica grabbed my arm.
“You can’t do this. You know he’s going to come for me.”
I shrugged. “That’s not my problem.”
“It might be,” she snarled.
“Why? Because you’re going to leak to your fiancé that you kill—”
“Stop!” She exhaled heavily. “Just stop.”
“Only if you do.”
“Fine.”
I knew it wouldn’t be that easy, but at least I had her attention.
She stood up straight and shook her chin and her shoulders as though gearing up for another take. I rolled my eyes when she inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly before fluffing her hair. It really was all just a performance for her.
Eager to be done with this, I said, “I’ve got a proposition for you.”
She looked around again, ensuring no one was out there. Red Wally was still behind her, but the guy with the cell phone had been ushered back inside by Rhyan, who’d come to enjoy the festivities.
Her furious gaze slammed into me. “What proposition?”
“I’ll take care of Javier for you. In return, you’ll leave Laikyn alone.”
“Why? So you can take her money?”
“I don’t want her money. I’ve never wanted her money, Monica. You’re the greedy bitch, not me.”
Her affronted gasp made me grin. Damn, she seriously deserved an Oscar.
“I won’t let you turn my daughter against me.”
“You did that all on your own.” I moved closer and lowered my voice. “Give her some time. Once all is said and done, you and Laikyn can sit down and talk. I’m sure if you’re honest, there’s a chance for you to salvage your relationship with her.”
“And you won’t stand in the way?”
“My only objective is to protect her, Monica. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
“Protect her from whom?” She clutched her throat, her eyes glittering with fear. “You think he’s coming after her?”
For a smart woman, she could be dense. “From you, Monica. You’re the one she needs protection from.”
When it was clear she didn’t know what to say to that, I turned to go.
“I didn’t mean for her to get hurt, you know,” she called after me.
I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. That lie might make her feel better, but it did nothing for me.
“Hey, man,” I said when I found Creed talking to Garrison Walker and Nick Weston, two of his partners in business and in life. “We’re cutting out, but I wanted to say thanks. You know, for your part.”
