I hate the show of force my brothers make with their little convoys and firepower, but I understand the need to surround yourself with men you trust—men who will have your back no matter what. I just prefer a subtler approach. Four good soldiers who know how to blend into shadows and take down the vermin without anyone knowing they were ever there.
And as a defense attorney, I have more than a few people who feel they owe me, ready to take up that duty without question.
A soft jingling sounds above the door as I wrench it open and slip into the restaurant. The warmth inside hits me like a balm to my soul, and the rich smell of strong coffee hangs thick in the air.
The two other men inside—Julian’s bodyguards, obviously—get to their feet immediately, hands moving instinctively towards their weapons. But they relax when they see me, as if I’m somehow safe.
Amateurs.
But I suppose Iamsafe, in a way. As long as Julian DeMarco is dangling Katie in front of me, he’s safe from me and my brothers.
I’ve never met either of these bodyguards before, so I’m not sure how they recognize me. Julian must have shown them photos, briefed them on what to expect. I study them quickly, cataloging their weaknesses, their tells, their probable skill levels… and dismiss them almost immediately.
They have the stance of guys who learned to fight in a gym—structured, predictable, clean. Not that there’s anythingwrong with that for normal people. But it’s no match for the ruthless roughness of someone who learned to fight on the streets purely for survival. Someone who learned that in a real fight, there are no rules except win or die.
I have no doubt I can take the two of them quite easily if the need arises. Hell, I could probably do it with my eyes closed.
The real question is whether I’ll need to.
The senator remains seated as I approach, watching me with a strange light in his brown eyes. Even at nearly ten at night, he’s perfectly put together—pressed coat, black striped suit, tie sitting exactly where it should be. The kind of man who probably irons his underwear.
“What do you have for me, senator?” I ask without preamble as I slide into the empty seat across from him.
“Romero.” His lips quirk up in what he probably thinks is a charming smile as he takes me in. This is the first time we’ll be meeting, but I’ve heard of him and know who he is. “Glad you could make it. Hungry? The biscotti here is fantastic.”
He pushes a menu towards me, but I wave it away without even glancing at it. “It’s okay. I just ate. Tell me why I’m here.”
Julian leans forward, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. The kind of tone politicians use when they want you to think they’re sharing state secrets. But I’m not here for any of that bullshit. Not tonight. My patience is already stretched thin.
“You already know it’s about the woman you’ve been looking for,” he starts. “Katherine Pierce, right? Rafael’s FBI agent wife’s friend. The one who got shot last year.”
My jaw tightens until I can feel my teeth grinding together. So he’s done his homework.Great.Does he want a fucking cookie now? My stomach twists with a mixture of rage and anticipation, but I don’t let it show. “What do you know?”
“I know where she is.”
Fuck.
Excitement shoots through my veins. I can almost taste theimminent victory. But I keep my face impassive as I hold his gaze, forcing myself to stay still. To keep my tone neutral. “Then tell me.”
Julian holds up a hand, like he’s in charge of this conversation. “Not so fast. I’ve got a favor to ask first.”
Of course he does.It’s never that easy with politicians. I should’ve known.
I lean back in my chair, eyes steady as I cross my arms over my chest. “Then say what the hell you want. I’m not in the mood for games tonight.”
He shrugs, but his smile doesn’t waver. If anything, it gets wider. “It’s nothing too serious. I just want to be seen with you. A few appearances—campaign events, charity functions, that sort of thing. Just enough to give my numbers a boost with a certain demographic. You’ve got the kind of influence I need. Those people respect you, Romero. They listen even when you don’t say a word.”
I tilt my head, knowing it can’t be that simple. “And in exchange for that, you’ll tell me where Katie is?”
He nods, as if we’ve already struck a deal. “Exactly. And if you’re feeling generous, perhaps you could convince your brothers to join my campaign team. Now that would certainly cinch my victory as it will guarantee votes from the demographic I’m unable to reach.”
The demographic he’s unable to reach.
He means the people who prowl the gritty underbelly of the city. Rich men who couldn’t give a fuck what corrupt politician is in charge as long as they can buy them.Made men. Their soldiers. Even little vermin like gangsters.
I don’t respond immediately, just let his words hang in the air between us as I weigh my options. But the truth is, I don’t really have the time to play games with him. I need to find Katie.
Not just for Emily’s sake, though I know how much Katiemeans to her. But because I feel a measure of responsibility towards helping the woman who helped my brothers and me. If not for the secrets she exposed, we wouldn’t have gotten Stacey Rodrigues. That poisonous bitch would still be breathing down our necks, causing problems, making our lives hell.
