“Too late for that.” The memory of her skin against my lips caused a crack in my hardened armor that I covered with a scowl. I couldn’t let my men know Eden and I already had somewhat of a bizarre history. The insignificant conversations for months leading to my ill-timed decision to visit the cantina two nights ago were private. From the look in her eyes, we’d both envisioned the ending to that night with me buried deep between her legs.
Jesus. I couldn’t think like that or I’d have to shower again.
Mateo paced. “The police raided Caliente early this morning.”
His words knocked me out of my stupor and pulled me into full boss mode. “What reason would the police have to go to Caliente?” My eyebrow arched, and my hand stopped him mid-pace. “The cleaners already came through, right?”
If our men hadn’t gotten rid of Lachey and cleaned up the mess before the badges got there, we were fucked.
“Si.” Mateo nodded his head. “They found nothing. The alarms tripped, and Emilio had to go back not long after he left here.” He glanced out of the small reinforced glass window toward the isolated street. “They tried to rattle him, but he knows the rules.”
I didn’t like the way this was playing out. “There’s only one way the police could’ve known Lachey was there, but it goes against everything cartels believe as a whole…despite our rivalry.”
“You think the Muñoz Cartel called the cops and pointed them to Caliente?”
“Either they did, or they had someone do it for them.”
Mateo’s eyes widened. “Why? The cops could bust them just as much as us.”
“Agreed.” I ran my finger along my bottom lip, tapping it at the corner of my mouth. “Something doesn’t add up. It was a ballsy move and not one I would’ve made without knowing it wouldn’t backfire. Whoever made that call wasn’t worried. The question is, what insurance policy do they have?”
“Boss, if you want, I can stay here while you—”
I nodded toward the door. “Thanks for the coffee, but you need to get back and check on the shipment coming in from the port.” I clapped him on the shoulder and looked him in the eye to convey the seriousness of the situation. “I’m counting on you, Mateo. Without Nando, we’re a man down. I need you to be my eyes and ears in Corpus Christi. Make sure that truck gets here.”
“Of course, boss.”
“I also need you to fill Nando’s position. Look toward the higher soldiers. Someone’s got to stand out as worthy.”
He dipped his chin. “I’m on it.”
The door closed quietly, the lock engaging along with the coded alarm. I stared at the cool coffee containers and cursed under my breath. Business came first and one unpleasant phone call needed to be made. Sighing, I pulled my phone from my pocket and addressed my current problem before I opened the door to my other.
I fought a yawn as I dialed the number. He answered on the first ring, his voice holding a satisfactory mix of trepidation and anxiousness.
This might be easier than I thought.
“What do you want, now?”
“Brody, that’s hardly an acceptable way to greet someone, don’t you think?” I imagined him loosening his tie to breathe easier. They all did.
“I’m at work, Carrera.” His voice sounded rushed. “I’m going into court.”
“Be late.” I picked up my coffee, agitated from my conversation with Mateo.
“I can’t,” he snarled through what sounded like clenched teeth. “Talk fast.”
“A few officers paid a visit to one of my men early this morning at his cantina. Do you know anything about that, Brody?” The man couldn’t lie for shit. He had to be the worst assistant DA in history.
“N-no. Nothing, Val. I haven’t heard a thing.”
I knew he was lying. Brody Harcourt never called me by my first name. It was a human reflex to become friendly and communicate on a personal level when a man lied through his teeth.
“Nothing? Not a word around the office?”
“No, I told you, Val. It’s been quiet. Nothing’s come across my desk.” He paused, and his breath became labored. “Why? What happened at Caliente? Something bad?”
My fingers tightened around my coffee. “I never mentioned it was Caliente.”
