by Ali Vali
*
“You don’t know anything about what Carol wants?” Cain asked Muriel once the house was quiet again. The night and dinner with friends had made both Emma and Ross forget their trouble, and she wanted to keep it that way. But until she’d driven a stake through the bitch’s heart—and even then she wasn’t sure Carol would truly disappear—she wouldn’t be done with this.
“She wants plenty of things that aren’t within her right to ask.” Muriel threw the comment out and flinched as if it’d caused her physical pain to say it. “You didn’t want me to handle it personally, so I gave it to my associate Sanders Riggoli. He’s doing a good job, but you know how the court works.”
“Give her what she wants and get it done.” She tried to unclench her teeth as she spoke, but this subject always blew her temper the hell up.
“She wants visitation rights in Wisconsin as often as possible with only Hannah. Are you sure about giving her what she wants?”
It took a moment to work through the rage to remember Muriel wasn’t the enemy, but she was close to panting when the fog cleared. “She’ll get her hands on our daughter only if I’m dead, and then she’s got Emma to worry about. Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” Vulgarity wasn’t her norm, but she had a tenuous hold on her control.
“Because no court, no matter how friendly toward Carol, is going to give her that, so I wanted to spare you this aggravation.” Muriel came closer and placed her hand over her heart. “Sanders tried the easy and fast route, and he fell for Carol’s game and her country-bumpkin-acting lawyer, so I’m keeping him on the case but providing him a list of instructions. Tomorrow he’s going to dismiss the divorce petition in Wisconsin.”
“And start this over again?” Another year or six months of waiting wasn’t in her plan, and she doubted Ross would agree.
“I’ve already spoken to Judge Mary Buchanan. We’re going to refile in Louisiana, and it’ll go smoother and faster. Once I argue Ross’s mental distress, he’ll be the city’s most eligible bachelor.” Muriel patted her chest before resting her hands on her shoulders. “I was only trying to keep you from thinking this to death. Don’t be pissed—I’ll take care of it.”
“I appreciate it, but I want this done. Carol has been nothing but a cinderblock around the ankles of my family, and it’s time to cut them free.” The addition of one more thing to her loose ends wasn’t what she wanted to think about, but she’d do whatever was necessary to enjoy their new baby.
“No matter how long it takes, though, remember Carol is Emma’s mother. That’s the one good thing she’s done. For that she deserves more than she has a right to.”
She stood up and faced Muriel. “I mentioned that to Emma, and Carol has nothing to worry about when it comes to any of my problem-solving skills. I trust you to take care of it.”
“One more thing.”
Muriel shrugged when she cocked her eyebrow up.
“Pretty soon I’m going to ban you from the house.”
“It’s about Finley and her problems.”
She didn’t think Muriel and Merrick had found anything so far, but from Muriel’s expression this had the potential for real implications regarding their future. “Tell me.”
Muriel started talking, and she was almost sorry she’d asked. “I’m not sure where Finley found this woman, but it’s going to be a problem to get clear of the baggage she comes with.”
“Let’s hope that Finley understands the option here.”
Muriel followed her toward the stairs. “Don’t you mean options?”
She smiled and shook her head. “Life isn’t always multiple choice, cousin. Go home and we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”
*
The van outside now had cable-company decals, and Muriel hoped that meant Shelby was off for the day. Any love she had for her family’s somewhat enemy had died away because of Shelby’s betrayal, but she couldn’t help but care for her. If Shelby was in as much pain as she was because of the loss of her father, Jarvis, she deserved some compassion.
The thought of her empty house was enough to make Muriel head toward Cain’s Irish pub in the French Quarter. A beer and the promise of old Irish tunes would fill the silence that had dominated her life since her da had died. The only good thing that had come from the days after his death was the easing of the guilt that was choking her faster than if someone had wrapped a rope around her chest and thrown her off a building. What Cain had repeated often finally made sense. A life wasn’t judged by a few weeks, but in its entirety.
“Da, I hope you and the family have forgiven me my stupidity,” she said as she turned onto St. Charles Avenue, glancing down when her phone rang. “Hello,” she said, not recognizing the number.
“I wasn’t that boring, was I?”
She laughed at Kristen’s way of starting a conversation. “Boring isn’t how I’d describe you, so I’m sorry for not calling sooner. Work is my only excuse, but I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear.”
“Actually, what I want is to see you again. Are you free?”
She smiled at the forwardness but appreciated Kristen’s bravado. “I was on my way to the Erin Go Braugh. Would you like to join me?”
“Drinking alone, or do you feel sorry enough to make me a third wheel?”
“A beer alone is good for the soul, but one with a beautiful woman is even better.” She headed to the river and Remi’s condo.
“It’s good to hear that you don’t think I’m a kid.”
She laughed as she glanced in her rearview mirror. “No, not in the kid category.” A vehicle was behind her, but it was only Cain’s overprotectiveness. “Want to join me?”
“I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“I’ll come up and get you in about five minutes.”
Kristen laughed, and she suddenly couldn’t wait to see her. “Anyone ever tell you that you’re a bit old-fashioned?”
“The old ways are at times the best, Ms. Montgomery.” She stopped in the front of Remi’s building and handed the keys along with a twenty to the valet. “I’ll be right down, so can you pull it to the side?”
“You got it,” the guy said and pointed to a spot near the garage exit. The car coming down didn’t have tinted windows, and she could’ve sworn the old guy in the back looked incredibly familiar. “Or I could be paranoid,” she said as she headed inside where the elevator and Kristen were waiting.
This time Kristen wore tailored slacks and a vest that looked like there was nothing between it and her skin. It was like a sexy executive outfit that made it hard to look away. “Ready?” Kristen asked as she looped their arms together.
They were quiet on the way down, and Kristen smiled when she opened her door for her. Kristen reached for her hand before she moved away and tugged her closer. “You look beautiful.”
Kristen nodded and let her hand go so she could put it behind Muriel’s neck. “Thank you, and thank you for seeing me again.”
“You’ll never have to thank me for that.” She decided to go against her natural caution and kissed Kristen. The touch of her lips ignited something in her that fractured her pain. It didn’t completely die away, but it eased considerably.
“And thank you for finally doing that,” Kristen said as she placed her fingers against her mouth. “It was as good as I thought it would be.”
“Are you sure? You’re starting out, and you probably would do better with—” She stopped talking when Kristen pinched her lips together hard.
“Sometimes life should be spontaneous, so let go of all that stuff in your head and concentrate on right now. Don’t go much beyond that.” Kristen let her go and kissed her again. “Think you can manage that?”
“I can muddle through with a few reminders.” She smiled as she walked along the front of her car, ready to leave. The image of the old man came to her again as she placed her hand on the door latch. There was a reason he caught her attention—the older man resembled Junior Luca so much she couldn’t beli
eve it hadn’t come to her sooner. “Damn,” she said, figuring her unplanned night was about to become more complicated. “How about one quick drink upstairs?”
*
It took an hour, but Remi was able to get a complete list of the tenants in her building. None of them jumped out as overly suspicious, but after Muriel’s visit she wasn’t taking any chances, especially since they were still living in the penthouse. Cain couldn’t blame her old friend for that since the only person Junior Luca had ever looked like was his father Santino.
If Santino was in New Orleans, he was there to prop his grandson up, so it was imperative to find them before they started their business again. Cain sat at her desk and went down the list again on the chance something would pop out after another viewing. Eventually it would take a door-to-door search to make absolutely sure, but she hoped the two people she’d put on surveillance duty would take care of an exact location.
“What do you want to do?” Muriel asked.
“It’s late, so nothing now. Tomorrow we’ll start actively searching. Before you leave, though, I do want to hear about you and Kristen.” She glanced up and smiled at Muriel’s somewhat joyful expression.
“You were right about that too. Every so often something falls in your lap and you simply have to enjoy it and not question it.” Muriel’s smile widened and she laughed. “She’s probably too young for me, but she pinches the hell out of me whenever I mention it.”
“I’m going to like her,” she said as the phone rang.
“Sorry to disturb you,” Carmen said, “but someone named Yury Antakov wants to talk to you.”
“Thank you.” She looked at the blinking line, thinking of everything both Muriel and Finley had said.
“Who is it?”
“Finley’s answer, if I had to guess, but why call here? There’s no way he found out this quick we were asking questions about him.” She shrugged and cracked the bones in her neck before punching the button to pick up. “Cain Casey,” she said and waited.
“Ms. Casey, you don’t know me, but I have a problem I need help with.” There was only a hint of an accent, but it almost sounded as if he was trying to accentuate his language with it. “My name is Yury Antakov.”
“What can I do for you, Mr. Antakov?” She tried to keep her voice light, but it was a challenge considering what his business was built on.
“My associates tell me New Orleans is your town, so I wanted to thank you for allowing us to start our business, the Hell Fire Club, without problems. It’s time for us, though, to sit and discuss terms and mutual respect, but I have to ask for your help as well.”
The little speech cleared up who owned the Hell Fire Club, but not who Nicola Eaton was to him. “What can I do for you?”
“I’m looking for a woman, and if you can help me, I’ll owe you a favor in return. We don’t know each other, but believe me, having me in your debt will be advantageous.”
“If I can help, whatever you need is yours.” She smiled at his chuckle. Men like Yury achieved the power they did from their need to control everyone around them. His debt to her was as much a figment of pure fantasy as Hannah’s cartoon collection. If she showed any inclination to help him, he’d convince himself eventually that she was weak.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night then,” he said and promised to have one of his people call to make the arrangements. “I need to find this woman fast.”
“Tell big Lou to prepare for a visit. Let’s have it at the wine cellar,” she said to Muriel as she searched for Finley’s number. “I got an interesting call from someone you’re looking for.”
“That was fast,” Finley said, and Cain momentarily heard small children in the background. “Did you make some calls?”
“I didn’t get a chance. My new friend Yury needs my help finding a woman. He didn’t give me a name, but I’m guessing it’s your new friend. He’ll be here for a meeting tomorrow night.”
“What did you tell him?”
“That I’d give him whatever he wants, but I need you there to prove who this guy is or isn’t. Only don’t come unless you’re prepared to acknowledge you might have to make choices that aren’t in your employee manual. I’ve exposed the family now so I can’t take any chances.”
“If I can, I’ll follow my training, but I’m not gambling with Abigail or the children either.”
“Our blood is the same, Finley, but our lives aren’t. Once you have your proof, if you want, I’ll take care of this.”
“Maybe this time we can both get what we want.”
Chapter Eleven
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Emma asked as they showered together the next night after Remi, Dallas, and Remi’s family had gone home following dinner. “I’ve read about some of these Russian mobs, and they’re vicious.”
“If my info is right, they’re here already, and they don’t play well with others. I think it’ll be dangerous to leave these people unchecked, and this particular snake doesn’t crawl out from under his rock often.” She wanted to make Emma comfortable before she left, because her night was far from over. “And it’s for Finley too. I’d sit this one out, but I always consider if I was in her situation and no one was around to help.”
“I’m glad you can help her, my love, but promise you’ll be careful.”
Cain kissed Emma’s temple and placed a hand over Emma’s abdomen. “I have a bottle of Irish whiskey ready to welcome this Casey home. I’ll be careful, lass. There’s too much at stake not to be.”
“Good, because we don’t have much time.” Emma covered Cain’s hand with both of hers and pressed back against her. “Are you ready for this?”
“We might not be perfect in any other way except in how we parent, my love. But we are good at that, so if this was our tenth and you were asking me that question, my answer would still be yes. I’ll never tire of bringing children into this world with you, especially since they’re all perfect and gorgeous like their mother.”
“Let’s hope they all inherit your healthy sense of self-esteem, mobster. Now help me get my pjs on so you can get going.”
She’d dressed, after she’d given Emma what she wanted, and left for her office to get something they’d perhaps need later. Merrick and Katlin had found what she’d been looking for and, more importantly, what Finley needed, so it was time to act. Even though it was Sunday, this was too important to ignore. So she got into the backseat with Lou and let one of the guys drive them to the riverfront.
A dozen Surburbans—all matching the ones she and everyone else in the family used—were parked inside the warehouse where her office was located. She’d had them moved in a few at a time after they’d met with Finley. She figured they’d eventually need them for something like this. The only thing not in her plan so far was the quick turnaround on what they’d found.
When the doors came down, obscuring the view from the FBI across the street, she headed to the back of the warehouse where the mechanics room that housed all the electrical and air-conditioner units was located. She, like her father before her, knew it’d be the first place the feds would look if they ever got a warrant, but sometimes there was value in anticipating how people thought. Since she always tried to avoid the obvious, she came up with this spot for one of her father’s favorite things.
She pressed down on a board with her foot and pushed on one of the air handlers at the same time. The board slid back, revealing cash packed carefully to thwart the humidity and a gun. Tonight, the gun had to come out of mothballs because no amount of money would fix this problem.
Once she was ready, the doors opened and she sent out a few of the vehicles to the Quarter before the warehouse was locked again. A few minutes later, the next set of SUVs was released to head for Emma’s, and they, too, picked up a tail.
“Keep up, guys, and make sure everyone follows the timeline Katlin set out,” she said as she left for her meeting. “I wouldn’t want our friends to miss anything.”
; *
“I know she thinks we’re totally stupid, but this is ridiculous,” Joe said as the fourth set of black SUVs left the building. “There are more people in the bureau than just us. She does realize that, right?”
The door opened again and a few more cars emerged, turning to go uptown. Joe dispatched another team to follow.
“It’s a game she likes to play because she’s good at it. One set of cars is hers, but the first stop isn’t her intended destination. If I had to guess, I’d say we need to keep tabs on the car that makes the most stops.” Shelby didn’t look away from the warehouse and smiled when the doors opened again. This seemed excessive even for Cain.
“Don’t worry. I’m not explaining another screw-up to the boss.”
“Any ramblings I haven’t heard about?” If this was something important, she estimated Cain would send out at least two more decoys. “We’ll spend a lifetime obsessing about Cain, but I’m sure other things are happening around town. If we knew what else was going on, we might be able to narrow this down a little.”
“I had all these guys ready to go because we did get some intel from the NOPD.” He threw his hands up when she turned around and stared at him. “Wait…before you decapitate me, I just got it like two hours ago.”
“What is it?” She spoke to accentuate every word. The door across from them opened again, and she almost snorted.
Joe recapped the report about someone who’d become a ghost around town. When Nunzio had run home to New York months before as if his life literally depended on it, she’d thought he’d be one less problem because he’d be too busy helping his father salvage their empire. Whatever Nunzio had to do with Cain when he’d been living in Biloxi hadn’t materialized into much.