Heart of the Devil

by Ali Vali

  “The expanded business should take care of any turf problems we’ll have, but the territory Katlin is opening up is like virgin snow. We’re the first ones in there, and we’ve triple-checked the folks she’s dealing with.”

  Katlin Patrick was a few years younger than they were and also their cousin. Dalton had put her to work after college but had kept her away from the watchful feds until she got a handle on the business. Katlin made the deals Cain specified and took care of the business they already had, and in the few years she’d been at it, she’d reminded Cain of Billy. He was a bull in a world-sized china shop, but he had a good head for business.

  “Good. We’ll need the extra capital for our coming-out festivities.”

  “I can’t talk you out of that?” Muriel cocked her head slightly as she asked.

  “Your da agrees with me, so go back to your office and put a wall between us for the next month or so.” She stood and moved to Muriel so she could hug her. “Da was killed and I won’t let that go, so whoever’s responsible will have to start paying a price. Once I’m sure, I’m going to wipe their entire family from existence, and it still won’t cover the debt of my loss.”

  “Be careful then. I’m a better business attorney than a criminal-defense one.”

  Muriel left and waved to her da as he arrived. Right before Dalton died, he’d hit Big Gino for trespassing into their territory, and both Cain and her uncle agreed that the move had cost Dalton his life.

  “How’s Billy?” Jarvis asked after he’d kissed her cheek when she joined him in the back of the car.

  “He’s upstairs napping and trying to get over his headache. His arm will take a little longer than that, but he’ll be okay.”

  “I talked to Pops before I came over, and Ian’s doing better than they thought, so it might be a quicker recovery than the doctors predicted.”

  “Good, and it’s a real shame the FBI is off-limits. Once he feels better, Billy’s going to have to force himself not to beat that little bastard that rear-ended them to death with his cast.” They drove to Ramon’s bar, the Gemini Club, named, like all his businesses, for his children. The downstairs was a club, but Ramon’s real business was upstairs.

  The Gemini Casino was a myth to law enforcement, but they’d never gotten the warrants necessary to prove or disprove its existence because of the Casey family connections with the cops. Ramon had used the capital from the Gemini to fund and maintain their legitimate businesses. It was a lesson he’d learned well from his initial investor, Dalton.

  “Cain…Jarvis,” Ramon said when they walked in. “Come sit and have some café.” He pointed to the Cuban coffee the waiter was pouring as the rest of the staff got ready to open.

  “Thank you for seeing us, Ramon,” she said, taking the demitasse cup the waiter slid in front of her.

  “Any time for you and anyone in your family, Cain, and I’m sorry about Billy. Therese said he’s doing better, so that’s good.”

  After her da’s death, Ramon and his wife Marianna had become especially close to her mum, and their support meant a lot to all of them. “He’s okay, and once his arm heals, he’ll be good as new. I can’t do anything about that situation, so we’re here about something else.”

  “If I can help, you can count on my family.”

  “I’m sure Da told you about Big Gino’s move into our neighborhoods,” she said, and Ramon nodded. “Da hit some of his men, and three months later he was dead. Granted, we’re in a different line of business, but Big Gino muscled in on not only our street corners, but the shopkeeps. They didn’t want anything to do with the crap Big Gino is selling and the crime it was bringing to their neighborhoods, so Da tried to help.”

  “So what would you like to do? If it’s to kill that pig, I’m with you.”

  “I’m going to finish what Da started and wanted to warn you, in case, because of our friendship, he takes aim at you as well.” Vincent arrived as she spoke, so Jarvis caught Vincent up on what had been said.

  “Are you asking our permission?” Vincent asked.

  “No,” she said with the kind of finality that meant she’d entertain no arguments. “I’m here as your friend to tell you, but I’m going to hit back and, no matter how long it takes, prove who was responsible for Da.”

  “Ramon and I figured that’s what this was about, and we can’t let you do that,” Vincent said.

  “Excuse me?” she said softly because Jarvis had put his hand on her wrist.

  “We are all successful because we balance each other with different businesses. When one is out of balance, the other two should do what we can to bring the peace back,” Ramon said with both hands out in front of him as if to keep her calm. “What Vincent means is, we won’t let you take on all the risks alone. This is our fight too, because Big Gino wants to destroy all three of our families.”

  “I’m sorry for misunderstanding,” she said, sighing. The last thing she needed was to go against these guys as well as Bracato.

  “Relax, kid, I was just fucking with you,” Vincent said, and laughed. “You say when and where, and we’ll cut Big Gino’s organization down to the size of his dick. That can’t be very big.”

  She laughed and squeezed Jarvis’s hand. “Thank you both, and I’ll be in touch. If the time ever comes that our family can return the favor, we’ll be there.”

  “Your father’s blood runs through those veins, so we don’t doubt that,” Vincent said. “Make our old friend proud. Dalton deserves that.”

  “I always try my best, and I won’t take up any more of your time. Thank you both for your friendship.”

  “Don’t forget it’ll always be there for you,” Vincent said before finishing his coffee. “I’ll wait for your call.”

  “Here.” Ramon poured her some more as Jarvis walked Vincent to the door. “I want you to join us for our big-money tournament Mano set up. A group’s coming in from Las Vegas, and they’re looking for some high limits at the craps and blackjack tables.”

  “That’s an invitation I can’t refuse.” She could almost feel the jolt of caffeine making its way through her body. “I love a good craps game.”

  “Good. I’ll feel better with you there and Mano watching over the blackjack games. Remi will be out of town on business, and I don’t want to reschedule since I want Mano to start making contacts for our expansion out to Nevada. Even with all the action there, we can still make money.” He stood when Jarvis returned so Cain joined him. “Please bring a date if you want, Cain.”

  “Maybe, but I’ll definitely be here.” She put her arm around Jarvis’s waist and smiled. “If I can talk Uncle Jarvis into staying up late, I’ll drag him over here with me. Twenty-one is his favorite number.”

  “You take care of yourself and your family, Cain. Vincent was right about your father except the fact that he’s already proud. He never failed to tell me that when he and I spoke, and I never minded his bragging because he put up with mine. We are both proud papas.”

  “Thank you, Ramon. My da was a man with excellent taste and luck in friends.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  It had been a month since Emma had shared lunch with Cain by the lake, and it’d been the last time she’d seen or heard from her as well. After a couple of days she hadn’t been able to stand the silence, so she’d called, but none of the messages she’d left had been returned. Cain had effectively cut her out, but Lou still dutifully picked her up and took her home from work.

  “Emma,” Josh said, loading the last drink on her tray. “You okay?”

  “Sorry. You caught me daydreaming in the middle of this madhouse.” She moved the tray closer and headed off after scanning the room one last time. She still didn’t see Cain. The table next to the one where she left the drinks did have a familiar face, though—Bea. She hugged Bea before taking her and her date’s order. “I’ll be right back.”

  Josh mixed their drinks and pointed to his watch. No matter what was going on, he knew when it was a few m
inutes before ten. “Wrap it up after this one. I know all about the big test tomorrow, so no complaints.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Josh,” she kidded with him as she walked back to Bea’s table. “Here you go, guys, and my relief will take care of your tab.”

  Bea said, “Let’s plan for lunch tomorrow after class if we both finish at the same time,” and she agreed.

  Lou had the door of the car open for her so she got in without any complaints. She’d tried in the beginning, but Lou still showed up no matter what she said. After the first few times she’d started to enjoy it since it was like someone in the universe aside from her father cared that she was all right.

  When Lou pulled away, she asked, “How’s Billy doing?”

  “His head’s okay, or so say the doctors, but the cast is driving him a little batty. Unfortunately, he’s got at least four more weeks of that to suffer through.” Lou drove with his usual patience and seldom glanced in the rearview mirror, so she smiled when she made eye contact with him. “Are you doing okay?”

  “You want the truth or the lie I tell myself every night?” She shrugged when he smiled back at her, as if trying his best to comfort a friend.

  “If it’s that bad, let’s go with the truth, and I’ll give you some words of wisdom.”

  “I’m sad most of the time, but every so often I get really mad at your boss. She’s so stubborn and refuses to talk to me.” She let her head drop back and couldn’t believe she’d actually said that out loud to Lou, of all people. It was probably his job to report back all the stupid things she said on these trips. “If you could keep that between us, I’d appreciate it.”

  “No worries. I’d never break your confidence. Are you ready for the words of wisdom?”

  She laughed and straightened herself up. “Sure. Hit me.”

  “You aren’t the only one who’s upset, so when the opportunity comes, don’t back down. Cain will let you go if you sit back and do nothing. You need to decide if you want this or not. If you do, you might find the solution to that sad part of your problem.”

  “Thanks, Lou.”

  “You can thank me by keeping my confidence. The boss hears I’m giving dating advice on her behalf, and I’ll be guarding the weeds outside the office.”

  “Don’t worry, big guy, and thanks for the ride.” She knew better than to open her own door, so she waited for him and took his arm for the walk upstairs.

  “Good luck on your test tomorrow, and I’ll see you at four.”

  She waved Lou good-bye and locked her door. The material for her exam was practically written across her brain, so she showered and went to bed. A solid seven hours of sleep helped her concentration, and she finished her test in forty-five minutes. Since she didn’t want to spend another day alone in her apartment, she waited for Bea outside.

  Fifteen minutes later, Bea asked, “Feel like Chinese?” And since Bea had a car, she went to the place Bea liked. “What’s got you in the dumps and acting like a hermit these days? Ms. Wonderful turn out to be not so wonderful?”

  “We haven’t talked in a month, so I’m not sure about the wonderful part. If it’s okay, I’d rather not discuss it.”

  “Sure, but since you’re still working for her it can’t be completely over. Just keep calling until she talks to you.”

  They ordered, and Emma played with the chopstick packet next to her fork. “You were the one who told me to stay the hell away from her, so you should be thrilled.”

  “I was wrong, okay? Call her and set something up. If you’re worried about her hurting your feelings or venting on you, make it somewhere public. Pick some place like this with plenty of people around.”

  “I’m not afraid of Cain. I just think we’re too different for it to work.”

  “That’s bullshit and a total cop-out. What happened anyway?” As soon as the guy delivered her soup, Bea put a handful of fried wonton strips into it. “Tell me already.”

  “I’m not going to talk about it, so skip it.” She took a sip of her soup and, when Bea demanded an explanation, dropped her spoon. “You want to know? It didn’t work out, and I wish it had, but it’s done, so forget about it.”

  “Will you let me know if you decide to take my advice?” Bea asked, and Emma was sorry she hadn’t gone home alone.

  “Sure, but why’s it so important to you?”

  Bea laughed like her question had been a joke. “I’m just looking out for you and want you to be okay.” Bea’s syrupy-sweet answer made Emma think that was the last reason Bea wanted that information.

  “Sure,” she said. Did Cain have a bounty on her head or something? Cain’s distrust of almost everything now made perfect sense. “You’ll be the first to know.”

  * * *

  “One drink,” Billy said as he and Cain walked through the warehouse after Paul’s first delivery. They were the only two that not only knew where it was, but that it was coming at all. “I just want you to have one drink with me, and maybe that’ll chill you out a little.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” Cain asked, finding the box with the note on it that Paul had told her about. It was a case of the sherry Therese loved, along with a few bottles of Daphne’s family whiskey for her home bar.

  “It means you’re mad at the world, but you refuse to do the one thing that’ll make you feel better.” Even with his cast, Billy took the box from her and placed it in the trunk of the car. “The next time you tell me I’ve got a hard head, I’m kicking your ass.”

  “Why the hell can’t you and Mum accept it didn’t work out? I barely even know this girl.” When she realized she was yelling, she took a deep breath. “I’ve moved on.”

  “The hell you have,” Billy yelled back. “All you’ve done is scream at everyone for two weeks straight, so either call her or get laid. Either of those options should make you feel better.”

  “Get in the car before I break your other arm,” she said, satisfied everything was in order.

  “You know you only get this pissed when you’re wrong.” He put his hands up when she took another deep breath. “Forget I said anything, but you’re not getting out of the drink, so get in.”

  “Let me guess. You want to have this drink at the pub, right?” She climbed into the car, not ready to admit to Billy or anyone that she was angry because she missed some woman.

  “Sorry, rock head. We’re going to Emerald’s to run that last test on the system. Bryce is waiting for us, but we need to cruise by the house and pick up some of our friends.” He drove out and secured the padlocks on the door, as well as the industrial deadbolts.

  “What exactly is the test?”

  “It was Muriel’s idea, and she wanted to do it before she gets into that court case for this kid’s brother. She figured why go through all the trouble if Bryce is some elaborate setup the feds cooked up.” He left through the back of the industrial park even though he’d have to drive through a large neighborhood. It was easier to spot something out of the ordinary in this situation than on the interstate.

  “So you told him you were conducting a test?” She tried her best to keep her cool if that was indeed the idiotic truth.

  “Duh, no. Muriel told him you might come by and have a drink with her and your suffering brother, and you’d check on him.” He spoke slowly, as if she were the one having mental issues. “We’re going to plan something before that drink, though, and we’ll try some of Bryce’s supposed foolproof gadgets while we do. Let’s see where the feds show up.”

  He drove the longest route toward uptown, and as soon as they were miles away from the warehouse, he called Muriel, who was standing outside talking to Lou about the weather. “You ready?” Billy asked.

  “Are you sure the boss okayed this?” Merrick said, turning her back on the van parked across the street like Billy had asked her to.

  “She’s sitting right next to me, so yeah, I’m sure. Tell them to move everything to the office. That’s the last place those stupid fuckers have ever though
t to look. The gate’s open, and the guys are ready for delivery,” he said and hung up.

  “So you’re giving them permission to get a warrant for probable cause?” she asked, shaking her head.

  “If your wonder boy is on the right side, then no one’s showing up at the office, and they’ll follow us from the house and watch us have a drink with Muriel.” He turned onto their street and stopped to pick up Merrick. “If Lincoln calls, then there might be problems, but not for us.”

  The van close by started up when Merrick got in, but before it could get into gear, Billy pressed the accelerator and took off. Around the corner, one of their neighbors had the gate open, so Billy turned in and cut his engine. The owner closed the gate after walking away with his dog. If anyone caught a glimpse of him, all he was doing was his nightly chore.

  “I thought that only worked in bad gangster movies,” Cain said, laughing as they sat in the dark.

  “Don’t celebrate yet. After this an army will probably follow us around, but let’s see where they look for us,” Billy said, getting out and waving her and Merrick toward the back of the house. Like at their place, the back let out to the next street, and once Merrick had scanned the area, they took another car and headed to Emerald’s.

  Once they arrived, Cain went to see Bryce and check on what he had. “Anything new?” she asked.

  “The jammers are working from my end, and the daily sweeps are coming back clean. Lou and I will take that job, and I’m researching anything new on the market daily to make sure nothing gets past our system.” Bryce appeared more relaxed sitting in front of a bank of computers, and from this viewpoint looking out over the club, she had a good view of the crowd.

  The place was full, but none of the people drinking and dancing looked out of place. “Good job,” she said, picking up the phone and calling Lincoln. “Are you having fun?”

  “Bored as hell, Boss, but I’ll call you if the party gets going,” Lincoln said.