“There’s several and don’t feign ignorance.”
“I’m not,” she insisted, rubbing her knee. “You wanted to confront a killer. Not the smartest move, considering the guy framed me for murdering people. I wanted to prevent problems, not cause more.”
“I understood after the fact,” Armandi confessed, softening his voice. “It’s the only reason I didn’t inform Sanderson or the other Underbosses. Your sincerity saved you.”
Aviere waved her left wrist, where a thick silver bracelet hung from her forearm. “Sanderson figured it out. But thanks for telling my boss how I killed you. I’m sure I’ll hear it for using untested and unauthorized drugs.”
“You should’ve been prepared for the consequences, Aviere. Consider my decision retribution.”
Don’t let Louis rile you, Vi, Aviere told herself, clutching her faux black purse. He’s harder to outsmart because he shares your intellect, but wait. See how the meeting goes before saying things you’ll regret.
After a resigned breath, Aviere nodded. “Fine. But don’t patronize me about accepting responsibility when I’ve done more than anyone else.”
“Fixing Gunther and Limere’s mistakes differs from accepting responsibility for your own, dear.”
“I cleaned up after my family and sacrificed my dreams for survival. I answered to the Underboss and took my demotion better than others. Hell, I even crawled back in ranks to get where I am—even if my actions were futile. No one expected Lowell Sanderson to take interest in lil’ old me.” The Poisoner exited the sooty colored Cobalt and shouldered her purse, glaring at Armandi. “I will find answers about Myra and Gunther—with or without your cooperation.”
“You’re just like Myra, dear.” The Underboss turned to Aviere and his indigo eyes brightened at her determination. “It’s refreshing to know you’re not like Sanderson’s minions. They’re so manipulative, and I get ulcers meeting your boss. He’s a scary bastard, whereas you’re like a kitten learning to sharpen her claws.”
When Aviere recoiled, a sardonic smile played on Armandi’s lips. She brushed her cotton black t-shirt before her cheeks flushed. Slowly, Aviere leaned into the car and held her balance by gripping the metal frame. A loud hiss escaped her lips before she calmed enough to speak.
“Cute, kitten. But Myra coddled you, so I suppose your temperament’s expected.”
“Don’t underestimate me, Louis,” Aviere said in a hardened tone. “Front-line fighters aren’t everything. I’m ruthless when I need to be, not every time I meet someone.”
“We’ll continue this conversation after you’ve interviewed Miss Greene. Maybe you’ll be calmer after assessing your newest teammate. Besides, I’m interested in the dynamic she presents. A fresh face may hone your poor leadership skills, Aviere.”
Aviere’s body tensed as she inhaled and held her breath. She met Louis’s eyes as her own turned flinty, counting to ten before blowing out hot air. Before storming away, Aviere kicked the pristine Cobalt door, huffing as the slam finalized her thoughts about their conversation.
The Poisoner straightened her top, pressed her fingers against her neck and took deep breaths after regaining her composure. She ignored Armandi’s chuckles and pressed against the Cobalt, studying the athletic blonde-haired woman cussing someone out on her phone.
Aviere snorted and waited, using the opportunity to study her prey
Armandi, I don’t know why you chose Karyn Greene, but if the bitch blows another goddamn bubble, I’ll go insane.
Aviere pressed a leather-coated finger inside her ear as Karyn popped another bubble, the third in as many minutes. The phone, which had served as a pleasant distraction with puzzle games, no longer captured Aviere’s interest. Another burst of cheap, over-chewed bubble gum almost caused Aviere to crush the lime green and black-cased iPhone.
In instances like this, I curse supersonic hearing, the Poisoner seethed, glowering at the blonde leaning against the damaged Stingray. The hell with this. I’ve given Karyn enough time on her call.
At the fifth bubble, the Poisoner stormed toward Karyn, fist clenched as she tasted copper. A new goal emerged: stop her interviewee from driving her insane with bubble gum.
The thought of choking Karyn with stale bubble gum the color of Pepto-Bismol amused Aviere, but she remembered Armandi’s demands and the extra money she’d earn if Karyn remained on her team.
Goddamn you, Armandi—you and Sanderson can go to hell.
Her vision tinted red as she approached Karyn, remembering her partners and the blasted Ford Focus. A deep heaviness settled in her heart as Aviere realized her long vacation had ended. When she peered at the twinkling stars in the darkened sky, Aviere shivered, shooting to ward off the feeling of impending doom threatening to consume her.
Danger followed the Poisoner like a lover she couldn’t shake, her eyes glowed at the blonde spinning used bubble gum from her mouth on her index finger.
Let me make it through tonight before I return to work tomorrow, Aviere prayed. Despite Karyn’s unprofessional attitude, I’d like a relaxing night where Armandi’s content, I’m not stressed, and I’m drunk enough to face Sanderson’s bullshit in the morning.
The thought dissipated when Karyn pointed at her bright pink watch. “You’re late. We were supposed to meet in East Baltimore, not on Richie Highway.”
“For someone who’s trying out, you’re not acting professional,” Aviere retorted, eyes narrowing at Karyn’s sticky index finger. “I’ve interviewed many people and turned down offers for less.”
Aviere cringed when the blonde scraped the gum off her finger with bright teeth. “Sorry. Better than smoking.”
“I’d deal with a smoker over that asinine popping noise. But, I apologize for running late, Miss Greene.”
“Karyn,” the standoffish woman said, slamming her black tennis shoe into the Stingray’s dented body. “You should recognize me. Surprised you don’t, since Maurice and Limere know me on sight.”
“Anyone would with your damaged car.” Aviere’s voice lowered to a rumble as she placed a hand over her nose. “There’s enough dents to scrap it for parts, Karyn.”
“Not everyone’s got money like your family.” Icy eyes glared at Aviere before turning to the quiet highway. “I do the best I can, but I’m a working woman. After a few races, I’ll fix Speedy. I installed a new radio a few weeks ago and did some cosmetic work, like tinted windows, shocks, and tires.”
“Spend less money on MMOs and show up for work,” Aviere retorted. “You’re not showing me incentive to take you, considering Joe’s ready to fire you.”
Each time Karyn twisted her foot against the silver car’s frame, Aviere gritted her teeth, hiding a tightened fist behind her back. Mye’s nails threatened to shift into claws the longer Aviere watched Karyn’s behavior. When the blonde twirled a strand of bobbed hair, Aviere released a tense breath and tapped her foot against the blacktop.
My god, she’s going to drive me nuts.
“I’ve been showing up. I don’t need lectures from a woman half-cocked and rushing into trouble.” The tennis shoe squeaked against metal. “But what kept you from meeting me, Aviere? I mean, it’s not like I—”
“Karyn, no self-respecting racer scrapes their tennis shoe against their car.”
“For god’s sake, it’s just an automobile, Aviere.”
“If you want respect in this community, invest in your vehicle. I understand you’re working to fix… Speedy… but abusing your vehicle won’t earn brownie points with me. You’re a goddamn mechanic. There’s no excuse for your behavior.”
The blonde muttered under her breath before complying and adjusting her black tank top. “You’re a real tight-ass like Mama J said. Wonder if I made a mistake meeting you, Aviere.”
Recognition passed in Aviere’s eyes when Karyn mentioned her rival’s nickname. The fist behind her clenched tighter as she understood Armandi’s decision. She scanned the night sky as the Poisoner assessed Karyn’s skill wh
ile Armandi pursued the Stingray through the city.
Armandi, you saddled me with Jemina’s problem child, but Karyn’s not a horrendous driver. She outraced Peters, and I didn’t count on Neuro being a speed demon. However, her temperament and brash attitude is another story. I can’t depend on a child who’s incapable of caring for a vehicle.
Aviere squeezed her thin eyebrows together as she watched Karyn’s arm splay across the driver’s side door. The blonde lowered her head, but Aviere noticed how Karyn’s eyes never left hers. A few seconds later, a tanned hand jammed into her bra and retrieved a large cell phone, unlocking it with a few swipes.
Oh lord, she’s been with Jemina too long. But I thought they fell out. So why would Armandi tell Karyn about my vacancy?
“Look, I didn’t want to come,” Karyn admitted. “I’m not fond of you. But your brother thought I’d fit, and he’s tired of hearing Celene and Mama J arguing about my well-being. Limere’s got his mistakes, but he cares, so…”
Limere, I’m going to kill you, Aviere vowed.
“Fine. If Limere suggested you, then I’ll consider it. Your performance wasn’t the worst I’ve seen. That’s why I ran late—I followed you the entire drive.” Aviere thumbed to the sooty black Cobalt near the entryway. “You’d know the Ferrari, so I used a different vehicle while tailing you.”
“Bitch.”
“You impressed me, though,” Aviere complimented Karyn, clapping her hands. “You almost got rid of two federal agents, Karyn. Drifting works well for you. However, you need practice. You’re too reliant on drifts and speed.”
She didn’t miss Karyn’s tight-lipped sneer. “Speedy’s the best car I’ve had.”
“Why were federal agents chasing you, Karyn?”
The woman straightened when she slid inside onto the driver’s seat and clutched the steering wheel. Aviere made a thoughtful noise when Karyn’s ice-blue eyes softened and her bottom lip quivered.
Sympathy’s the last thing Karyn needs, but you upset her, Travis. I’m not working with you, yet you force my hand.
“Look, it’s all right,” Aviere reassured her. “I’m familiar with them, so if you’re in trouble or something—”
“He asked about my ex-fiancé. Surprised me, since he died five years ago.”
“I’m sorry,” Aviere said, cursing her partner.
Karyn rolled down the window as she closed the car door and scribbled numbers on a yellow Post-it note. “Look, the agent asked about some drug cartel and Reggie. I referred him to Limere, okay?”
Goddammit, Karyn, Aviere seethed, snatching the note. Now I’ll get grilled when I return to work tomorrow. She clenched her jaw, working through blurred numbers on the neon yellow note. If I find Limere’s using or dealing again, he won’t have to worry about Travis or Peters arresting him.
“He didn’t say he’d arrest him!” Karyn exclaimed. “Besides, why are you annoyed? Celene said Limere’s clean. Hasn’t used in a while other than weed, and marijuana’s legal for medication, right?”
Well, it makes sense that she’d know Celene, and she’s trustworthy for information. If Travis asked about Reggie, he’s probably investigating the Zodiac Cartel.
Knots formed in Aviere’s abdomen and her saliva tasted bitter.
Something tells me Karyn didn’t know about them, though. Not enough for Travis to interrogate. Nonetheless, Limere wouldn’t tell Karyn… would he? Or would Celene?
Aviere pocketed the post it note before tilting her head toward Karyn. “How do you know about—”
“Celene,” Karyn snapped. “We’re tight. Limere is around when I visit, and he knew Reggie before he died. His family adopted me.”
The Poisoner removed her glasses at Karyn’s announcement. “Well, that explains Limere’s offer, but you’re Jemina’s problem-child.”
“You misunderstand, Aviere.” The Stingray’s engine croaked when Karyn started the vehicle. After another try, the car wailed to life. “Things were rocky after Mama J and Joe lost their oldest son. Reggie wasn’t the greatest, but they loved me. You still care about someone after they’re dead, even if you argue with them. That’s what happened, really.”
Aviere stiffened when Karyn’s icy eyes steeled as she adjusted her rear-view mirror.
“It’s Mama J who’s got the issue, but she’s retired. All her other girls moved on and found other teams. No one wants me because of certain issues, so Limere thought I’d be better with you guys. Said you’d understand, even if you’re a bitch about things.”
The brunette nodded, her speech forgotten after watching Karyn’s distressed expression. “I’ll have Limere call you about practice, Karyn. Let me know if the agents tail you again. Travis isn’t the most conventional agent and should’ve told me about questioning you.”
“Okay.” Pop music poured from the Stingray. “I didn’t mean to piss you off.”
“I know.” Aviere cleared her throat. “I’m sorry about Reggie, and I’m sure Travis didn’t mean to upset you. I’ll speak with Travis tomorrow.”
“Thanks.”
Aviere waited until Karyn left before heading back to the Cobalt, finger crooked against her chin in thought.
First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll meet with Neuro and Travis. I’ll demand answers about this evening’s actions. If they’re digging up the Zodiac Cartel, they might get themselves killed. The Underground protects them and Limere’s no longer their leader.
Headlights flashed across her face and Aviere vowed to chew Travis out when she visited work in the morning. She seized her peridot necklace as Aviere closed her eyes, thinking of the Underboss responsible for the Zodiac Cartel. The fedora and evil laughter made Aviere shiver, and she covered her mouth before the sour taste in her mouth made her vomit.
If Limere disbanded them… when did the Zodiac Cartel reform? I’ve been vigilant because of Limere, yet no one alerted me to any suspicious activity.
The Poisoner sashayed to the car and opened the door, glaring fiercely as she fastened her seatbelt. The whimsical look in Armandi’s eyes shifted to concern as Aviere voiced her apprehension.
“Louis, we’ll discuss Karyn and the Vipers later, but she mentioned the agents are investigating the Zodiac Cartel. Tell me everything before we reach the Tethered Mistress.”
The Cobalt sped through the parking lot, and then down Richie Highway after Aviere’s order, but Armandi’s silence and his erratic driving made her stomach heave. Sour spit turned to bile, but Aviere forced herself to swallow, awaiting Armandi’s answer.
When his silence continued, the Poisoner fumed and pouted, then shifted her body and leaned against the passenger window. The chilled glass felt divine against her flushed face, but Aviere’s eyes grew distant as the scenery blurred with increased speed.
The Zodiac Cartel tore her family apart once and Aviere vowed they would never achieve it again.
While her mind willed it, her body rejected it, turning clammy and shaky the longer Armandi drove.
Thirty minutes of brooding did nothing for Aviere’s attitude, other than reinforce her growing reservations about Armandi’s reluctance.
While Armandi drove with dexterity and speed, Aviere glared at the darkened roads, struggling against the mental whirlwind causing her panic attack. Cold chills spread throughout her body, despite turning on the heat twenty minutes earlier. The Poisoner licked her lips before rubbing her neck, shuffling in the passenger seat once Armandi turned into a familiar parking lot.
The Tethered Mistress stood proud, almost majestic inside its underground confines. Structurally sound, she spotted the expensive filtration system, familiar glass doors, and Armandi’s bouncer guarding the door with a stoic expression. The Italian kept his hands folded as he scanned the area and met Aviere’s eyes.
Marco, maybe you’ll have useful information. Armandi’s being tight-lipped.
As the Cobalt pulled into an adjacent parking spot, Aviere gathered her handbag, shaking her head to combat her racing thoughts. L
eather clung to her fingers from the cold sweat. The brunette strands of her hair stuck to her forehead before she brushed them aside. She unbuckled her seatbelt and shoved at the door before Armandi stopped the Cobalt.
“Aviere, collect yourself,” Armandi commanded. “You’ll draw attention running inside without me.”
“Then answer my questions, Louis.” Aviere placed one foot on the blacktop. “The Zodiac Cartel. What do you know about them?”
“Discussing your family’s downfall—”
“Travis asked Karyn Greene about them, Louis. Mentioned by name. He’ll interrogate me tomorrow, so I’d appreciate any information. I’m not asking about Limere’s involvement—even Karyn said Limere’s following parole.”
“Don’t believe everything you hear, dear. Limere’s better at keeping secrets than you.”
She closed her eyes, and both hands held the large peridot as if the single jewel warded away their family’s difficult past. Her eyes widened when an affectionate hand patted her thigh. Her words died on her slightly parted lips as Aviere’s gloved hand settled on top of Armandi’s, drawing strength from him as her hand trembled.
“If I suspected Limere’s involvement, I’d tell you. But I analyzed everything before asking Miss Greene to contact you. Limere’s remained clean. Every source I’ve met has said the same.” A finger pointed outside Aviere’s window. “Chelsea Nichols and Desmond Halter run the Zodiac Cartel. I’m sure you’re familiar with them, Aviere.”
The names stopped Aviere’s movements short as her eye twitched.
“They’ve tried pushing near the Mistress for a week, Aviere. So far, no takers, but—they’re pushing to children. Jesus Christ.”
A scream carried from the opened door, diverting their attention.
As Armandi leaped from the driver’s seat, Aviere bared her canines, hissing when a teenager fought against the dirty blonde Goth restraining her. Hissing changed to harsh snarls when a greasy dark-haired male retrieved a syringe from underneath his leather sleeve.
Chelsea Nichols and Desmond Halter. The moment Armandi mentioned their names, I understood Travis’s objective. Once Maurice and Limere find out, it’ll tear our family apart.
Drift: The Renegades Saga: Book Two Page 3