“How can we be certain Paul and Javé are connected?” Heath stood, pacing to the window to look out on a clear Arizona sky.
“He’ll call Paige again.” The muscle in Nesto’s jaw ticked, his voice turning cold. “He has no choice. She’s pretty certain if she asks, he’ll confirm his connection with the Sons. If not, Kade and I will find a way to do it.”
“If he is, the boy made his own choice by aligning himself with the wrong people. We can’t spend resources protecting him when he’s the one putting the rest of us in danger.”
“I agree with you, Heath.” Rafe drummed his fingers on the table as his mind raced through the options. “Four women are expecting. If the Sons or the cartel find out, they’ll become a very desirable target.”
Kade moved to sit next to him. “You’re right, Pops. Brooke, Jesse, and Lainey live on the ranch. Cassie will have to move back here until this is under control. She reports to me, so I can talk to her and Matt.”
“She’s my daughter. I want to be there when you tell them.”
“Sure, Heath. Whatever you want.”
“How do we handle the due diligence on the three companies?” Jace asked.
Heath paced back to his chair and sat down. “No change. We keep everyone here at headquarters. If we need to meet with executives from the other companies, we fly them in.”
“We need to inform them about what’s going on.”
Heath looked at the time, then back at Nesto. “The meeting starts in ten minutes. You and Kade will give them the same information you provided us. I don’t expect any problems. They already know the drill.”
“I’d suggest we put off saying anything until I speak with my contacts at the DEA.” Kade pulled out his phone. “Let me get on it, then I’ll bring you up to speed before we tell everyone what’s going on.”
Heath nodded. “Agreed. In the meantime, Nesto, order up additional guards around the ranch and headquarters, as well as bodyguards for Cassie, Jesse, Brooke, Lainey, and Paige.”
Rafe shook his head. “You know those ladies aren’t going to like it.”
Heath snorted. “Ask me if I give a damn.”
“I thought my eyes were deceiving me when I saw your name on the phone, Kade. How are you, buddy?” Clive Nelson leaned back in his chair, resting his booted feet on his desk.
“I’m doing fine. Better than I deserve given my history.”
“Your history is nothing to be ashamed of, Kade. Wish we could have you back. Hey, that’s not why you called, is it?”
Kade laughed, picturing the lanky, unflappable Texan. “Afraid not. Do you have a minute?”
At the question, Clive dropped his feet to the floor and leaned forward. “I’m all ears.”
“We have a possible situation involving Satan’s Brethren and Devil’s Sons. The Montalvo-Ortiz and de la Garza cartels may also be involved. Do you have any intel you can give me?”
“Ooo-wee, buddy. You aren’t messing around. Seems you have more enemies now than when you were with the agency.” Clive leaned over his desk, glanced around, then lowered his voice. “I’ve got a shitload of data on all four groups. You’ll have to be more specific so I can figure out how I can help you.”
Kade spent the next ten minutes outlining what had taken place. “Does anything I’ve said push your buttons?”
“Possibly. Where are you?”
“Arizona. Why?”
“It just so happens I’m due for a little time off and Arizona sounds real good. You got a place I can stay?”
“As long as you need, Clive. When can I expect you?”
“With any luck, later this afternoon.”
Paige forced herself to concentrate as she reviewed the data on each company. It didn’t take much effort to see how easy Double Ace would fit into the MacLaren Enterprises strategic plan. Champion Horse Breeding had a more complicated organization and would take more time to evaluate. In her opinion, Serenity would require the longest review. The company consisted of several properties in different states, equipment, livestock, on-site veterinary services, daycare at some locations, and restaurants at all.
Glancing out the window, she thought of the night before, regretting the fact she’d gotten less than three hours of sleep. The look on Nesto’s face when he emerged from his bedroom told her he hadn’t gotten much more.
She found herself wondering how much the current situation would impact his relationship with the redhead, then mentally slapped herself for wasting time on such a trivial subject. They were facing real danger from the motorcycle clubs and cartels. Worrying about who he slept with shouldn’t cause her heart to ache or her eyes to pool with unshed tears. All she had to do was get through a few more days and she’d be back in her own cabin, Nesto continuing the life he’d built without her.
Checking the time, she began gathering the files, looking up when her door opened. Nesto leaned against the doorframe, folders tucked under one arm.
“Did you find out anything?”
“Not as much as we’ll learn by the end of today. I’ll share what Kade and I came up with at the meeting.” Moving so she could walk past, he strolled behind her to the conference room, wishing circumstances were different.
He’d slept little the night before, worries about Paige and the MacLarens controlling his thoughts. The fact she slept in the bedroom next to his didn’t help.
She’d taken a shower, emerging from the bath wrapped in a lightweight robe, leaving little to his imagination. Nesto didn’t need his imagination to know what was concealed under the thin fabric. He’d seen it, tasted it hundreds of times over the years they were a couple, and still dreamed of being with her again, even as his brain warned him away. Any thoughts of a future with her were misplaced, the same as the list of Christmas items he’d wished for as a kid.
She’d tried to protect him by walking away. Although he understood her reasoning, he couldn’t forgive the fact she’d cut him out of the decision, hadn’t even considered trusting him. His job with the Marshals Service wouldn’t have precluded him from advising her and her parents. If he had all the facts to guide him, it wouldn’t have jeopardized his job—not in the way she imagined.
As they reached the conference room, Paige’s phone rang, causing them to make eye contact.
“Is it Paul?” Nesto asked.
Checking the number, she nodded, a brow lifting.
“You don’t have time for a discussion with him right now. Wait and listen to his voice message.”
“What if he’s in danger and needs me?”
Taking her by the arm, Nesto lead her into an empty office and closed the door. “Paul does not need you Paige. He plans to put you in danger to save himself. You’ve got to stop playing his protector and see him for the man he’s become, not the boy you remember.”
“But he’s my brother, and you said they might kill him. He’s probably scared.”
Nesto pushed away his frustration, doing his best to put himself in her place. “No doubt he is, but he put himself in this position, and now wants to drag you into it. I can’t let that happen. Can you understand that?”
Drawing in a shaky breath, Paige nodded.
“Javé contacted you last night, but made no threats. He isn’t going to do anything until the two of you speak. Hurting your brother now serves him no purpose.”
As they spoke, her phone buzzed, indicating she’d gotten a new message. Opening her voicemail, she put the phone on speaker.
“Paige, it’s Paul. I’m getting on an airplane and will arrive in Phoenix later this afternoon. Look, I’m sorry to bring you into this, but I have no choice. You need to know a man named Javé Cruz may call you. Don’t agree to anything until we talk. Gotta run.”
“Sonofabitch,” Nesto growled. “Paul is the one who gave Javé your number and location.” He grasped Paige by the shoulders. “Do not agree to meet with Paul unless I’m with you. You are not to be alone with him, no matter how much he begs. Am I clear?”
/> Biting her lower lip, Paige glanced away, her mind in turmoil.
Nesto tried another approach. “It isn’t just you who is in danger, Paige. Javé won’t have any problem going after any of the MacLarens to get what he wants. If he has you, his leverage increases.”
Sighing, she slipped her phone into her pocket. “You’re right. I’ll let you know when I talk to Paul.”
“And you won’t see him without me.”
Letting out a frustrated breath, she nodded. “Fine.”
His face softened. “Good. Now, we’d better get into the meeting.”
“Well, that isn’t what I expected to discuss this morning.” Cassie walked out the door with Paige, Brooke, and Amber as they left for lunch. Heath had given them a ninety-minute break after four hours of intense discussions on the current situation. “At least we’re all in Fire Mountain.”
“We’re fortunate we can work from just about anywhere.” Brooke looked at Paige. “When will you call your mother?”
“During lunch. The sooner she gets on MacLaren land, the better I’ll feel.” Glancing behind her, she scowled at the sight of Nesto, Kade, Eric, Sean, and Matt following a few feet behind. “What are they up to?”
A wry grin appeared on Cassie’s face. “You didn’t think they’d let us go to lunch alone after what’s happened, did you? There goes Cam.” She nodded toward the walkway leading to a small, quaint structure a hundred yards away. “He’s going to check on Lainey at the company daycare. Trey is heading to the ranch to make sure Jesse and Annie are all right. Mitch is going to get Dana and explain what’s going on. Until this is over, don’t expect any privacy or to go anywhere without one of the men tagging along.”
“Paige?” Stopping at her car, she saw Nesto jog up next to her, holding out his hand. “Sean and I are riding with you. The others are going in the company SUV.”
Glancing at his outstretched hand, she shook her head. “I can drive.”
“Of course you can, but you aren’t going to. I’ll be able to spot anyone following. If I do, I’ll need you and Sean to get license plates and details about occupants.”
“Unless they’re shooting at us,” Sean said as he looked around the lot.
“I doubt they’d take the risk at this point. Right now, they want to know who they’re up against. Kade and I want them to know anything they plan won’t be easy. Come on, Paige. Hand me the keys.”
“Might as well hand them over. We’re wasting precious lunch time, as well as an opportunity for me to scope out the lovely waitresses at the restaurant.” Sean lifted his brows, drawing a chuckle from Paige and Nesto.
She slapped the keys into the palm of Nesto’s hand. “You are not going to be on my heels twenty-four-seven. It just isn’t going to happen.”
Unlocking the car, he pulled the door open, choosing to ignore the comment, which was wishful thinking on her part. “Slide in. I’m hungry.”
Paige ate a few small bites of her sandwich, unable to coerce anything more down her throat. Even with the threat, Cassie and Brooke cleaned their plates. She suspected being pregnant had a lot to do with it. Pushing back from the table, she stood, seeing the scowl on Nesto’s face.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room. Is that all right?” Sarcasm slipped into her voice, even as she did her best to tamp it down.
“Sure. Just keep vigilant.”
Grabbing her purse, she followed the signs down the hall and behind the kitchen to the restrooms in back, seeing no one. Turning the knob, she felt herself being jerked from behind, a hand over her mouth, stifling her scream.
“Javé wants to meet with you.” The whispered voice had a slight accent similar to Javé’s. Shaking her head, she tried to tear herself from his grasp, stopping when another man stepped around the corner. “No more struggling. Javé has no intention of hurting you. This won’t take long.”
Glancing behind her, she felt a rush of relief when she saw no sign of Nesto. They’d only hurt him if he tried to intervene. Nodding, she let herself be led out the door, around another building, to a group of motorcycles parked behind a liquor store. On one sat a heavyset man with a bushy mustache, short black hair, and a vest with the word President stitched on one side.
“Here she is.” Her captor shoved her forward, almost pushing her into the man she believed to be Javé.
“Miss Wallace. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Glaring at him, she straightened her back. “I wish I could say the same, Mr. Cruz.”
He chuckled, then his face hardened, the niceties forgotten. “Paul works for me. I want you to do the same.”
“That isn’t possible.”
“I’m afraid it is. Paul is bright, but also very stupid. He didn’t know the rules when he became my business partner. From what he says, you are equally as smart. Let’s hope that is true. If not, I will have to resort to actions I’m sure you’ll find…repulsive.”
Paige could feel her hands sweating. Holding her ground, she shook her head. “I doubt you’re a fool, Mr. Cruz. However, threatening me, or those I care about, would be a ridiculously foolish action. I have no power over the MacLarens and no sway in their business dealings.” She took a breath, noting the amusement on the man’s face. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…” Turning to leave, she smacked into the solid chest of the man who’d brought her to Javé. When he didn’t move, she attempted to step around him, only to be yanked back to face his boss.
“You are brave, but not very wise, the same as your brother. It will be the death of Paul, and possibly you.” Javé paused a moment, lifting his chin to the men around them. An instant later, they all sat on their bikes, engines humming. “You think about what I said. I’ll get a message to you within a few days.”
She held her ground as the bikes roared down a back alley a few seconds before Nesto and Kade ran toward her, guns drawn. Stopping in front of her, Nesto slid the gun into his shoulder holster, running his hands down her arms.
“Are you all right?”
Nodding, she gulped in air. “It was Javé.”
“I heard the bikes, but didn’t get a good look at anyone.” On instinct, he settled an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. Even with his solid body next to hers, Paige began to shake.
“Two of his men took me out the back. Javé said he’ll contact me with what he wants.”
The panic in her eyes rocked him. It was all he could do to not kiss her fear away. “He isn’t going to get to you again, Paige. Let’s get back safe inside the office. You can tell Kade and me everything he said.”
Nodding, she let him lead her to the car. Now she had a face to put with the name. Unfortunately, it gave her no comfort at all.
Chapter Ten
Clive Nelson eased his tall frame out of the truck he’d driven from San Diego. The drive relaxed him, allowing time to go over what he’d learned from Kade and what he had to share. Listening to the constant thrumming of country music on the radio, he made good time, arriving at the ranch well before dark. Looking at the front door, he walked forward at the sight of a beautiful, middle-aged woman, blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail.
“Mrs. MacLaren. It’s good to see you again.” He reached out his hand, surprised when she ignored it in favor of a hug.
“It’s good to see you, Clive. Kade told us you’d arrive sometime today.” Annie stepped back, studying his face. “Looks like you need a vacation, not another assignment.”
He choked out a laugh. “Officially, I am on vacation, ma’am.”
“You’ll be staying with Heath and me. His brother, Rafe, and wife, Reyna, live here, as well. So, please, feel free to call me Annie. Can I help with your bags?”
He cocked his head, his mouth curving into a smile. “No, ma’…uh, Annie. I think I can manage.” Pulling them from the back seat, he followed her inside. “Rafe is Kade’s father, right?”
“Right. Reyna is his mother.” She glanced over her shoulder, looking for a reaction before starting up the
stairs to the second floor.
“Geez, I forgot all about that. Well, glad they got back together. I’m sure Kade’s happy about it.” He followed her to a bedroom right at the top.
“You’ll be in here. I’d let you have one of the cabins, but they’re all full right now. Unless Kade and Brooke—” She stopped when Clive held up a hand.
“This will do fine. I don’t know how long I’ll be around. With luck, a few days, then I’ll take a side trip to the Grand Canyon, maybe end up in Vegas for a couple days.”
The sound of boots on the stairs had them turning to see Kade. “Clive, buddy. Glad to see you made it.” They clasped hands, slapping each other’s backs.
Annie watched, then turned to leave. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything. Dinner is at seven.”
“Is it okay if Brooke, Nesto, and Paige join us?”
“Of course, Kade. I always make plenty.”
Clive waited until she was down the stairs before pulling out his phone, looking at Kade. “I got a call from J.D. Montalban. You remember him?”
“Sure do. Been a while since we’ve connected. What’s he up to?”
“About the time you left, the agency put him in deep with the Montalvo-Ortiz cartel. Pulled him out a week ago when things went south. I didn’t tell him much, enough to pique his interest. He’s got a bunch of time coming and offered to help.”
J.D. was one of the best. Kade couldn’t ask for a better team to figure it all out. “How soon can he be here?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Call him. I’ll be downstairs with Brooke. When you’re finished, I’ll take you out to Nesto’s cabin so you can talk with him and Paige.”
Clive’s brow lifted. “I heard she broke things off.”
Kade shook his head. “Yeah, she did. They aren’t back together. Since it involves the family, Nesto’s helping her out. Even though both of us were with Paige today, Javé still got to her. She doesn’t like it, but she’ll be staying with Nesto until this is all sorted out. I’ll see if you and J.D. can stay in her cabin while you’re here.”
Foolish Heart (MacLarens 0f Fire Mountain Contemporary Book 9) Page 9