by Stone, Piper
I gave him a look, lifting a single eyebrow. “The one thing I value more than anything is loyalty, Cordero. You’re an honorable man, especially to my father. What you need to keep in mind is that you’re working for me now. It’s vital that you share information with no one. Understood?”
He clenched his jaw before nodding. “Absolutely. He’s sick, isn’t he?”
Admitting the truth wasn’t easy for me. “Yeah, he is.”
I headed for the main entrance, noting the number of cars in the parking lot. Winston certainly had enough admirers, a huge portion of them women. Once inside, I moved past the receptionist desk, refusing to acknowledge the three females who were attempting to stop us.
“Sir, you can’t go back there. It’s a secure area!” The woman’s voice trailed behind us as we both barged in, moving from room to room.
One of the ladies must have called the good doctor. He came bustling from behind a closed door, out of breath and his face beet red.
“What the hell are you doing here, Miguel? Is something wrong?” Winston dared to ask.
I closed the distance, keeping a cold expression on my face. “Winston. I think it’s time that you and I had a conversation.”
Winston glanced toward Cordero, a single bead of sweat rolling down from his temple, even though his expression remained smug. “I am working, Miguel. I have patients. We’re going to have to do that some other time.”
I inhaled, glancing toward the room behind him. I simply moved around him, shoving open the door. The woman’s screech wasn’t the only obvious sign of distress. Her undressed state certainly didn’t indicate that she was having her already beautiful face worked on.
When Winston made an attempt to bypass Cordero, the brawny man placed a hand on his chest.
“Get your hand off of me,” Winston demanded.
I took another deep whiff, gathering the scent of the woman’s perfume all over him and walked back in front, slowing pushing him against the wall. “Here’s how we’re going to play this. You’re going to be a very good boy and you’re not going to make a scene. You’re coming with us where we’ll go somewhere quiet to talk. If you refuse or otherwise piss me the fuck off, I’m going to have to let my sister know that you were in a fairly horrific accident, one that will keep you from performing any surgery for the rest of your life. Are we clear?”
Winston swallowed, nodding like some fucking bobble-head doll. “Crystal.”
I issued a cautious grin. “Excellent. We’re just outside.” I shoved my way back into the waiting room, ignoring the whimpers from the other women.
“Are you all right, Dr. Calhoun?” the receptionist asked, her voice almost inaudible.
“Just... just fine, Christine. I just have some unfinished business,” Winston answered like the good boy I knew he could be.
Cordero opened the back door, pushing him into the car and slamming the door with a hard thud. “Where to, boss?”
“That park on East Boardwalk should do,” I said as I whistled and moved to the other side, glancing at the office one last time. The women wouldn’t dare contact the police. I could tell that they knew exactly who I was. I eased inside, allowing Cordero to get on the highway before pulling out a cigar, taking my time to snip the end before lighting up.
He was watching every move I made.
“Get on with it, Miguel. What do you want from me?”
“Seems like you had a busy morning,” I said quietly after taking a single puff, allowing the smoke to billow in a perfectly formed ‘O.’
“What are you talking about?”
I took several puffs, refusing to open one of the windows. I enjoyed his almost immediate hacking, although I had to admit, I thought about my father. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” I finally turned my head in his direction, giving him a cold stare. “I would think a man of your stature would have some level of intelligence. I guess I thought wrong.”
“Do you want to cut the drama and tell me what the hell is going on?”
The man was actually still demanding. “Elena visited my parents. It happened to be while I was there. Now, you can imagine my surprise at seeing her condition.”
He sucked in his breath. “That bitch.”
My hand was wrapped around his throat before he had a chance at a second breath. I crowded closer, making certain the glowing end of the cigar was only inches from his valuable eye. “You will never call my sister a bitch again. You will also never lay another finger on her or my niece. Is that clear?”
Shifting, Winston remained quiet.
I tightened my hold. “I asked. Is. That. Clear?”
“Yes. Fine.”
After a few seconds, I released my hold, brushing imagined lint off the arm of my jacket. “I’m a fair man, Winston. Even though my enemies would disagree with that assessment. However, in saying that, I do expect certain rules to be obeyed. Are you following me so far?”
He swallowed, darting a glance toward the windshield. “Sure. Yes.”
“Good. This is how we’re going to play this. As you might imagine, I will never trust you around my sister or my niece again. What you’ve done is reprehensible and will not be forgotten.”
“So? What do you want?”
Dear God, I wanted nothing more than to rip the man’s throat out. I took a deep breath before answering. “You’re going to go home after work tonight and you’re going to pack your things, leaving, of course, every valuable and precious item that belongs to my sister. You will contact your attorney to begin the divorce papers where you will sign away seventy-five percent of your wealth, including the offshore accounts that I’m very well aware you have. After that, you’re going to make certain that you provide another seventy-five percent of your future earnings. That will ensure that my niece has a proper upbringing.”
“You’re fucking insane!” Winston screeched.
I heard Cordero’s guttural sigh as he turned off the highway, darting a glance in the rearview mirror. He was always surprised at my level of patience when dealing with assholes I would prefer killing.
“I am many things, Winston, but certainly not insane. If you’d prefer, I can add the punishment phase of your penance immediately.” I leaned back, eyeing what I considered to be my favorite park. The site was far enough off the beaten path to allow for certain conversations to be held in basic privacy.
He hissed under his breath, but I noticed he was already shaking. “We don’t need to resort to violence, Miguel. I’m sorry about what I did. I’ve never hit your sister before.”
I merely turned my head, locking eyes with his.
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I love Elena more than anything. I don’t want to leave her!”
“Winston, I absolutely loathe whiners. You have no choice but to leave her if you want to continue practicing medicine.” When Cordero pulled into a parking spot at the end of the small natural area, I was the first one out of the vehicle, walking toward the absolutely beautiful tropical flora. A true paradise. My thoughts drifted to Valencia. She would enjoy a picnic in the park. Hmmm...
I could tell that Cordero was pushing Winston along, his reluctance further fueling my condemnation of him. Men were supposed to face the consequences of their actions without resorting to breakdowns.
“Fine. I’ll agree to your terms. Just don’t kill me!” Winston was half shouting, obviously trying to engage anyone who might be visiting the park.
I gave him an offhanded glance before motioning for Winston to walk with me. “I assure you, Winston, there’s no one around. This is an amazing and well-kept secret, but I do appreciate your acquiescence. I think that’s a much better choice for you.”
“I don’t know why you think you can get away with this.” Winston had finally regained some of his usual bravado.
“You are very well aware of the family that you married into, Winston, which means that you know exactly what my father and I are capable of.” I allowed the words to sink in as
I rounded a corner on the path, the fountain a place of respite over the years.
“Resorting to threats now, Miguel? I thought that was beneath you.”
I stopped in front of the fountain, taking a moment to reflect as the small plaque suggested doing. “I never make threats. I only make promises.” I turned toward him, closing the distance until we were centimeters apart. “I’m well aware of your indiscretions with women, including the various clubs that you frequent. Out of respect to my sister and my beautiful niece, I’ll keep silent about your... proclivities as long as you follow my orders.”
For the first time, I noticed a clear indication of fear.
“Fine. All right. Yes. I’ll figure this out. I can do it. Sure.” Winston was already babbling.
“Excellent.” I took a step back, holding out my hand. The handshake was weak, sweat now trickling down both sides of his face. I stepped away, stopping on the path just long enough to tilt my head. “I allowed you to keep your phone. I’m certain you can have one of your buddies come and pick you up. I appreciate you being able to take the time with me today. I prefer handling business in a professional manner.” I gave him another curt look before heading back toward the car.
What he didn’t know was that my associates dealt with issues in an entirely different manner. He would soon find out.
* * *
What I found interesting about the items provided by my father was that there’d been a perfect way to keep Santiago under wraps.
If I would have known earlier things might have turned out differently.
Maybe.
I’d received a call from a low level street soldier moments after leaving the park, the information I’d received damning on several levels. Even after my series of warnings to the street crews, at least some restlessness had already spread throughout the ranks, allowing for the possibility of several unscrupulous activities and deals made. If that continued, the vultures would try to swoop in, certain individuals prepared to make a play for control. I couldn’t afford to allow this shit to continue. Not now. Not ever.
Especially now given my father had given me his full control over the operation.
My father was the kind of man who never allowed anyone to see his weaknesses. His decline in health would be no different. There would be no huge announcements, no party celebrating my father’s retirement, but people would learn soon enough. That would place the organization further on the precipice.
How I was going to use the info on Santiago was yet to be seen.
Sadly, there was one man who I suspected had a jump start on the change in power, a man my father trusted implicitly. The heat was increasing it seemed with every hour, the news of the lost revenue snaking through the cities and counties like flesh-eating bacteria. It was also becoming difficult to keep the DEA from sniffing around the explosions. They’d stop at nothing to shut down every one of my operations.
Of all the legitimate businesses that my family operated, only a few trusted men also distributed party favors to our customers. I’d been as careful as my father in making decisions, including the use of venues in order to keep away from prying eyes. One of the latest purchases had been a body shop for high-end sports cars, the very one who’d serviced my vehicles for years. The setting was perfect, the empty second floor exactly what was needed.
I employed over one thousand people in various legitimate jobs, something I’d always wanted to do. I nurtured the employees, made certain they had adequate health insurance and vacation days in which to heal the soul. Only a few had any direct knowledge of my family’s handling of illegal drugs. Being in the inner sanctum took years of proving loyalty but the perks were substantial in the way of bonuses and other incentives. Danton hadn’t been on the inside.
The man I’d just received a call about had been with my family for two decades, long before I’d taken over. I was finding it difficult to believe he’d stoop so low, but Aleksei had warned me. Of all the men to stab me in the back.
If what my soldier had learned while collecting the weekly fees held any merit, the man’s loyalty had switched to Santiago.
I sighed as Cordero pulled into a parking space, taking my time to plant my feet onto the pavement. When I walked into the shop, the majority of employees were barely able to look me in the eyes. I could almost smell their fear, could hear their beating hearts. They knew who I was, had heard various stories of what had been done to enemies, but they at least respected the fact they had a job and had through difficult times and a shit economy. However, when I arrived, there was usually some kind of hell to pay.
This afternoon was no different.
They all remained going about their jobs, pretending that I hadn’t just walked through the door. I could only imagine their sighs of relief when I walked up the back set of stairs to the second floor. I would also take a bet that there would be a spike in activity and projects completed by the end of the day.
The oversized production room held two distinct spaces, one used entirely for distribution. The other held our business managers and several quality assurance managers. They all had legitimate titles, filed their taxes, and lived the American dream. The man I’d come to question was the boss of this particular operation, his brutality equaling my own. He’d earned the right to share in the wealth.
At least up to this point.
John Martinez was a formidable man, someone I’d respected early on, but today he’d learn about my wrath for traitors.
I moved toward the man’s expansive office, the only one with a window, although the view left a shit load to desire. Still, he’d made the space his own, including his beloved classical music. As soon as I walked in, the concerto playing forced bile into my throat. I could recognize Valencia’s touch anywhere. Her music. Her CD. I was sickened at the thought but there was no such thing as a coincidence.
I unbuttoned my jacket, making certain my weapon was easily seen. I was taking no chances.
John seemed exasperated when I walked in, immediately jerking up from his desk. Was his bottom lip quivering? I scanned the area, searching for any signs of a breach in protocol, although I knew the man would hide his tracks. Almost immediately his mask was slapped into place, a consummate professional and one of the few men in our organization who’d spent time in prison.
And he’d never squealed.
That gave him credibility amongst the ranks as well as with my father. However, everyone had a price.
“John. You look startled.” I moved closer, darting a glance toward his desk. As usual, he was working on the books, his uncanny ability to hide certain resources making him invaluable.
“You scared the fuck out of me, Miguel. No one comes into my office.” John walked around the desk, his grin the one I’d remembered since I was a kid. When he shifted some of his papers together, I made certain to take note.
My godfather.
My father’s best man at his wedding.
He’d been at every christening, every holiday event. He was above reproach.
He was a lying sack of shit.
We both approached with our arms out, giving the obligatory hug, only I felt dead inside.
“What brings you here?” he asked then pointed toward his bar. “Do you want a drink?”
I waved my hand, trying to plaster a grin on my face. “Not right now. I have a lot of business to take care of.”
“You don’t mind if I have one?”
“Not at all.” I waited until he’d poured his favorite scotch, studying his steady hands. He showed no real sign of weakness. However, he’d had decades to practice. When he finally turned around to face me, I’d advanced another three feet, and I was clearly able to read his eyes.
Raw fear.
“Is something wrong, Miguel? I know the destruction of the shipments has hurt all of us, but we’ll recover.”
“The shipment situation is a pain in the ass, but I assure you, I will handle the asshole responsible.”
He took
a sip, nodding several times as if he didn’t have a care in the world. “I’m glad to hear that. How’s Carlos? I haven’t talked to him in a couple of days.”
“He’s not well, John, but you already knew that. In fact, you know almost everything about my father, including his frailties and the fact he’s retiring early.”
John’s face sagged, as if he’d been caught in a lie or perhaps was free of guilt. “Damn it, Miguel. I wasn’t certain you knew. You know how proud your father is.”
“Yes, my father is extremely proud. He is also far too trusting, at least in my opinion, opening himself up to betrayal. Including from a man he loved liked a brother.”
This time, his eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Come now, John. We’re both adults here.” I walked with purpose toward his desk, fingering the top of the pile. “With my father’s poor health, I’m going to assume that you are concerned about me taking over the reins. To that end, I think you took matters into your own hands.”
Although there was nothing overtly out of order, my gut told me I was right.
“What in the hell are you talking about? I’ve never had any issue with you, but you come here and insult me in my place of business. How dare you!”
Within two long strides, I had his throat firmly wedged between my fingers, pitching him hard against the wall. As the glass dropped from his hand, shattering into dozens of pieces, I lowered my head and yanked the Glock from my holster. I dug my fingers into his sallow skin as I shoved the barrel under his chin. “How dare I? I’m only going to say this once, John. This is my family’s place of business, a family that has been good to you over the years.”
His face was already beet red, his voice strangled as he attempted to speak. “I didn’t... do... anything. I... swear.”
“You know how much I despise liars, John. From what I’ve heard, you’re in Santiago Rivera’s back pocket.”
“Wha... What?”
I squeezed again, cutting off his air supply. While he flailed, punching me hard against the chest, his age and lack of body mass was no match for my rage. “I have it on good authority that you were the one who provided details of both shipments. At what price, John?”