Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 140940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 705(@200wpm)___ 564(@250wpm)___ 470(@300wpm)
“As long as the show does not go on for too long and I get the Eye.”
Rafael nodded. “Remember. I will have your back with this situation. My cousin, Jean-Pierre wants continued peace among the Corsican and the Brotherhood. I will not let you or him down.”
Valentina spoke on my right. “And this Alligator Don will definitely have this Eye?”
I nodded. “According to Delphine.”
Rafael jumped into the conversation, “Did my cousin tell you about the Don’s witches?”
“Witches and alligators. This is going to be quite the trip.” Tisha grinned. “Tell us about his witches.”
“They are twins—Genevieve and Evangeline,” Rafael explained. “When the don perceives that he has enemies, he uses them to curse the person. They are super loyal, although we may not see them tonight.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“They live in a renovated church in New Orleans and usually never leave it, unless the Don requests.”
Valentina frowned. “I should have been with you earlier. I am still mad that Maxwell tricked me. Next time I see him, I will punch him in his cock.”
On my left, Tisha chuckled. “If you are Kazimir’s number one, why would you take an order from Maxwell? Orders for you would only come from Kazimir.”
Valentina leaned forward and scowled at him. “Shut the fuck up before I throw you in the swamp and let these alligators feed on you.”
Her threat, no matter how harsh, had no effect on Tisha who only smirked in response. I could feel the undercurrent of tension threatening to spiral out of control.
I cleared my throat. “Stay focused.”
They went silent.
Already I missed King David. Not only would he have had a proper plan to get this Eye, he would also have kept everyone in line and had visuals of my mouse being sent to my phone.
How is she? Please, God let this trip help her.
Every bump in the road jolted through the vehicle and sent vibrations up my arms.
At least the steady hum of the engine was a comforting purr in the otherwise overwhelming silence, a reminder that we were just visitors in this wilderness.
My phone rang.
I pulled it out, saw the screen, placed the device against my ear, and smiled. “I was just thinking of you.”
Valentina watched me and raised her eyebrows.
On the other line, King David laughed. “I hope it was good thoughts.”
“It was thoughts of appreciation.”
“Then, you miss me already?”
I gazed at Tisha and then Valentina. “You have no idea.”
“I heard there were problems at the witch’s property.”
I quirked my brows. “Who told you?”
“Baba.”
I rolled my eyes. “Surely, it was a vision since she headed out of there with the kids.”
“Yes. It was a vision.”
“When I returned to the hotel, I was told that she had taken men, the wet nurses, Emilio, and Paolo out to the Audubon Zoo.”
“Perhaps, because it is a world-class zoo.”
“She did it because she was avoiding me.”
“That too.”
“Talk to her, so that when we have our moment to converse it is a pleasant one.”
“I can do that.”
“Any information on Paolo’s monster?”
“That was why I called. I have one lead. Have you ever heard of a man named Gennadiy Leonidovich Belyaev?”
“I have not.”
“What we know is that he is a disgraced former police officer who was thrown off the force and then began later helping the Brotherhood.”
“And now?”
“Missing.”
“But he is involved with this threat to Paolo?”
“I believe so.”
“Stay on it.” I frowned. “And the Butler?”
In front of me, Rafael leaned to the side, surely spying on my phone conversation.
Tension rode David’s voice. “I have him under control.”
“Remember. All you need to do is ask. It would just be one bullet, David.”
Rafael turned around and glared at me.
I curved my lips into a smile.
David chuckled. “Again, Kazimir. It is all under control.”
“Good.”
“Misha has your location. I see you are exploring the great depths outside of New Orleans.”
“How I wish it were simply exploring. I am on a mission to get an alligator’s eye.”
“Well. . .Baba said your evening was going to be interesting. I have Misha’s people keeping an eye on you.”
“Thank you, David.”
“I will talk to you later this evening.”
I hung up.
Rafael continued to watch me with that angry expression on his face.
I put the phone in my pocket. “Do you have something to say?”
“I am here to help you navigate New Orleans, Kazimir—”
“Then, do that.”
“However, I will not allow you to threaten or harm my cousin, Giorgio.”
“Then, I am lucky that you cannot stop me.”
Rafael narrowed his eyes. “We have all agreed to stay out of this situation with Blue and him, I politely ask that you do the same. I think she is a beautiful and smart woman that will soon make the correct choice.”
I leaned my head to the side. “You met Blue?”
“Giorgio brought her to Nice when Jean-Pierre did a surprise proposal for Eden and a huge celebration that week. We all were there.”