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)
“So they could bring drugs, organs, and whatever they want into the US while the government turned a blind eye?”
“Correct again, Emily.”
“And the Mexicans?”
“Last year, the US captured their leader, El Cazador.”
“What does his name mean?”
“The Hunter. Known for his relentless pursuit of enemies and traitors. Either way, the US put him behind bars and gave him life in prison with an extra 50 years.”
“And Archibald could deliver?”
“He pulled strings, disappeared politicians, and agency officials, and he puppeteered everyone to do as he said. The Hunter was supposed to be free today.”
“Fuck.”
“Fuck is right. Understand this. Cali Cartel grabbed and killed several migrants until they had a compatible heart for Archibald. Many died, before they found the right one this week. Next, Sinaloa Cartel transported this heart to the Alligator’s Don compound.”
My stomach twisted.
“And then the Lion came around killing the Don and his people, but most important, his men trampled over the heart.”
Terror gripped me.
I approached the grand entrance, the doorman, clad in a crisp uniform, greeted me with a nod and swung the door open.
New Orleans in daylight was a spectacle of color and sound, with the streets alive with the spirit of music and laughter.
But my eyes were drawn immediately across the street, where Kaz stood out like a star amidst all the commotion.
There he was, Kaz, my fiancé, effortlessly pushing a stroller with our son, Emilio, snugly tucked inside. His tall, lean frame moved with a confidence that was both striking and innate.
And as I watched, I couldn’t help but notice the way women’s gazes lingered on him. Several even threw him flirty glances.
Must you be a sexy dad, Kaz.
Sighing, I returned to the phone call. “So. . .what do we do now, J.P.?”
“The Cartels want the Lion’s blood spilled out all over the streets. Archibald will surely do anything to make your stay in the US unbearable.” Jean-Pierre cleared his throat. “Now I am heading your way so I can address this situation before it spirals further out of control.”
“Earlier you said we are heading to New Orleans.”
“I did. My lovely fiancé is adamant that I will not leave her again for a long period of time, and I agree.”
“So, I’ll get to meet Eden?”
His voice held an edge. “As long as there are no safety issues around you.”
“And. . .my god daughter?”
He let out a long sigh. “Yes. My princess will be with us.”
“And what are you going to do to help us—”
“Not help, Emily. Fix. Tomorrow night, I am meeting the heads of all three pissed off parties, and I am going to fix this.”
Kaz stopped at the corner, glanced over his shoulder, and gazed in my direction. Even far away, I could hear the loud, “Mysh!”
I shook my head and continued down the block. “How are you going to fix this, J.P.?”
“I plan to tell them that I will now step in as the new broker.”
I frowned. “Broker for the heart?”
“Yes. What else would I do?”
“Fuck that, and fuck that fat, rich piece of shit for needing it—”
“Emily, I have just explained in great detail how Kazimir messed this up and—”
“First of all, it was an accident. Secondly, the heart came from a dead Haitian migrant who just had a dream for a better life.” I picked up my pace. “You think that now we’re going to help this rich guy get another heart? I would rather you just join us, and we unite in killing everyone—”
“Couple convergence—”
“What the hell is that?”
“It is a term that refers to the phenomenon where couples grow more alike over time in their behaviors, attitudes, and even physical appearance—”
“So, you’re saying I’m acting like Kaz?”
“Yes, so let me remind you of two things.”
“And what is that?”
“Paolo and Emilio.”
I pursed my lips.
“You are going to heal yourself in New Orleans and fight a war on three fronts? If you are that confident, then I can have my staff take our luggage off the plane.”
“There’s got to be another way besides killing people for their hearts.”
“Denying the bankster a heart will not stop the organ black market from continuing. It is a billion-dollar global industry.”
I gritted my teeth.
“And let me remind you of something else, Emily.”
“What?”
“I am not doing this free of charge.”
I got to Kaz and he studied me, probably wondering who I was on the phone with. “What do you want, J.P.?”
Kaz sneered.
“Thank you for asking, Emily.” Humor hit J.P.’s voice. “I want territory in Moscow along with the permission to do our own business in Russia. Giorgio will lead this new territory.”
Kaz would never go for it. He already thought too many French were in Russia now. Forget the fact that, if the Corsican got a foothold in Moscow, they would be weaseling into Brotherhood business.”
“Emily?”
“Yes.”
“Your response?”
“I can’t make any guarantees on Brotherhood territories.”
Kaz quirked his brows.