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I head over to Shade’s club after showering and changing into something more suitable for a meeting than the gym gear that seriously needs laundering. I go in heavy with everything I do and working out becomes a personal challenge my body is happy to take me up on.
As I park the bike in his underground car park, I nod to his guard, who checks me over for weapons before allowing me into the private elevator that takes me to the man himself.
Security is tight around a man like Shade. His brother may be the heir to the title of Don, but everyone knows Shade is the man to fear. He is cold, ruthless and without morals or compassion. One word from him and it’s game over.
A man after my own heart and a good friend of ours and I’m strangely looking forward to seeing him.
Once again, I’m searched before I’m allowed into his office and as I enter, he glances my way with a wicked grin.
“Good to see you, man.”
He nods to the seat before his desk and his consigliere stands and says respectfully, “I’ll leave you in peace.”
As he goes, Shade leans back and grins.
“I’m honored. You must want something.”
“Always.” I roll my eyes. “Why else would I want your company?”
The fact we were brought up more like family than acquaintances make our easy banter so familiar it’s comforting. Shade and I used to fight like dogs and all in the name of fun. I spent many vacations on his family’s island, and he was always a welcome guest at our home in Greece.
“I heard Rico DeGeneres never made it home from the hospital. Dark Shadows is looking for a new manager.”
“It will survive.” I shrug. “You should choose your managers more carefully in the future.”
My eyes narrow because Shade knows how personal this is and will be wise not to make a crappy joke about it and he obviously realizes that too because his eyes soften and he says with concern, “I wish I could help.”
“You can.”
He raises his eyes and nods. “Anything.”
“I need a plant. Rico told me the shipment is heading to the docks on Tuesday. Berth forty apparently. It will be heavily guarded, and three million dollars is at stake.”
He shakes his head. “That’s serious motivation to fall onto the dark side.”
We both know Rico has been double dealing for months and didn’t realize Shade was already onto him. It suited Shade to keep it to himself for now, as it wasn’t harming any of his own business. However, it is very much my business and as my friend Shade will be firmly on my side.
“This plant.” He sighs as he pours me a glass of bourbon and one for himself.
He slides it across his desk toward me and says with interest. “What happens when the shipment arrives at its destination?”
“Good question.”
I down the shot in one and relish the burn as it hits the spot.
“I was hoping you had some ideas on that.”
He nods, appearing thoughtful, and then refills my glass with a wicked grin.
“Leave it with me. By the time that ship sails, your request will be granted.”
I lean back, confident that it will be done exactly as I knew it would.
Shade leans forward and says in his usual husky tones, “Melissa Remington.”
I guessed this was coming and I shrug. “On the hook.”
He nods. “Good. They are expecting you.”
