“My mama’s twin.”
“I didn’t know she had a twin,” Coast responded.
“Neither did I.”
“Elyse.” She held her hand out to Coast with a smile. “Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Coast.” Grabbing her hand, the two shook briefly.
Elyse grinned at Iara, who was now resting her head sleepily against her mama’s shoulder and sucking on her hand.
“And who is this little beauty?”
“This is Iara-Hale.”
“She is beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Coast smiled. “Can I get you something to drink?’
“First things first. Why are you here?” Mozzi wondered.
“You just as skeptical as your mama, I see.” Elyse twirled to admire more of his house, pausing in a mirror to tease her pixie cut and check her makeup. “I can’t come and check on my nephew?”
“After twenty-seven years? Try again.”
“Fine.” Elyse faced him. “Heard you made some enemies. You and your brothers are causing problems for a lot of people. Those people found out that I have a connection to you. So, now, those same people want something to happen.”
Mozzi listened, eyes narrowing as he folded his arms across his chest. Elyse came off as a straight shooter, which he appreciated. Swiping his beard, he looked her over one more time.
“Some people like who?”
“I’m not at liberty to s?—”
Mozzi reached for the door handle and flung it open.
“Then you can bounce.”
“How did I know you were going to make me work for this?” Elyse sighed, folded her arms over her ample breasts, and rolled her eyes. “Look, Mira’s network took a major hit when she met her… unfortunate demise.”
“What that got to do with me? She was trafficking young girls and kidnapping women. One of which I consider fucking family!”
“I get it.” Elyse quickly threw her hands up in surrender. “I’m not here to argue about that callous bitch, either. We are not the same, and I for one am glad she’s gone. You will not get any objections from me. I don’t operate like Mira. I work within herorganization with Donahue, but my girls are on the up and up. High quality. High priced.”
“Escorts,” Mozzi surmised.
“Only the best. My girls move in elite circles, none of that trafficking, brothel type shit Mira was on.” Elyse waved a hand and turned her nose up. “Each of them is a willing participant. Nobody is being held hostage.”
“So, what you want me to do for you?”
“I came to see about negotiating. For Donahue.”
“And there it is.” Mozzi wagged an accusing finger at her. “You damn sure Elaine’s sister. This shit so coded for her scheming ass.”
“Hey, that’s my sister you talking about.” Elyse’s hands fell on her hips.
“When’s the last time you seen her? Talked to her?”
“I could ask you the same thing. She’s your mama.” Elyse looked him up and down, lip curled and nose turned up as if she was the one offended.
