Neal grips his glass tighter.
“We’ve had a fruitful partnership with the DA for the past decade,” I continue. “I do hope we’ll continue to work closely together.”
Neal clears his throat. “I see no reason why the partnership shouldn’t continue, Mr. Payne. I have every intention of upholding my end.”
“See that you do. It would be a shame if something happened to your brother.”
A muscle ticks in Neal’s jaw, and he sits up straighter. “Excuse me?”
“He’s receiving treatment in one of the finest hospitals on the East Coast, isn’t he? I’ve heard they have one of the best medical staff.”
“Yes.”
“One word from me, and your brother will continue to be taken care of,” I tell Neal, before rising to my feet with the gun in my hand. “It would be just as easy to take it all away. Do you understand?”
Neal nods tightly.
“I need to hear the words out loud, Mr. Rose.”
I’m lacking my usual finesse, but I can’t bring myself to care.
Neal Rose is a means to an end, and if I have to forgo my usual niceties to get the point across, I’m not above doing it.
Everyone in the city, including our allies, needs reminding of who they’re dealing with.
I will not allow one more fuckup to chip away at the empire.
Especially not something as stupid as not taking the proper precautions with a new inside man.
Neal Rose better hope to God he checks out, or I’ll take care of him myself.
“I’m aware of the risks, Mr. Payne. I am entering into this willingly,” Neal says. “I will keep up my end of the bargain.”
“Do that and you’ll be rewarded, and your brother will be given the best care money can buy. Betray me, and I’ll gut you like a fish and hang you by your balls.”
Neal’s nostrils flare.
“Finish your drink and get out.” I sit back down and watch him intently. He downs the rest of his drink in one gulp and rises without meeting my eyes. He exits the office, leaving the door slightly ajar.
I want to follow Neal to the DA’s office and make sure I’m getting my money’s worth.
I also want to storm back to the manor, find London, and bury myself in her.
Neither of those things will solve my immediate problems, so I sit there, trying to ward off a headache. Moments later, when Miss Deveroux pokes her head in, my head feels like it’s going to burst. I lean back against the chair, drop my hands, and motion to her.
She steps into the office, dark eyes tight and unfocused as she glances around the office. “You asked to see me?”
“Yes. I wanted to see how things are going with Jennifer.”
Miss Deveroux relaxes. “Miss Harrison is a quick study, and she stays out of the way. Can’t ask for anything more.”
I scratch my chin and nod. “Good. Have you noticed anything unusual?”
“I would tell you if there was.”
Despite our brief dalliance, I know Miss Deveroux is nothing if not discreet.
She’s more than proven herself over the past few years, and whatever doubts I had over her ability to overlook a broken heart have long since taken a backseat.
