Page 146 of Dancing in the Dark

I turn to my sweet baby Mia and extend my hand, showing her the gift Charlie chose just for me, then as she wraps her palm around mine and her thumb plays with the small cluster of diamonds, I grin and sweep her up into my arms. “Did you see what time it is, Mia Charlotte?” I pluck the pretty bouquet from her arms and leave it with mine. “It’s time for curtains.”

54

FELIX

“Archer told me you were full of shit.” Detective Fletcher grumbles on the other end of our call, his unhappy grunt like sugar in my veins. “He said you didn’t need me to work for you. You’re just sharing the wealth and being dishonest about it.”

“I mean…” I sit in the back of my car as Stovic steers us through middle-of-the-day traffic. “I was spreading the wealth, cos I love your ugly fuckin’ mug, even if you hate mine.”

“Felix—”

“But that doesn’t mean you didn’t work. I put you outside the warehouse that time because I needed to see how the neighbors would react to having a cop nearby. My baby brother carries a badge, so if I’m buying up property on that side of town, I needed to know he’d be safe if he headed over that way.”

“And the twenty-four-hour store? Archer said you already own that place.”

“I do. But the guy on shift that day? Tompkins. He’s got himself a dirty gambling habit and a cute family waiting for him at home.”

“So… what?” he snarls. “I was there to intimidate him?”

“Nah. You were there to represent me. Because instead of having him killed for his poor impulse control issues, I told him I’d have my cop pals swing by now and then. If he wanted to be better for his family, then he would show up to work on time, every time. He’ll do the job and straighten his life out. You were there to remind him of the agreement he and I made.”

“Right. And the time you had me walk along that residential neighborhood?”

I chuckle. “Tompkins lives there. He’s been on the wagon and doing quite well, by the way. Don’t be so grumpy, Detective. You’ve been instrumental in another man’s recovery.”

He growls in the back of his throat. “And the Opulus Club?”

“Oh. That one’s easy.” I peer to my right and get caught up in my beautiful Christabelle’s stunning silver stare. “Ms. Lewis has a once-a-month habit of swinging by that place. Who am I to stand in the way of true love?”

“Felix—”

“You needed a reason to be there, and she needed a reminder that you’re completely fuckin’ incapable of anything but obsession as far as she’s concerned. Seven and a half grand on the line and you still couldn’t focus on anything but her? Besides, I heard she’s wearing that shiny bling-bling these days.” I twine my fingers with Christabelle’s and press my lips to her knuckles. “Feels nice, doesn’t it? Knowing she’s yours. Knowing it’s forever.”

Yes, Felix. It feels so damn good, and honestly, you’re the coolest, kindest, most amazing guy with a huge dick I’ve ever met. Thank you for forcing me to be your friend.

“What about that old guy?” he grumbles. “You paid me to help him across the street. Who is he? The Godfather’s godfather or some shit?”

“Nah.” I nibble along Christabelle’s wrist, swallowing my chuckle so I don’t wake Zora. “I just really wanted to see if you’d do it.”

“Dammit, Fel⁠—”

“You’re a good soldier to have, Detective. Stop bitching and just accept that we’re pals. You wanna come hang out in New York soon? You don’t need Archer to ask you to come. You could visit me for shits and giggles. It doesn’t have to be weird.”

“No! And now I have to send all the money back. I can’t keep it⁠—”

“Oh, shoot. Oh no. We’re going into a tunnel. Come visit me, bitch.”

“Boss?”

“Yeah?” I draw the phone away from my ear and kill our call, then following Stovic’s pointed gaze, I spy the man we’ve come hunting for. “Mm. Perfect.”

“You want me to pull over?”

“Yep.” Slipping the phone into my pocket and leaning across Zora’s car seat, I press a kiss to Christabelle’s cheek. “I’ll only be a moment, Darling.”

She firms her lips as we slow at the curb, snagging my hand to keep me near. “Don’t you think we should allow Mr. Stovic to handle this situation instead?” Her eyes flicker between mine, doing that thing they do where she anchors me on the right side of the line between law and liability. “Will you be committing a crime by having this conversation, Felix?”

“Only little crimes. Promise.” I blow an air kiss and swing around, releasing her hand and opening my door. Sliding out of the car and keeping my head down for a moment longer, I step onto the sidewalk and stop in front of the weasel coward Anderson Markum.