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“He’s made himself known, Roman. And he’s made a fool of me. That cannot continue. What is the status of the shipment going out tonight?”
This was our shipment, weapons that we’d held back in transporting to our client in Europe. With the number of boats going back and forth and the time of year, the shipment should be protected.
“Embarking just before midnight. They’ll start loading in about an hour.”
“Make certain the cargo ship gets off without a hitch.”
“Does this have anything to do with the recent article on the medical facility? It was extremely favorable making you the darling of city and beyond. A true icon of decency and family values. Not bad for a man once considered the most merciless in the United States. Even I can admit the notoriety is good for our company’s growth and from what I’ve seen, the project is moving forward quickly.”
While it was true Black Diamond was the toast of the town, celebrity in any form was always a double-edged sword. At least there’d been no further hiccups with either the city or with Stonewall. From what I’d heard through the grapevine, they’d settled on an equally opulent piece of property in Savannah. By all rights, I should be enjoying the holiday season.
Except for the knot furrowing in my stomach.
Even Isabel had been cagey when asked if she’d experienced any anomalies. After the holiday, I had plans on insisting on a conversation. Whatever she was holding back, I had a feeling was because of her worry at how I’d react.
“That’s the problem. I seem weak including to the captains.”
“Fuck the captains.”
I chuckled given his consternation. “As Pakhan, I can’t blow them off. You are well aware of that.”
“You’re not blowing them off. We have nothing to go on, plus our enemies are cowering in the shadows,” Roman insisted, but I knew from experience demons merely used those shadows and the anonymity afforded from hiding in plain sight to rebuild and nourish their plans.
The trust had decided the name would be in honor of our company, the Black Diamond Children’s Hospital, a true honor yet providing a spotlight that could be damning.
“The article created a connection with Isabel that goes beyond a professional relationship.”
He risked laughing. “I don’t think you need to worry about the article since social media did their job weeks ago. Nothing had happened. You’ve put out enough warnings.”
In my mind, it was never enough.
“My concerns are valid.” Isabel had put her heart and soul into the project, working long hours and acting as the perfect task master with her team. In turn, we were weeks ahead of schedule. Yes, I should be thrilled with the progress. And I’d told her as much, the praise something I wouldn’t offer if I hadn’t meant it. I hated questioning her motives in working such long hours.
“Agreed, but I don’t think you need to remain completely on guard during the holidays. Go to the party. Have a drink. Have ten. Go home to your family. I’ll ensure the shipment gets off without a hitch. Call that my Christmas present to you.”
“Family.” I shook my head from continued despair and uncertainty that was close to eating me alive.
“Yeah, Maxsim. That’s something you thought you didn’t deserve a second time, but here you are. Don’t you dare ignore what fate provided. If you do, you’ll live to regret it for the rest of your miserable life.”
All I had to do was tip my head over my shoulder to see his expression. For the most part he was being serious.
“Merry fucking Christmas to you too, brother. Don’t forget to purchase some dog toys for Shadow or you’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Duly noted. I guess I need to go shopping.” He took long strides toward the door and before he stopped, I cleared my throat. “What?”
“I’m just waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
“You always need the last word.”
“I just had it,” he insisted while swinging around to face me. I didn’t flinch or move a muscle. “Fine. All I was going to offer was a reminder that for whatever insane reason, Isabel thinks the sun rises and sets on your angry ass. Maybe you should think of something festive to convey your feelings since I know you’ll never use the l-o-v-e word ever again.”
“Are you and Sergei convinced you know more about my love life than I do?”
He shrugged. “Absolutely. You’re the least romantic person I know. Try dressing up as Santa and dragging her under the mistletoe. You could always hand out fuzzy handcuffs and sexy lingerie. That will garner you a few points.”
“You obviously don’t know Isabel very well. She’d cut my dick off.” And she would for embarrassing the hell out of her.
