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My mother hadn’t yet told him Kennedy’s identity. It was clear he had no idea who she was, or anything about our meeting in the pool house. It was better that way for now.
“Why don’t you let me take care of Lucien?” I offered. “Give this one to me. I’ll look into him. See if there’s anything from Chicago that might be of use.”
My father eyed me. “You’re offering to help?”
“Of course.” I pretended it was a regular occurrence, ignoring I was usually reluctant to add more to my list of family duties.
“I’m glad to hear it.” He sat for a minute, digesting the offer. “There’s an auction next month. I want the property. It’s a boutique hotel, but we need the access it provides. High-end clientele. Location. All of it.”
“I know it.” I nodded.
“Everything I’ve planned revolves around bringing the Vieux Carre into our portfolio immediately. We need the pipeline.”
“I’ll handle it. You’ll get your pipeline.” The organization had made millions. I didn’t agree with trafficking more drugs under the city, but my father rarely turned away easy money. The Vieux Carre flooded and was reconstructed during prohibition. There were tunnels beneath the hotel that lead from the docks to the trucking warehouses. It was the perfect pathway for any future business operation he planned.
My father smiled. “I trust you will, son.”
I left my father’s office not accomplishing what I wanted. Instead, I had a new problem on my hands. I had to hope that it would lead Kennedy back to me and not push her farther in her cell.
5
Kennedy
Someone was blocking my sun. I peered over my sunglasses. It was Kimble. I couldn’t tell if he was eyeing my new bikini. His shades were dark. His face expressionless.
“Yes?” I prompted. “What’s wrong?” I stretched
one leg along the other. My skin glistened in the sunlight. I hadn’t had a say in the house my father choose, but I did like the pool. It felt as if I was in a French courtyard somewhere in the south of France on the coast.
“We need to talk about last night.”
I sighed. “I knew you would tell my father.” I picked up the book I was reading. “I’m not surprised.”
“Actually, I haven’t mentioned it.”
I sat forward. He had my attention. “Why not?” I asked.
“Didn’t you notice?”
“Notice what?”
“Your father hasn’t left his rooms today.”
I held my breath, expecting him to elaborate. “Okay. And your point?”
“It’s almost one o’clock. He’s not well. I don’t want to add to his stress. I’m supposed to keep the Martins safe. I take that seriously.”
I groaned. “It’s just bronchitis. He gets it all the time.” Of all the people to fuss over my father, I didn’t expect it to be Kimble.
“Whether he does or not, I thought I’d give you a pass for last night. For his sake at least.”
“A pass?” I reached for my water bottle.
I saw the sweat trickle down his neck. He was wearing a suit, equipped with body armor and weapons.
“Yes. A pass. If he knew you had skirted my detail, we’d both be in trouble.”
I laughed. “So, this is about you saving your job. It’s not really because you’re worried about his health.”
