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“They demanded the workers join the union by the end of the week or there would be consequences.”
Consequences. The word held special meaning today, especially since Candy had dropped into my life unexpectedly. That also meant the idea another plan was in motion wasn’t farfetched. I bristled, glaring at Jeff. The fucker better have more details than that.
I sensed Alexei’s rage increasing. “Did they happen to mention what that would entail?”
Jeff swallowed hard for a second time. I was about ready to shove a weapon against his forehead. It was obvious he wasn’t telling the entire truth. “No, sir. They just told me to make certain I let you know.”
Alexei walked closer, taking the time to adjust the man’s partially lifted collar. When he spoke, his voice held none of the anger I knew he was carrying. “And you just found it necessary to provide that information to me, Jeff?”
“I’m sorry, boss, but we had a late shipment today, several workers who didn’t show. I was ass deep in alligators.”
I sneered at his analogy.
Alexei sighed, choosing not to discipline the man for ignorance. “From now on, I don’t care what time of day or night it is, you will either provide that kind of information to myself or to Kirill. Do you understand me?”
The mention of my name made Jeff shudder visibly. It would seem my reputation had preceded me.
“Of course, sir. I’m sorry. I’m used to threats, but this one was… different.”
“I understand, Jeff. We’ll take care of it.” Alexei said nothing else until the two men walked out the door. Then he turned toward Dimitre. “Make certain additional security is provided and I don’t care how many people you need to hire.”
“You got it,” Dimitre said.
When Alexei shifted in my direction, he shook his head. “Something is different. I don’t like this and certainly can’t trust Michael and his goons.”
“I don’t like Jeff’s lackluster attitude. Do you trust him?”
“As much as I can trust anybody. I’ll have his bank accounts checked. If he received a payoff, he wouldn’t be smart enough to try and hide it. I’m telling you. It’s like they feel they suddenly have the upper hand.”
I thought about how to broach Candy’s appearance. “Would he use a pawn to try and discover information?”
“I would put nothing past him. Why?”
“Because a chick who works at Killian’s Bar and Grill showed up at my apartment last night out of the blue. She claims it was about noise.”
“Noise?” he asked, laughing.
“His desire to be a heavyweight boxer,” Dimitre teased, his laughter cut short when he noticed my harsh glare.
Alexei took a deep breath. “Did you extract information?”
“From what I can tell, she has no real connection to the Walsh family.”
“I assume you handled her.”
I exhaled, staring him in the eyes. “In my way.”
He took a few seconds before laughing. “Let me guess. You plan on keeping her on a leash.”
“So to speak. However, I do think she could be used to flesh out who’s responsible.” It was the only way to handle her that made any sense, but doing so would place her life in danger. The thought wasn’t acceptable.
“I like your style. However, don’t get close to this girl.”
“I don’t get close to anyone, Alexei. You know that.” He should know better than to give me directions.
After a few seconds, he nodded. “Let me know what you find out.”
Exhaling, a bitter taste formed in my throat as I thought about her. My blood boiled for a second time. Questioning idiots who betrayed us was my specialty. What I had planned for Candy was entirely different.
