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Stefano didn’t look at Bria, but he did nod at her words.
She was right, but I wasn’t sure that Stefano would ever acknowledge her in the way she wanted.
I was amused at her bravado, taking charge and answering questions meant for me. After all, she was in a leadership role, that type of personality builder would never go away.
“Bria will be visiting with her later to see about getting more information. Hopefully we’ll be able to find out more about the people who are trying to sell her,” I acknowledged Stefano’s unanswered questions.
“Oh, will that be before or after I deal with the wedding coordinator for you?” Bria asked with a chirpy voice.
I shook my head and simply changed the subject. I wouldn’t admit it, but I loved her sass, it gave me more reasons to punish her, and that was quickly becoming my favorite activity.
“Are you sure that you’re ready to deal with anything that I can throw at you?”
“Where are we going and who are we going to visit in town?” she asked with a knowing look.
“There’s the electronics store, and the barber shop where I intended to get a little extra trimmed off because I don’t trust you to do it.” I smiled at her knowingly. “Then we have the nail salon and the pawn shop. All of which seem to be doing well, but the pawn shop needs to be looked over for any recent purchases. We skirt the border line on stolen items. Some will need to be combed through and transferred out so the police don’t come looking for those items.”
She nodded as if this made perfect sense as we arrived at the electronics store.
We walked in together and Jeff was eager to show me the new shipments that had just arrived.
“There are a couple of new items we need to discuss the markup on. I’ll need to know what you think we should do because the cost was super low, but we don’t want to make people think we’ve received stolen goods.” Jeff cast a glance at Bria as he covered our asses. He was hesitant to speak in front of her. If she were here alone, he wouldn’t even have acknowledged her.
“She’s to know everything about the operation and when you speak to her, it’s as if you’re speaking to me.” I needed to let the word get out. “Is that understood?”
The barber shop only took a short five minutes because Carlos wasn’t there to give me my normal shave and trim. He’d left a couple of notes for me in case I came by though, which I found extremely helpful.
“Make sure to tell him that anyone asking questions about a possible human trafficking ring or if you hear rumors of one then have him call me immediately,” I instructed those in the shop. Then I introduced Bria, and made the same announcement. I did that with everybody we visited.
All of our family businesses were to be on the lookout for anyone that spoke about or even appeared to be connected with human trafficking.
“I’m going to catch the sons of bitches one way or another. They weren’t going to operate in my town.”
Bria’s eyes widened at my words as we approached the nail salon, or as some called it, the spa. I think she appreciated that I didn’t take this situation lightly, and I never would.
She turned her attention from me to the salon. “This is very impressive. I wouldn’t have expected your family to own a day spa that caters to some of the more upper class clientele.” Her smirk was accusing me of trying to cut in on her family business.
The Montrelli family was the one that had the relationship with most of the government and city officials in the city whereas our family worked better behind the scenes.
“Well, you would be right in that we normally let your family take over most of the direct contact with nail salons or spas, simply to help with money issues.”
Her eyebrow corked up, knowing I meant money laundering.
“It’s also a vast resource in finding out whose husband is going to be gone this week, and where we can get the best dirt on different officials. Then they’ll vote our way when the important issues arise.”
“You set up this whole salon simply to gather information?” Bria was quite surprised as a laugh escaped her mouth. “That’s impressive. All right, I’ll remember to always be on the lookout for who is around me and what I might say in front of them.”
“Well, you’re not wrong, but it’s an easier way to get the things accomplished I need done in a non-permanent fashion.” I wiggled my brows at her, and she laughed. Never thought I would be talking about bloodshed in such a light fashion with my partner.
A man named Julian came over.
“How are we doing today?”
“Just fine, Julian. This is my lovely bride to be—Bria. I’m hoping that you’ll be able to book her an appointment to help with her hair and do her sister’s hair as well on the wedding day.” I twirled Bria, so Julian could get a good look at her. She would be my stunning bride.
“You just let me know the day and time and I’ll be at your house to take care of the beautiful bride.” Julian looked Bria over with a smile.
“Oh, and she is going to be so gorgeous.” He winked at me. “Honey, have you already picked out your dress yet? Do you have a wedding coordinator? Do you have a date and the time?” Julian fired questions at us, making Bria laugh out loud.
