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Claire did it and made it through hell to be with the man she loves.
And here I am, living proof that it’s possible to overcome this dark and dangerous world.
But with my life still on the line, perhaps I shouldn’t speak so soon on whether I have what it takes or not.
“Claire is an incredible detective.” Johnny reaches out to brush the hair from her cheek. “She’s helped me solve more mysteries than I can count. If anyone can figure out who’s responsible for what’s going on, it’s her.”
Miller settles into a seat between Magnus and Coen and bites into a donut. The crumbs spill over onto the napkin in his grasp. He seems so…not what you would expect from someone with so much knowledge of this industry. He’s not jacked or tattooed like Magnus. Or big and scary like Dom. Simon exudesI’m here to fuck shitup energy. Even Coen has this murderous stare to his surfer boy exterior. And Johnny, well, he's got a bad boy vibe about him for sure. He's softer than shit for Claire but he rules an entire criminal faction. And then there's Miller. He's good-looking, that's for sure, but lacks that psychopathic aura that the rest of the guys have. He appears too young to know everything he does, too. Still, I wouldn't cross him, because the ones that look likethatare usually the worst of all.
Miller is a pandora’s box full of secrets waiting to be spilled.
And if I’m even going to consider letting him anywhere near my best friend, I have to do some digging first.
But, that's for another day. Maybe one day I can pick Claire's brain and see what she thinks about the mysterious man that is her husband's advisor.
Today, we have a bigger problem to solve.
“You haven’t been able to successfully apprehend any of the hired hands?” Claire brings the mug to her lips and sips her coffee. She glances at Johnny and whispers, “Mmm, cinnamon.”
He winks at her as Dom speaks up.
“No, but it’s my understanding you haven’t either.”
“No, we haven’t. We came close, but one man actually bit off his own tongue, swallowed it, and choked to death before we could interrogate him.”
I shudder at the thought of being that fucking desperate to end my own life. Was it because the person thought the torture methods would be too extreme, or that the ramification of speaking would be too great?
Either way, such drastic measures bring awareness to the magnitude of the situation. If that person was willing to die instead of speak, we’re dealing with someone heavily influential here.
“You’ve been around longer than anyone else on the east coast,” I say to Miller. “And the notes said you took something. Do you have any idea what that might be?”
"Luciano was a ruthless, but fair man. He didn't leave much to chance. If he had an enemy, he either eliminated them or turned them to his side." Miller pats his mouth with his napkin and looks at Johnny briefly. "Franklin, on the other hand, made enemies out of friends any chance he got. He ruled cruelly and maliciously. His list of enemies spans every coast and continent.”
“Whoever it was wants to destroy both sides and take me down with it.”
“Who’s to sayyoudon’t have enemies?” Miller suggests.
I laugh. “Because I’m a nobody. The only thing I’m guilty of is being a bitch.”
Simon pushes a donut toward me. “This has nothing to do with her.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Claire points out. “One thing is certain. They go after you when they think you’re alone, or at least, unsuspecting.”
I nudge the donut out of the way but Simon pushes it right back. I lean on my elbows. “I’m listening,” I tell her.
“Eat,” Simon whispers.
I break off a piece of it and shove it in my mouth. “Happy?”
He grins and nods.
“What if…” Claire glances around the room at my men. “And hear me out before you shut me down. What if we use June as bait?”
“Absolutely not,” Dominic is the first to speak.
“Not happening,” Coen follows him up.
Magnus and Simon exchange a look like they’re speaking telepathically.
