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“Assuming it’s a man,” Gage countered. “Maybe a woman was working with Nikki.”
I’d considered that and every time came to the same conclusion. It was most definitely a man. Probably someone close to Desmond Monroe. One of his closest partners or friends. Someone who wanted him out of the way so they could take over his life. They already had his wife. Until Raina killed her.
“I don’t think so. Chances are it’s one of Monroe’s right hand men. Maybe Raina will know something about those he’s closest with. It might help.” A noise upstairs made me stiffen. Had I imagined that?
The contents of the incinerator were engulfed. Still, it took a few hours to burn a body. The door was designed so nobody could see inside. I’d really hate to have to explain this to anyone.
“Did you hear something?” I asked.
No sooner had I spoken than my father came down the stairs with a man I didn’t recognize in tow. Fuck me. His brows shot up in surprise. He must have come in the front and not seen my car out back.
“Christian,” he greeted me with a short nod. “I didn’t expect to find you here. How are you boys this evening?”
Playing it cool to hide his irritation at finding me here. Good. That meant he didn’t want to upset his guest.
“Good. Just stopped by to clean up. We can get out of your way if you need the space.” I pushed away from the wall, ready to leave.
“Wait for me upstairs. I’ll only be a few minutes.” Turning a charming smile on the other man, my father steered him toward the pallet of coke.
“Sure.” I left the basement with a sick feeling in my stomach. My mind raced as I concocted an explanation for using the incinerator. I’d have to come by another time to throw the ashes in the dumpster out back.
Gage and I left the building, waiting outside by my car. I needed some air. That muggy basement air felt like shit.
“How screwed do you think we are?” Gage asked. Leaning against my car, arms crossed over his chest, he appeared as unruffled as ever. It took a lot to shake him.
I preferred to fly under the radar as far as my father was concerned. He could be a cold-blooded bastard. But he didn’t scare me.
“We’re doing the same thing he would do in our position. It’s not like we had another option.” I shifted from foot to foot, waiting impatiently for my father to finish his drug deal.
When the back door opened and he strolled out, both Gage and I stood up straighter. The one dull security bulb shone down on him, lighting him up like a dark devil. Maverick Alexander was a forty-eight year old powerhouse who carried himself like a god. He’d always been fearless. Intimidating.
His black hair was a lot like mine except thinner and silver at his temples. We didn’t look all that much alike though. His eyes were a brown so dark they appeared black. There was a harder cut to his chin and a slight bump in his nose. He wore an expensive suit without a tie. Always dressed up to make the big deals.
“What the hell are you two doing here?” He cut right to the chase. His serpentine gaze slid over each of us. “What’s in the incinerator?”
Meeting his savage stare, I said, “Our neighbor’s cat. I hit it with my car and didn’t want her to see it. She already hates us.”
I gave a little shrug, like it was no big deal. I didn’t expect my father to buy it. Unless he went down there and looked inside, I wasn’t saying shit.
“Mmhmm. And that took both of you?” He pinned Gage with that stare next, daring him to lie.
Gage remained emotionless. “I only came because Havoc promised me tacos on the way home.”
Jesus Christ. We were so screwed. I didn’t think we could possibly be any more obvious.
“Uh huh. Well, I’m trying to strike a deal here potentially worth millions. Take off before you look like a heat score.” My father looked me over, like he wasn’t so sure about what he saw.
Not wasting any time, I opened the car door. He stopped me with a hand on my shoulder.
“Have you seen Raina Monroe lately?” he asked.
Something inside me tightened at his question. I got the feeling this was a test. My response would determine if I passed or not.
“She’s been at a few parties. Gage has some classes with her. That’s about it. Why?” If he knew what we’d all been up to as far as Raina was concerned, he’d shit himself.
He held my gaze for far too long before nodding. “Alright. Just curious how things are going with her being on campus. We wouldn’t want any unplanned incidents with the Monroes. Keep an eye on her, would you? Get close, but not too close.”
“Right,” I agreed, nodding along. “Of course not. Will do.”
