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“Cade Bernard has links to the Accosta cartel.”
London’s eyes went wide. “The Accosta cartel. Dammit. They’re the ones behind this money laundering.” Her face twisted. “They’re one of the worst drug cartels in the South.”
“And dangerous.” The Accosta members had no qualms at killing to protect the flow of their drugs.
And they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot a federal agent.
She leaned forward. “Then it’s even more important I stop the flow of money to them. Drugs kill, Kavner. Ruin lives.”
I reached out and grabbed her hand. “I don’t want you in danger.”
“I’m a federal agent, and you know I can take care of myself.”
“Except if you’re ambushed.”
She squeezed my fingers. “The shrimp is amazing.”
She was changing the subject. I sighed. For now, I’d let her. “Let’s finish eating, then we’ll have coffee.”
After we finished eating, London settled on the outdoor couch by the pool. It was wide and comfy, with a perfect view of the water. I imagined the sunset here would be spectacular, and vowed to bring her here again. My people had left a thermos of coffee on the side table, and I poured two mugs.
I slipped off my jacket and rested it over the back of the couch. Then I unbuttoned the cuffs of my shirt and rolled my sleeves up.
London made a sound. “You know how much that drives women crazy, don’t you?”
I arched a brow. “Rolling up my sleeves?”
She just shook her head.
“I have a gift for you,” I told her.
“You mean a bribe,” she said in a teasing tone.
I reached for my jacket, then held up a small, carved, octagonal-shaped box.
She gasped and sat up. “A puzzle box.”
“I know you like them.” I handed it over and reached for a small tray of chocolates resting beside the coffee.
“How could you possibly know that?”
“I—”
“Have your sources. I know.” She glanced over the box, and then looked at me. Her gaze drifted down my body. I liked seeing that same covetous gaze she’d given the box. “You spend a lot of time at a desk, or in meetings, or at fancy parties and dinners. How do you stay in shape?”
“My brother owns a gym. “
“I know. Everybody in New Orleans knows Hard Burn.”
I sipped my coffee. “I work out there and beat up my brothers in the boxing ring occasionally.”
Her eyebrows went up. “Elegant, wealthy Kavner Fury boxing? Not what I’d pictured.”
“I’m full of surprises. My brothers aren’t my brothers by blood, but we still have the urge to hit each other.” I looked out over the water. “We learned to fight when we were young.”
“It had to be dangerous when you lived on the streets. Did anyone ever—?”
I reached out and touched her hair. “I got roughed up a few times, but nothing terrible. I was very good at sneaking around and staying out of sight. I learned to fight in foster care.”
