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After Patrick addresses every detail of our business to his satisfaction, he goes to visit our other locations that fall under the Red Trust umbrella. Although he urges me to tag along, I have an important call to make.
“Any idea what Marco Tadesco wants with me?” I ask Luca.
He sighs, his breath hitting the receiver loud and clear. “He came to Briar House yesterday. Pissed Carina off that he showed up unannounced. I thought she was going to have him shot on the spot.”
“What did he want?”
“To join the alliance. Says he’s ready take Chicago back.”
I huff. “Now that we’ve done the hard work he wants in. What did you say?”
“Carina is opposed to it. Not once has he provided aid when we needed it.”
“I agree.”
“Well, it’s not just up to her and you. It must be put to vote. I assume that’s why he wants to talk to you. He wants you on his side.” There’s a pause, as if he’s giving me time to take that in. “What are your thoughts on that?”
Even though he can’t see me, I shrug. “That’s not likely to happen. Especially since I don’t have time for him.”
“Who the fuck does? I’ve got my hands full here and Carina is dedicating her time to getting Arran to officially join the alliance.”
“Good luck with that,” I smirk. “I’ve heard he’s as stubborn as his old man.”
“She insists he’ll cave. Gideon is searching for his father, and Arran is keeping him well hidden for now. But eventually, he’ll run out of secret locations. The safest bet is with the alliance.”
I think about that for a moment. He’s right. Between all of us, we can keep Clive Maxton hidden. That is, as long as Gideon doesn’t figure out which one of us has him.
“Keep me informed,” I say, and in spite of what I’ve just told Patrick, I add, “If you need me, I’ll be there.”
As if on cue, the moment I hang up, my assistant, Mason, calls on the landline. “Sir, a Mr. Tadesco is insisting he speak with you.”
“You have him on the phone now?”
“Yes, sir,” he says. “He’s already called twice this morning.”
“Get his number and tell him I’ll message him later. I have a meeting to—” I glance at my watch and stop midsentence when I notice the pink hair tie peeking out from under my wristband. Instantly, my mind goes to the top floor, to the guestroom and the woman lying in bed.
I told her I’d be back around seven, and it’s just past noon. Seven fucking hours to go.
“Sir?” Mason urges. “Mr. Tadesco. What would you like me to tell him?”
Still staring at Andie’s hair tie, I say, “Tell him it’s going to be a very busy week for me.”
7
ANDIE
I find one thousand dollars in Gavin’s pocket. It’s more than he’s ever left behind in a single night.
Setting the cash on his bathroom counter, he’s not going to catch me in that trap, I sort through the rest of his clothes. His suits get set in the pile for dry cleaning, and T-shirts, socks and underwear, I wash.
But as busy as I am, my mind keeps going back to the cash on the counter, and I get more pissed off each time.
“Asshole.” He had to have set that money there on purpose. Seems like something a devious man like him would do. What was he expecting from me? That I’d take it? What would he force me to do then? Give him another week?
God. I’m not sure I’ll survive this week.
