She walked away from me, heading toward the window. "The pictures I accidentally saw were terrible, but I'd long since suspected just how horrible my father was. I'm not a fool and he enjoys bragging. He's always been a cruel and heartless man. What I didn't expect to see is a picture of the only other man I loved. My father murdered him in cold blood."
"What?" I was surprised she felt like telling me about the boy.
"Rodriguez Martinez was special to me. We met at the university. So sweet and intelligent. The man doted on me and I fell in love. We even talked marriage."
"The restaurant."
"Yes," she said, sighing. "He wasn't good enough to be with a true princess. After the restaurant closed without notice, I asked my father whether he had anything to do with what happened to Rodriguez and he lied about it. My father had him murdered. So, if you think that I have any feelings left for my father, you're wrong. Do what you need to do. I just don't care any longer. While I don't need babysitting, I will enjoy Sylvie's company while you're gone doing... business." She turned abruptly, giving me a nod before moving around me and out the doorway.
But she was right. I would do what was necessary.
She was my family now and for the first time in my life, I knew exactly what I wanted for the future.
Family.
I couldn't get the word out of my mind as I drove to the meeting spot of John's choice. A twenty-four-hour diner that would prevent a war from erupting. The instructions had been clear. Bring two men and no more. There would be no guns or other weapons, merely a conversation among enemies.
Cordero and Enrique had accompanied me, making a basic sweep of the parking lot before I exited the vehicle. They would remain outside, much like the two soldiers from the Rivera organization.
"John," I said as I walked in, clearly able to see Santiago in the furthest booth.
"Hold on. It's not that I don't trust you, Miguel," John said, stopping me.
I held out my arms, allowing him to pat me down. "No problem, John. This is your meeting."
He rose to his full height, giving me an odd look that I couldn't read. When he moved to the side, he exhaled.
There were two other customers in the diner, along with what appeared to be one waitress and likely a cook in the back. This was an excellent place for a quiet meeting. I held out my hand, allowing a friendly shake before sliding into the booth.
John grabbed one of the chairs, pulling it closer.
"Why don't you get some coffee, Miguel? You look like you could use it," Santiago suggested, lifting his own mug.
"I think I'll pass. I have enough acid in my stomach tonight. Why don't we cut to the chase? You created a plan years ago to take down my father. The why is something we're going to get to in just a few minutes. Part of that plan was to make promises to people I'd originally trusted. You struck a deal with at least one of my employees to take down two of my boats, subsequently cleaning up the loose ends, including killing Kostya Mulin. I took out the Maker, which I doubt you anticipated. You made it look like you were heading up the East Coast, possibly attempting to take over a portion of the Philadelphia Bratva, when in fact, that was merely a ploy to throw me off." A portion of what I was saying I didn't necessarily believe, but I could tell by the look in Santiago's eyes that I'd hit on certain truths.
"Please go on," Santiago said. "This is fascinating."
"I fell into your game with regard to Valencia. You never gave a shit about her music, but when she had the opportunity to come to Miami, you jumped at the chance. I was curious why she didn't have bodyguards at the fashion show, but now I know why. You had every intention of allowing me to take her. In fact, you pushed us together. Enjoy her for one night. You knew I couldn't say no."
Santiago chuckled and glanced toward John. "What a tall tale."
I turned my head slowly, glancing at John. He didn't seem fazed in any manner. "What I can't figure out is what business you had with my father years ago. Whatever it was, he doesn't remember it fondly. Perhaps it's because he realized that you couldn't be trusted." I took a deep breath and slipped the envelope from my jacket. "But going so low as to actually have someone go after your own daughter is unacceptable."
Santiago narrowed his eyes, a look of near horror crossing his face. "I may be many things, Miguel, but I would never put my daughter in harm's way. Even with you I knew she'd be safe and possibly live a better life. I want her happy. When I saw you two together, I knew that I was right. I know my daughter and through your father, I believe I know about you. You will respect her and in time, grow to love her."
"Jesus. You arranged this with my father. Didn't you?" I was forced to swallow hard. "Jesus Christ. What the hell did you two cook up all those years ago and why?"
"Is it so wrong to want something more for your daughter?" he asked, such conviction in his tone.
"Not wrong, Santiago, just jaded. She should be allowed to choose." I shook my head after saying the words. I'd taken her against her will, forced her into a relationship. I was no better than her father.
Or my father.
"You will be good together, Miguel. I believe that, and I never wanted to hurt Valencia. She means the world to me."
The comment and his reaction seemed genuine, another freaking clue to a puzzle that seemed to have no end. My thoughts drifted to her belief that I'd been the original target. "Who are your enemies, Santiago? Could one of them have something to do with the assassination attempt?"
He seemed flustered, his face reddening. "I don't know."
I slapped my hand on the table, the sound jarring. "Bullshit!"
"Whoa, Miguel. Just calm down," John hissed.
I twisted my neck back and forth as I took a deep breath. "Yes, you do know. Tell me."
"Both our families have enemies, Miguel. You've known many in your time serving your father. I kept my end of the bargain. I am not responsible for hijacking your boats. I wouldn't do that to either you or your father. I do have respect for Carlos and for John. Even my own shipments have been destroyed, including some last year. I thought my men had it under control, but I was wrong."
"You're trying to tell me that whoever is destroying our party favors is targeting both our families?" I asked, having never considered the thought. I couldn't buy it.
"That's exactly what he's saying, Miguel," John answered.
"Remember that some enemies enjoy being open about their animosity, truly honorable opponents. Others are not that way, preferring to hide in the shadows like cowards."
I was surprised to see just how uncomfortable Santiago was. "You're suggesting you have no idea who's doing this."
Santiago nodded. "That's why I remained here against your wishes. To find out who the hell thinks they can deceive me."