Angelo hesitated. "Why, Dom? That doesn't make any sense. Why would they bother helping?"
"Just do it!" They would either help or create a trap. I was going to have to place my trust in someone, following my instincts. After this conversation, I'd have a much better idea of what we were dealing with. Of that I was certain.
"Will do."
I held the phone to my head before heading into the building, purposely taking the stairs to the fifth floor. There was no one in the hallway, no sounds of any type. The massive glass doors leading to Drummand's office highlighted a nicely decorated reception area, completely devoid of people. With the senator's car remaining in the parking lot, I knew he was still somewhere in the building.
I knew exactly where to go and was pleased the door was open, as if the man was already waiting for my arrival. Maybe I would make this fact finding only, but again, in my way. I didn't know or hesitate, walking straight in.
Drummand stood at the window overlooking the parking lot, a drink in his hand. "My gut told me you'd come for a visit, Dom. You're very predictable."
"You mean thorough, Drummand."
He chuckled, a slight shaking of his head. I could hear the amusement in his voice, as if he had one over on me. "Would you care for a drink, Dominick? I know I certainly needed one after the long day."
I exhaled, walking further inside. "What the hell, Drummand? We are old friends and are going to be related soon."
Turning, he gave me a once-over. "True. How is my lovely daughter?"
"Adjusting."
"Mmmm... She was always... what should I call her? A handful. Always asking questions. Never listening. Perhaps with your help she can learn that being obedient is the only way forward for her." He took another sip of his drink.
My angry thoughts against Drummand were increasing, becoming more volatile. If he was capable of putting an innocent woman away for challenging him, what else could he do?
"Sadly, Caroline reminded me of her mother," he continued.
The line in the sand. A past tense voice.
I gave him a warm smile and nothing more.
"Scotch. Correct? If I remember correctly, your tastes are on the extreme." He poured a drink, topping his off. His mannerisms were odd for a man who was about ready to have the rug pulled out under him. "I'm certain you didn't come here to talk about my daughter or my dead wife."
"We have other business to discuss, which you are well aware of."
"Yes. Business." His words were far too conceited.
"As you know, Drummand, my family doesn't take lightly to situations of this nature. While I have the pleasure of sharing company with your brilliant daughter, you broke the terms of our deal. There will be direct and difficult circumstances. I'm certain you'll be able to weather them. Eventually. As far as your friends, some of them will stick by you."
He didn't balk or flinch as he had during our first conversation, merely handing off the drink as if this was a regular course of business. But the slight glimmer in his eyes spoke volumes of continued secrets. "Do what you need to, Dominick. I'm in no place to argue."
I watched his every move, more than curious what he was getting at.
"However," he said, lifting a single finger. "I believe that the good people of New York will be more inclined to believe my version of accounts after you've been arrested."
I took a sip, enjoying the fine quality of liquor. "Well, I guess we're going to have to see about that. I appreciate the drink, Drummand, and you'll be hearing from us very soon." I eased the glass onto the table, my eyes catching a grainy but telling photograph.
He noticed my gaze and laughed. "You must think I'm a total fool, Dominick. This came into my possession only an hour ago and as you can imagine, I've taken calculated steps to help the police arrest the guilty party. From what I understand, your fingerprints are all over this poor asshole's coffee shop."
Snagging the photo, I held my breath as well as my desire to rip the gun from its hiding place. Marco's death had been precisely planned.
"Yes, I can see you're upset, Dominick, as you should be. Gentlemen. Feel free to come in." Drummand smiled as he beckoned toward the door.
I'd never been considered a fool in my life. Now, I was just that.
"You have no idea how happy I was that you offered me such a fantastic deal involving my daughter. Everything fit into place without me lifting a hand." Drummand laughed as four police officers walked in the door. "Now, with your combined threats and the unfortunate incident with a man I believe was running drugs for you, I think all my issues with you are going to be solved. You're going to be placed under arrest, Dominick, and trust me, the charges will stick. You'll be going away for a very long time. Your father is next, along with every one of your hired guns. Then we move to other cities. I'll be exalted as president of these fine United States for ridding America of every crime family."
He'd fucking lost it. "You insane bastard. Were you planning on carting Caroline away to an institution just like you did her mother? Or was she simply going to be caught in the warfare you've started?" There was true surprise in the man's eyes, which meant he had no idea Margaret had been found. As the officers surrounded me, I offered him my own smirk. "Traitors. You know what happens to them in my world, Drummand. Just be prepared for the end."
"It would be a shame if anything happened to my daughter. I wonder who they would blame?"
"If you even attempt to hurt Caroline, there will never be a single place on this earth that you can hide from me. I. Will. Hunt. You. Down." I offered my own knowing smile, one that turned his face ashen white.
Drummand huffed, his face turning red. "Get him the fuck out of here!"
What I knew at that exact moment was that Caroline meant nothing to him. His greed and lust for power had made him sell his soul to the devil.
In a game of chess, this was considered check.
But I still had the upper hand and soon, it would mean checkmate. Caroline
"I have a surprise for you."
I heard his husky voice, the man I adored standing right behind me, yet I couldn't take my eyes off the ocean, the trickling wave pushing foam across my feet. The sun was just slipping past the horizon, creating rings of dazzling colors. Tangerine. Fuchsia. Violet. Everything about the early evening was gorgeous, allowing a moment of peace.
"A surprise?" I heard my voice, lust-filled and throaty. When he brushed his hand over my naked shoulder, I shivered as I always did from the simple touch. My pussy clenched in anticipation, desire electrifying every nerve ending, leaving me breathless.