Chapter 26 #2
He nodded. “Absolutely. You need to remember that the Cubans and Russians have a long history together, close ties in the Cold War that have withstood time. There’s visa-free travel between the two countries.”
“Then why did they give me shit?”
I threw him a look as he grinned. “Because,” Carlos started and made a turn, “the plane is from the United States. You weren’t shot down simply because you threw out Vissarian’s name. However, when they noticed the plane…” He burst into laughter when I rolled my eyes.
“Fine. I’ll get the damn thing repainted.” I gritted my teeth.
“I like it. Don’t have it repainted because you look like drug dealers. I can tell this lady enjoys excitement in her life.”
“Ha!” she chortled.
“We’re almost to the house. My guess is that you guys are hungry.
There is a fabulous little place within walking distance.
” As Carlos rattled on about the menu, I was beginning to realize that my father had been keeping something from me.
Perhaps from the entire family. While I wondered what and why, there was one sure thing about my dad.
He never did anything without a solid reason.
Even if it meant placing the entire family in harm’s way.
As Carlos pulled in the driveway of a large house, I whistled this time. “You’ve done well for yourself. The last time I was here, you lived in a hovel.”
“I did not. And that hovel as you call it was your home for almost two months.”
“One month.”
“You were drunk half the time. I was counting the days. But you’re right. I’ve done very well. You know how industrious I am.”
Maybe I shouldn’t tell her that Carlos’ lucrative business was all about running drugs, mostly to South and Central America. I’d kept tabs on the man, which was why I’d called him. He was powerful in Cuba, had a huge army, and owed me a couple of favors. Plus, he had cash should I need it.
However, I damn well hoped we wouldn’t be staying in Cuba for long. Doing so would keep a target on our heads.
However, it was good seeing Carlos. He’d been a lifeline when I’d almost lost my shit on the tenth anniversary of Megan’s murder. Somehow, being here with him as I was finally freeing her ghost was cathartic.
“This is beautiful,” Fallon said. “And I think I need to hear all the gory stories about this man. To use as ammunition in the future.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I told her. After climbing out, I gazed into her beautiful face. “I stand corrected. You would.”
“Lovely lady,” Carlos said. “You’ve got it and trust me, I have some doozies. Maybe I’ll tell her about the time we stole a vehicle.”
“We did not steal a vehicle.” I shook my head. “Un-fucking-believable.”
At least Fallon could laugh.
He huffed and climbed out, grabbing the bags while I helped Fallon get out from the backseat. “Okay, your words were that we borrowed it, but those dudes who almost killed us didn’t seem to take it that way.”
“Those are exactly the kind of stories I need to hear. Every. Single. One.” She was as insistent as usual.
“I’m happy to oblige such a beautiful lady. Let’s get you settled. I think you’ll like the house. I have a great view of the ocean.”
After he followed her inside, I remained on the veranda, studying the area, which was stunning. The pieces had yet to fall together, but they would.
I pulled out my phone. Now it was time to put Mikhail on notice.
I had a bad feeling getting off this damn island without being shot might take a miracle.
I also needed to warn him that soon the cat would be let out of the bag in that we’d survived the attack.
It was possible Bruni would send some men to Vegas.
It would be risky as hell, but given what Giovanni could be facing with the monsters in Russia, he might see it as necessary.
Not that I should give a shit except he would stop at nothing to get what he needed to make a down payment or solidify the alliance.
His granddaughter.
What continued to bother me was that the Brunis had managed to get on Saba Island and under Ludolf’s nose. Or he’d wanted me to believe the Brunis had attacked us. I couldn’t be certain which.
Carlos joined me a few minutes later, handing me a cold bottle of beer.
We stood quietly together. While his house was set back from the road, the area around him was busy.
“Security tight?” I asked.
“You know it is.”
Nodding, I took a pull of the beer. “Good. I feel like I’m stuck in a game of cat and mouse.”
“I figured as much.”
I threw him a look. “Ever heard of a brand with a skull tattoo with red eyes and a jeweled dagger going through the eyes?”
He shrugged. “Sounds like any number of them out there, buddy. Hell, I have a skull with red eyes inked somewhere on my body. I’ll ask around. Is it important?”
“It could be.”
“Alright. So, I’m curious. How did you find Fallon?”
“I didn’t. Karma did.”
“You like her and don’t try and tell me otherwise. I can tell.”
Somehow, he had me laughing. “Yeah, I like her. A lot more than I should, given who I am.”
His snort had me rolling my eyes again. “You and me both, buddy, but if I can keep a girlfriend safe and happy, you can.”
“You, a girlfriend?”
“I’ll have you know she’s a model from Milan.”
“This I need to see.”
He lifted his beer and we touched bottlenecks. “Time for you to settle down, my friend. Have a bunch of kids. You’ve got the dog.”
“Very funny. I’ve known her for two days.”
“That was long enough with Megan.”
Yeah, he was right. “Let’s just see if we can get through the night without getting ourselves killed.”
“You have no faith in me. That hurts.”
“Get used to it,” I teased. “Maybe at some point you can tell me everything you know about the Brunis.”
“Happy to, but not over dinner. I think the two of you need some down time. Let’s have some fun.”
“Fun. What the hell is that?”
“That’s what has been your problem all along. Just stick with me. Who knows. Maybe tonight you’ll get lucky.” His laugh was the one I remembered, the man the only person capable of bringing me out of my second round of depression.
“She’s in danger, Carlos. She just learned she is the granddaughter of Giovanni Bruni. I think she’s going to have a very difficult time with the news.”
“Tough shit to just find out. You know how to pick them. That makes her highly valuable. Let me guess. Her father is Marcos Bruni.”
“You knew. You’ve been keeping things from me.”
“Do you really think I was going to allow you to go off halfcocked five years ago? Come on now. I wouldn’t be a very good friend if I had.
Besides, it’s just shit I hear from clients.
Supposedly, Marcos Bruni was killed by a Bruni enemy, but there were rumors that he vanished and started a new life.
You can imagine the bounty that might be on his head if found. ”
“Someone did before Megan died.”
“Ah. I wonder if Megan had any idea she was royalty.”
There was that fucking word again. I thought about what she’d told me about why she’d come to Vegas to start a new life. She’d been vague, so much so after a while I stopped asking. “I think she knew and in some crazy way was trying to protect her mother and sister.”
“Well, that’s a damn tragedy. Now, karma has come full circle. There’s some irony in that.”
“Maybe so, but this time, the ending will go my way.”
“Like I said before. It’s obvious that you really like Fallon. I’m happy to see it. I’ll make sure you’re protected while here. But don’t get too comfortable. Giovanni is a shithead of a human being. That much I do know.”
Nodding, I scanned the area surrounding his house again, realizing the shit was just beginning.
After clapping me on the back a second time, he walked inside, leaving me alone.
Yet for the first time in so long, I didn’t feel loneliness. Instead, I felt something more exciting.
The joy of being alive.
All because of a feisty blonde with an attitude.