This man wouldn’t let me fall without getting back up. His voice reminds me I’m on a path to finding out how I fell in the first place. I can do this. I can work for Tobias and still get information on Felix. I just have to work a little harder.
9
Tobias
That went better than I anticipated. Now that I’m back in the car and driving toward my office, I can reflect on what went down. How perfect it all was.
Williams is a complete schmuck.
But he’s an easily manipulated schmuck, which is beneficial to me. Now Skye, on the other hand . . . let’s say this should be interesting and a whole lotta fun in the process.
I didn’t expect her to have a steel backbone. To talk to her boss like that in front of me means she won’t break easily, which has me excited. Not only will I have my fun making her life a living hell—yes, I’m holding a grudge—but it also means that she won’t fall apart under pressure when I’m digging for information on Felix.
Before we get to that, I have a few loose ends to tie up, and once all is said and done, I plan on giving all my contacts over to Gideon. He will inherit the business I never really wanted.
It’s always been a means to an end. My part in the underworld was never by choice, but it did have its benefits. I’ve amassed a bit of wealth because of my unscrupulous enterprise. Distributing drugs pays well.
A fortune, to be exact.
Speaking of that fortune, I wonder how it’s doing? I pick up my phone and call Cyrus Reed.
I wonder if he’s still pissed at me. The thought has my lips spreading into a smile.
He’s the only person I trust with my money, besides Trent Aldridge, who helps me grow the reserve. He’s the preferred banker for men like me. A vicious motherfucker who is as corrupt as he is brilliant.
I hit the button when I scroll down to his name. He doesn’t make me wait long before he answers. That’s the thing about Cyrus; despite his personal life and the fact he has pulled back a lot from the business, he will always answer for me.
“Tobias,” he answers, his voice rough and angry, like always. The man never smiles and rarely jokes. He is the most serious motherfucker out there. Besides me.
My attitude could give him a run for his money. I get it. I rarely show that side of me either. You can’t in our business. A moment of weakness can cost you your life.
I haven’t let my guard down in over twenty years. Not since I was ten and my life changed. Too much shit has gone down in my life to show anyone that side of me. Sure, every now and then, with the right people, I might laugh. Maybe even drink a little too much. But these are men I would die for, and men who would die for me. I trust them with my life, and no, I have nothing to fear from them. Even so, I always have my wits about me.
It’s probably the reason Cyrus and I get along so well. We are very similar.
“Cyrus,” I offer as my own greeting.
“Never stand me up again. And yes, your money is still safe.” He knows me too well. I probably call once a day to make sure I’m financially in the place I need to be in order to leave.
“Duly noted, and look at that, I didn’t even have to ask this time.”
“You asked fifteen hours ago,” he deadpans.
“Well, I need to be sure.” That’s my answer every time, but when you come as close as I have, it’s the only thing that matters.
“For fuck’s sake. How many years have we been doing this dance? I’m not going to fuck you, Tobias.”
I let out a long sigh. He’s right. I’m being a dick, but I need everything to go off without a hitch.
“And Gideon. Is that ready?” I ask because that’s the key point, and if it’s not executed perfectly, there could be blowback.
“Yes, he’s got an account all set up. When you hand over the reins, I’ll be there to make sure the transition goes the way you plan. You’ll have to sort some shit with Lorenzo and your other contacts, but as for the money, Gideon will be good. You sure you want to do this? It’s not easy walking away.” He should know. Despite trying, he hasn’t fully retired.
“I never wanted to do this in the first place.” My voice dips.
I don’t say what I want to—that I had no choice. Cyrus only knows some of my story. He knows my parents died, but he doesn’t know the dirty details. I’m sure if I did tell him my full sob story and my plan, he would understand. His is not much different than mine.
Powerful families. Ruthless fathers. Legacies forced upon us despite what we want. This world is all we know.
Raised to rule the underworld.
“And what about Felix? Have you confirmed he ordered the hit?” he asks. The hand holding my phone tightens at his question.
The hit he thinks we are talking about is that of my uncle, the man who raised me. Or at least, that’s the story I told him. There’s more to it. I have more skeletons in my closet than a morgue, but he doesn’t need to know all the details yet.
All in good time.
“No. But that’s where the next part of my plan comes into focus. I hired his lawyer.”
“The fuck? I’m missing something. You think his lawyer will tell you his secrets?”
“If anyone will know, it will be her.”
“Her? The plot thickens.” I’m taken aback by his comment. Cyrus isn’t one to press or joke, but here he is, doing both.
“Shut the fuck up. It’s not like that.” Sure, it is. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to myself that I wanted to fuck that smile she gave Felix right off her mouth. That ever since I saw her in court leaning over the table in that short-ass skirt, I didn’t want to tip it up and take her from behind. But I’m not about to say that.
“There is something there between her and Felix. I think she is exactly who I need to get inside his organization.”
“So, you want her to be your inside man.”
“Pretty much.” It’s not necessarily a well-thought-out plan, but it fell into my lap, so I’m going with it.
“And how do you think you’ll convince her?”
“I have my ways.”
“I’m sure you do.” He chuckles. Again, not something he usually does. I can’t remember the last time I heard that sound come from his lips. “Just be careful. You’re so close to being out. Do you really want to do something to derail that?”
“Let me ask you a question . . . what would you do in my situation?”
“Honestly?” he asks.
“Do I ever want less than that from you?”
“I’d gut the little shit. I would grab him, torture him, and just ask him point-blank.”
I nod to myself. “Your plan certainly has merit. But unlike you, I want corroborating evidence before I kill someone.”
“Him being a dick isn’t enough?”
“As of right now, we have an agreement. An understanding. He doesn’t dip into my territory, and I don’t dip into his. I’m not going to start a war that Gideon will have to clean up without knowing the truth.”
“Very well.” He lets out a sigh. “What do you need from me?”
“Not a damn thing. But I can’t promise that won’t change.”