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“It’s only going to get worse,” I said.
“No doubt. I’ve never known someone as headstrong and psychotic as Cash.”
“Then why work with him?” It didn’t make any sense to me. The second a pusher got hooked on the product they were supposed to sell, they were useless to the person pulling the strings. If they loved the high more than they feared for their life or respected you, they were too unpredictable to live.
Cash had far surpassed that level in his addiction, so why was he still alive?
“He’s good at what he does.”
“And money talks,” I guessed.
“Exactly.”
“Will money get you to agree?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I won’t take yours when I’m not sure you have enough to afford me.”
I could never work another day in my life and still die with enough money to make my imaginary great-grandkids trust-fund babies. No way I didn’t have enough to pay off Paez. He just wanted something else. “What will you take?”
“For starters, I want the drugs you stole back.”
Easy enough. “Only if you sell them somewhere else.”
“Are you negotiating with me about my own product?”
“Yes. We both know that in our world, possession is the law. If I had the balls and ability to steal it, it’s mine.”
“True enough.” He laughed again, and I was woman enough to know it was a good laugh. Low and slow and easy on the ears. Like he knew what I was thinking, Dominic dropped a possessive hand on my thigh. Now who’s a possessive husband? “Fine, I’ll move it somewhere else.”
“Thank you,” I said. I even meant it.
“Don’t thank me yet. I want a deal.”
Yes! Sitting up straight, I shoved Dominic’s hand off and refocused. “What are the terms?”
“I will help you with your little problem if you allow me to use your city as a funnel when it’s all over.”
I stiffened. I wanted to get rid of coke; he wanted to add it. Despite how much I wanted Cash out of the picture, I knew I couldn’t agree. Not when I wasn’t sure if I was trading a cockroach for a dragon.
“With the eyes on my city, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“What if I gave you a year’s reprieve as a good-faith measure?”
It was certainly better, but not great. I didn’t want drugs anywhere near Seattle, but I wasn’t sure I could keep them out. Not when I hadn’t eradicated them in the first place. I looked at each of my men, and the loyalty that stared back at me gave me the courage to do what had to be done.
They trust you, Mari. Don’t let them down.
“It’s a good offer, but I can’t accept. Our ambitions don’t align when it comes to our positions on drugs.”
My men smiled back at me, pride evident in each of their faces, and it solidified that I’d done the right thing.
“You love your city. I respect that. My offer stands.”
Shocked, I reared back. I’d expected anger, outrage, threats, and blackmail, not acceptance. It was too good to be true, and I’d learned that meant it would probably kill me down the line. “Why?”
