Page 106 of Vicious Kingdom

My blood turned cold. He had me. I’d underestimated just how much.

Voss’s smile widened, showing teeth. “Yes, Mr. Baldwin. I believe now you understand my offer. It’s made with your best interests at heart. You see, I knew I needed men like you on my side. Men with your particular set of talents. Men with resources.” He leaned back, casual, as if we were discussing the weather over cocktails. “Your trail of secrets is not as well hidden as you think. A little birdy told me to dig into your connection to this—” he gestured toward the gambling hall, the lights casting long shadows around us “—and wouldn’t you know it? He was right.” He let the words hang. “The IRS is closing in.” His voice was a whisper, barely audible above the din, but it carried the full weight of his threat.

“Who?” I demanded, although there was only one guess in my mind. And if I was right….

“That doesn’t matter. I’ll silence him.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Your ill-gotten gains can go public.”

From the control room, the don roared. The sound crackled in my ear, nearly rendering me deaf.

“Unless I back you.”

“Precisely.” Voss’s smile widened. “Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement. Your money and connections help secure my position, and my position ensures your…enterprises remain unbothered.”

The glass nearly shattered in my grip. This bastard had me cornered like a rat. My mind raced through options, calculating risks and outcomes with the precision that had kept me alive all these years.

“You should know,” I said, keeping my voice low and steady, “that threatening a man like me is dangerous business.”

Voss laughed, the sound genuine this time. “Oh, I’m well aware of what you’re capable of, Mr. Baldwin. That’s precisely why I’m approaching you directly. Men like us understand each other.”

“Men like us,” I repeated, tasting the bitter irony. “And what exactly do you think we have in common?”

“Ambition. Ruthlessness. A willingness to do whatever it takes.” He leaned closer, his cologne—expensive, subtle—filling the space between us. “The difference is merely one of method. You operate in shadows; I work in the spotlight.”

My jaw tightened. The line between us wasn’t nearly as thin as he believed.

“Tell me what you want.” I kept my voice level, though rage simmered beneath the surface.

“Five million. Untraceable.” Voss swirled his drink. “Consider it an investment in your future peace of mind.”

“And the Bureau?”

“Will find their investigation hampered by bureaucratic red tape. Files misplaced, warrants delayed.” His smile was serpentine. “Amazing what can happen when the right calls are made.”

I drained my glass, calculating. If Voss had what he claimed, I needed time. Time to neutralize whatever evidence existed.

“I would say it’s a pleasure doing business with you.” I held out my hand, and he placed his sturdy palm in mine. “But it’s not.”

“We’ll be in touch.” He released my hand and straightened his already perfect tie.

It would be a first, but killing a politician was going to be a new mark on my already tainted soul.

Chapter 38 – Annaliese

Penelope greeted me at the door. “Hi, thanks for coming over.”

I hurried inside. “Of course! What’s going on?”

It was three in the morning, and while her voice on the phone was laced with a frantic energy that transcended the digital void, Penelope assured me everyone was alright.

“It’s better if Alessio tells you,” she hedged.

“Penny.” I gripped her arm, tugging her close.

Piccolo stepped closer, eyeing me with a clear warning.

“Please,” I whispered. “What am I walking into?”

Penelope bit her lip. “Callahan Voss was at the gambling ring tonight. HeknowsLeonardo is linked to the ownership.”