Page 110 of Devil's Claim

CHAPTER 27

Kruz

Eduardo’s compound was as gaudy as the man himself. He’d built a shrine to his control over a large territory, hoping anyone who was allowed to enter felt inferior.

I felt nothing but disdain for the man and his tactics.

He played dirty, hanging his men out to dry whenever necessary.

At least the Torres operation had loyalty to those who served us with honor.

“There are two types of men, Eduardo,” I told him.

We were positioned in the backseat of his garish SUV, the gold rims reflecting his take on opulence while also sending a warning. I’d had no sense he’d lured me into a trap. From the time I’d already spent with him, it was obvious his business was also being affected by the number of cartels popping up and the difficulty keeping the police in line. They’d come to expect hefty payoffs to look the other way. I wasn’t playing the game.

“I’m eager to hear your take on that.” He puffed on his cigar, which had brought my thoughts to what Christine had said before I’d left.

“The men who listen before acting and those who believe they know better in all aspects of business.”

He chuckled as he shifted in his seat. “Let me guess which one you believe yourself to be.”

“I’m a man who uses the information provided both before and during a situation to determine the best outcome. Always to my benefit.”

“You think highly of yourself, Kruz. I both admire and detest that about you.”

“I assure you that your methods of handling business don’t increase my appreciation either.”

“Then we know each other very well, respecting each other’s way of doing business while accepting the foibles.”

I laughed. “Not necessarily.” Benito was in one of two vehicles following the one we were in, the man none too happy to spend time with soldiers he called unsophisticated rodents. I admired his loyalty and colorful vocabulary.

“I’m not surprised my cousin agreed and sent you in his stead.” He took another puff as I stared out the window as the driver turned into the driveway where the chief of police resided. Diego Garcia had hidden his corruption well, although during the last few months, his greed had provided him with ample opportunities for taking kickbacks mostly from containers seized upon entering Mexico.

There was no denying the Mexican president had chosen to look the other way given his political aspirations as well as having his hand greased. Even so, murders and disappearances of prominent citizens and members of members of Mexican law enforcement occurred on a regular basis. The entire country was on edge, the drug war an out-of-control issue, the police becoming a greedy partner.

That Eduardo had insisted he had a handle on.

His lies continued to be a sharp stake in my side.

What concerned me the most was the possibility Eduardo had found a new ally. I’d almost tossed Fassi’s name out more than once, but it was a card I wasn’t willing to play. Especially since we were headed to the estate of the chief of police. How appropriate. How dangerous.

“And why is that?” I gritted out.

“Because you believe yourself to be in higher esteem. You smell of money and arrogance. Be very careful as you continue sitting on your high pedestal. There are men in my country who would enjoy knocking you off it.”

“Should I take that as a threat?”

His laugh sounded almost bitter. “My cousin would be none too happy if his dictator disappeared.”

I resisted glancing in his direction or grabbing my weapon.

“Jago knows I can handle myself. And I will use whatever force necessary to ensure our business is handled the way we expect. I’d keep that in mind, Eduardo.” The driver pulled to a stop. Diego had spared no expense for the party, including the use of valets. What had pissed me off more than anything was thatJago hadn’t given me a heads up that we’d be attending a party instead of meeting the man on our terms.

Eduardo was testing me and any man who’d done that before had ended up dead.

That was still a possibility, cousin or no cousin. Jago didn’t feel the same about the man as he once had.

“I guess we’ll see how well you do.” As one of his men opened the door for him, I leaned over.