Page 93 of Devil's Claim

“Have a nice long chat with the authorities in your beautiful country,” Jago mused. He had an evil grin on his face, which meant he was manipulating his own cousin.

“There are stricter laws, my friend,” Eduardo said in response, finally turning his attention toward me. We’d never gotten along, which was why Navarro had dealt with the man, making several trips into Mexico over the last few years. I’d just as soon beat the man to death as to do business with him.

But that wasn’t possible.

Eduardo shifted forward again in his seat. “I might need some assistance in ensuring this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.”

He was staring me directly in the eyes. “What do you want, Eduardo, someone to hold your hand or additional troops?” I asked, my tone indicating my annoyance.

Huffing, his smile grew wide. “Maybe we need more of a marketing touch. Such as what you would provide, Kruz.”

The fucker had played me.

“Not going to happen,” I snapped.

Jago was drumming his fingers on the table.

“Think about it,” Eduardo continued. “Your reputation is widely known here in my beautiful country. You could do well to come and stand by my side. A show of force. You can speak to people. You can be seen. You have more finesse than I do.”

Now the fucker was stroking my ego.

“Nice try.” My distaste was evident.

“Now, hold on,” Jago interjected. “Eduardo has a point. Sometimes the greatest power lies in being seen and nothing else. It’s been a while since we’ve made our presence known. Word would get back to our… enemies.” He used particular phrasing. I knew how Jago thought and what he believed.

Even though Eduardo was family, there was no trust. He would sell his children off to the highest bidder if he thought he could earn more money.

Jago had another point and I hated it. But I wasn’t going to argue at this point. Jago and I needed to discuss a few things.

“Yes,” Jago continued. “I think the idea has merit. However,” he told his cousin, “I need to ensure some business we’re in the middle of won’t be hurt by Kruz’s loss. He is vital to every operation.”

Now I gave the drug lord a nasty glare. Somewhere along the way, my friend had learned diplomacy. What had happened to the good old days of nothing but commands, violence, and bloodshed? I longed for them.

“Understandable. Let’s discuss this further in a couple days.”

Jago nodded. “Will do. Make certain you and your men keep an eye on our product. I don’t mind telling you how angry I’ll become if it suddenly disappears.”

“Don’t worry, cuz. Under watchful eye.” Eduardo ended the call and I threw my head back, staring at the ceiling.

“That’s bullshit and you know it,” I told Jago.

The deep breath Jago took was telling. “Yeah, I know, but we have millions of dollars tied up. Short of a coup, we need to handle this carefully. You are the only man capable of doing that.”

Laughing was easy.

For him.

But I had a very bad feeling that the shit was getting ready to hit the fan. I stood quickly, staring out the window as I did. “You didn’t mention Fassi.”

Jago snorted. “One way to determine if my cousin is to be trusted.”

Sighing, I locked eyes with the man. “If everything goes according to plans, then we’ll continue doing business with him. If not… Then ties will need to be cut.” His gaze hardened.

“Understood.” I checked my watch. “Now, I need to finalize the contract to present to my bride to be.”

“All very businesslike.”

“That’s the way we both want it.”