Page 71 of Cold Hard Cash

Jimmy pressed his hands over his face, nodding slowly. The whole room was spinning, and he really did not want to be upright for much longer. “Okay.”

He heard her heels clacking away as she departed. Closing his eyes, he tried to will away the nausea as hard as he could, slumping down in the chair. Then he realized he could hear voices somewhere close by.

The Gentlemen were all here. They did not sound happy.

“You mangled one of the Luchesi boys?” A loathsome screech—Valdemar.

“Only broke his arm, should be thankful we didn’t leave their bodies in a fucking ditch.” Tamerlane—angry.

“They shouldn’t have fucking been there at all! Now that Matteo’s back, they’re all getting uppity as fuck.” Lorre, maybe. “Three couriers got jumped today, all by Luchesis.”

“We’ll handle it.” Cold, smooth and calm as always.

“We should kill them all,” Corman’s nasty voice snapped, loud and furious. “We look weak sitting around like idiots! One of those couriers was mine! They got his entire payload! Over a hundred grand!”

“I will not allow us to be dragged into a war to appease your wounded pride,” Cold replied icily.

“They assaulted your sister, your boy! What will it take for you to act?”

“Cool it, Corman,” Cold purred, so quietly that Jimmy had to strain to hear him. “I’ve already heard from Matteo. He sends his humblest apologies for the misunderstandings we’ve had today. He wants to set up a meeting, both families all together for a nice little picnic.”

“Bullshit,” rumbled Tamerlane.

“Why are they trying to disrupt the peace now?” Another voice chimed in, smart, quick. Pym. “Is it because of Dickie? Do they really think you’re gonna go down for that? What does the SSPD have on you?”

“Not enough, or they would have arrested me by now,” Cold replied smugly.

“I won’t let that happen,” Rowena’s voice rang out. “If they try to, I’ll tell them—”

“You’ll do nothing,” Cold snapped suddenly. “I’ve got it handled.”

“And Detective Duplin?” Pym pressed.

“Mr. Poe doesn’t know it, but he’s given me exactly what I need to take care of our dear detective once and for all,” Cold said with a very satisfied chuckle. “Jules just came back from seeing Geemaw earlier today, didn’t ya, Jules.”

“Sure did,” Jules rumbled. “She made cookies. The peanut butter ones with the little chocolate kisses in them.”

“Lovely,” Pym said, and Jimmy could practically hear him rolling his eyes.

“What about the Luchesis?” Corman demanded, ever restless.

“Later,” Cold said briskly, his voice getting closer, and now Jimmy could hear his footsteps. “Make sure all the couriers have armed escorts, and put extra men down at the bank. But no one makes a fucking move until after I’ve met with Matteo.”

“But—” Corman protested, but fell silent immediately, undoubtedly having received a death glare of epic proportions from Cold. “Fine.”

“Now, all of you,” Cold commanded. “Go.”

Jimmy heard a rush of footsteps as everyone began to leave, the front door slamming shut.

“Should put a bullet in that one,” Jules growled.

“Not yet,” Cold replied quietly.

“It would be his couriers that got robbed,” Rowena mused.

“I’ve got it under control,” Cold said, his voice firmer. “Come on.”

“Need a hand, Boss?” Jules offered, snickering loudly. Cold must have said yes, because now Jimmy could hear two sets of feet approaching.