Page 122 of Deceptive Vows

Which is nearly the same value as the company.

“I guess we’ll know next week.”

“You will. If I don’t pick you, please forgive me. If I do pick you, forgive me also for the repercussions you may face from your brother. I’ve tried my best to fix the past, but I can’t, and I hope you won’t hold it against me too much.”

“I… don’t,” I tell him because I see no point in doing so when we only have months left together.

I don’t condone what he did, and it doesn’t matter that he loved my mother, but I can’t change the past any more than he can.

“Then that’s more than I deserve from you. That’s all I have for you, son. In a week and a half, you’ll know who will be the next Pakhan.”

“Do you still know who you’re going to choose?” I’m curious.

“Yes, but I’m still waiting. My heart and mind need to tell me the same thing. I’m going to come here the night before the big day so I can feel your mother’s presence. She’ll guide me in accepting my answer. I’ve invited Sophia to come here on the morning. She will know first. My sister deserves to be the first to know something this important to me. You both love her and I suspect she’ll play a big role to whoever I choose.”

“She most definitely will.” I nod agreeing.

Rising to my feet, I dip my head with the respect I always show him.

He nods too with the same respect but stops me before I walk through the door.

“One more thing. Maybe another bit of wisdom from an old fool.”

“What?”

“You don’t have to be afraid to love your wife. There is no need for it, and no one would fault you for it. I don’t.”

My lips part to tell him that’s not a problem, but when I look at his face, I know he can see straight through me. There’s little point bullshitting a person who can do that, so I nod and leave.

* * *

It takes me a few hours to digest all I was told this morning. After I get back from my first meeting, I find José outside my office waiting to speak to me.

He should have a report for me on things at the house and cartel business.

“What would you like me to start with first?” he asks.

“Cartel business.” I lean back against my chair and try to focus. I need the easy stuff first.

“Everything is done. All Raul’s assets have now been transferred over to you. The lawyers completed the last transaction yesterday. Everything is now in your name, and things can basically run on autopilot in some respects,” he explains. “I may need to go to Mexico in a week or so to continue discussions on a project that was in progress before Raul died. Of course, with your permission.”

“Yes, that’s fine. You can go.” Controlling the cartel is my biggest accomplishment and something I’ll be remembered for, but I’m glad that part is over. It’s easier on my mind to focus on one thing at a time. Right now, that’s not the most important thing. It never was. It was more of a side quest.

“What about your report?” I ask.

He looks uneasy. “Sebastian and your men at the house seem to be clean. I don’t think you have to worry about them, but I’m still keeping my eyes open. I did notice something weird at the docks yesterday to do with your brother though.”

I straighten immediately. We have a shipping company located at the docks. I sent José on an errand for me. “What did you learn?”

“Ivan met with a guy who used to work with Raul when he needed to import goods. I don’t know the guy’s name. Raul worked in secrets to keep a tight handle on things. He’s a guy like Tony, a middleman. I think he might just be his replacement. What I didn’t know is why he was meeting with your brother.” He eyes me with suspicion.

José is no fool. I’m sure he’s already put two and two together.

“Let me worry about that.” I’m not going to talk to him about Ivan. “What time did you see them?”

“Late last night, about eleven. They were in the alleyway at the back.”

Dammit. There are no cameras in the fucking alleyway, which is probably why Ivan met the fucker there.