Page 144 of Fall of a Kingdom

“You look better,” Duncan commented.

Sasha snorted. “Like hell he does.”

“I think it’ll take a few months before I don’t look like shite,” I muttered. I’d stared at my reflection after shaving off the beard, wondering when I’d lose the haunted look in my eyes.

I’d been on death’s doorstep many times before, but I’d never actually died. I hadn’t yet processed my accident. I’d shoved it aside and focused on Barrett. For now, she was the front and center of my life, and everything else would have to wait.

“Let’s get to the business so I can head back to the hospital,” I remarked. “I don’t want to leave her for long.”

Duncan nodded. “The Prince of Monaco is behind the attack on The Rex, as well as the attack on your home. Hadrian’s source confirmed that the prince wasn’t happy that we were opening a hotel in Monte Carlo and refusing to give him a cut of the casino. So he set up bad press for The Rex, knowing the Monaco council would back him up when he suggested not letting you do business in their country.”

Duncan took a sip of his coffee before continuing, “Hadrian approached the council and explained the situation. Needless to say, the council was not happy. They were looking forward to a Rex Hotel in Monaco and all the kickbacks it would bring them. Bluntly put, they do not stand with the prince on this matter. In fact, it was made clear that they would be happy to do business with us, if only the prince would stop trying to get in the way…”

I reached for a tea sandwich. “Assassination?”

“Aye,” Duncan said.

I nodded. “Quietly, and without fuss. I don’t need a big revenge plot to prove a point. I want this finished.”

“Thought you might.” Duncan said as he scratched his raspy jaw. “I already gave Hadrian the go ahead. He did, after all, marry into a certain family that is known for their discretion in these types of matters.”

“Good,” I said.

“What are you going to do about your house?” Sasha asked.

“I’ve hired a contractor to see to the repairs while Barrett is healing. I want them done as soon as possible so when Barrett is released, she can recover in her own bed.” I looked at Sasha. “I never did thank you for what you did for her. For making the call for her to have the surgery.”

“It’s the least I could do. I’m sorry I knew about the tumor before you,” Sasha said.

“No more apologies,” I said. “And for the record, I would’ve made the same call.”

“Glad to hear it,” he said. “How pissed is she about the situation?”

“Too soon to tell,” I replied. “When the sedatives wear off and her head clears, I imagine an emotional explosion the likes of which we’ve never seen.”

“What about you?” Duncan asked. “How pissed are you?”

“Livid. But you can’t yell at your wife whose had brain surgery.” I clenched my jaw. “How are things at the ports?”

“Dimitri found the fucker that orchestrated the attack, but he’s just the middleman. We’re really after Alan Bouchard. We’re putting a plan into place to take control of Bouchard’s routes. We’ll wipe them out and once again be the main player on the Eastern seaboard.”

I nodded.

“I’ve talked to Ramsey,” Duncan said. “His stabbing was in no way related to the SINS. It was personal. He’s found out where the woman—Lex—lives and has eyes tracking her, so there’s no way for her to run. When he’s healed, he’ll take care of her.”

“Why did she stab him?” I asked.

“That’s still unclear.”

“Where is he recovering?” I took a bite of the sandwich.

“An undisclosed location. He’s safe,” Duncan replied.

I nodded and swallowed. “If that’s everything, then I need to get back to the hospital.”

Chapter52

SASHA