Page 45 of Into the Blue

It was simple.

No record, easy in to the Colorado Police Department. Kiss enough ass to rise up in the ranks and bam—He’s a sheriff overseeing the safe transport of my green over the state border.

A difficult task because the law is more strict here since there are plenty of people trying to smuggleColorado’s finestbeyond the border. But using him to crack down on my potential competitors created a wide open market to exploit the arbitrary laws around cannabis, and now mushroom, production to suit my needs in the South, where it suits lawmakers to crack down on these substances.

This had been years in the making all while he tested the limits of his power in moving small shipments to me on different pathways. It was smooth as the quantity increased and the number of runners we employed increased. It was large enough that I figured my separation from the Fayes wouldn’t hurt us.

The quality made up for the quantity in the meantime.

Now, I’m looking at the man who assured me that it was no problem to increase this shipment. Yet! A third of the product is gone.

“You told me that it wouldn’t be a problem. Now it is. Think I came here tochat?”

“I’ve kept my eyes open. It’s not any of my guys. I’ve been watching them all. It’s just gone.”

“You some kind of magician?” I ask.

“N-no,” his hand is on his belt, too damn close to his gun. It makes my men antsy.

“Go ‘head and put your hands where we can see them. I’d hate for a misunderstandin’ to become a different problem entirely.”

His hands raise immediately. “I wasn’t—Look, I’m doing everything that I can.”

“If that were the case, then you’d have a lead on how my shit went missing.”

“I can’t keep an eye on everything when I still have other responsibilities to the county. This only works because I’m respected at my job.”

“A job I provided for you.”

“I know that.” He sighs, scratching the back of his head. “There’s an opportunity that I see coming soon. I could replenish what we lost without raising suspicion. I just need a bit of time.”

I consider his words, my hand resting on my knife. Haven’t had to press him for anything since I’m the reason he’s no longer a low level dealer. He’s only steps away from becoming a quartermaster in this family.That means something.“What makes you think I have time to spare for you?”

“I’ll be able to move three times as much. There will be no eyes on me or anything.”

My eyebrows lift, completely unbelieving but intrigued by the possibility. “Three times as much?”

“Yes, I’ll move as much more. My guys will do what we need to.”

“How much time are we talkin’ ‘bout?”

“December. Christmas time. They hold a retreat and I can play my part to get that in the works. If I’m controlling the planning of it, then I can make sure they’re out of the way.”

I scratch my beard, considering again. “Don’t like the risk you’re takin’. I’m gonna have some of my own men on it.”

“Of course. I could show them—”

Holding up a hand, so he’ll stop talking, I inform him, “No, you’ll leave transportin’ to them. If you’re clearin’ the way then they’ll just need to drive the routes.”

“But—”

Shaking my head, locs flop into my face and I pull them back. “Nah. I’m still missin’ part of what I’m owed already. Haven’t ruled you out as a suspect yet.”

Under his breath, Colton murmurs, “You’re not the only one taking advantage of this opportunity.”

“What was that?” I sneer, not liking how he won’t speak up when saying something that will piss me off.

“Competition is high,” he says more firmly.