Page 53 of Lawbreaker

“James called his son. He was upset that the kid took another boy’s brags for one of our guys.”

“As if we’d go out and advertise who we are,” Tony sighed, sipping cappuccino.

“He decided that he couldn’t afford to prosecute us for kidnapping.”

“Good thing.”

“But he hasn’t given up on your adopted daughter’s family,” Rudy added quietly. “He called another subordinate in after he hung up with his kid. He’s sending somebody up here to see what he can dig up about Odalie’s schedule.”

That caused Tony’s dark brows to meet in the middle.

“He thinks she’s his best soft target,” Rudy added. “The rest of the family, down in Texas, is too well protected. And he doesn’t seem aware that you’ve got Odalie covered.”

“I haven’t advertised it,” he replied, with a pointed look at the other man.

“I haven’t said a word about it,” Rudy said defensively.

“Good. Don’t. If he makes a play for her, we’ve got all the bases covered.”

“There was a guy watching from the shadows when I saw her walk out to the car tonight,” he added. “Not one of ours, either. Too young and too obvious.”

“Judging by the goon he sent to set up the scheme on me, he isn’t too wise about how we work.”

“He needs to watch a few more old movies, I guess,” Rudy chuckled.

“He’s about fifty years behind the times and doesn’t seem to realize it,” Tony agreed. “Unless,” he added, “he’s trying to throw us off the scent by acting stupid.”

“Could be.”

Tony finished his drink. “I want you to go see Teddy. Tell him what’s going on and ask what he wants to do about it.”

“I thought you already had.”

Tony shook his head. “I don’t like to involve him until things get really hot.” He met Rudy’s eyes. “He won’t like having James hit on Odalie. Civilians aren’t part of this.”

“I know. He gets nervous if his people start hitting on outsiders. Especially ones with rich parents.” He frowned. “Are her people that well-to-do?”

Tony nodded. “Not only that, her father’s a power in regional politics.”

“Ouch. Not the guy to make an enemy of.”

“Plus, his son’s got the goods on James. He could put him away for good.”

“No wonder he’s trying to get at you.”

“So far, it’s just hints.” He met Rudy’s eyes. “If he tries anything on Odalie, it will be the last thing he ever does.”

The threat in those black eyes was enough to make Rudy’s insides churn. “Private stock, is that it?” he asked very quietly.

The eyes narrowed. “That isn’t your business. At least, it isn’t as long as you keep your hands off her,” he added in a soft, menacing tone.

Rudy put both hands up, palms out. “I was just helping her get the shawl off her shoulders, honest,” he said at once. “She’s gorgeous, but I like living.”

“Good. Consider that keeping her at arm’s length will guarantee that for you.”

“You bet, Tony!” He finished his coffee and got up. “I’ll phone you when I talk to Teddy.”

Tony handed him a slip of paper with a number on it, plus a spare burner phone, already activated. “No slipups,” he cautioned.