Page 108 of Possess Me

Even if it meant placing the entire family in harm’s way.

As Carlos pulled in the driveway of a large house, I whistled this time. “You’ve done well for yourself. The last time I was here, you lived in a hovel.”

“I did not. And that hovel as you call it was your home for almost two months.”

“One month.”

“You were drunk half the time. I was counting the days. But you’re right. I’ve done very well. You know how industrious I am.”

Maybe I shouldn’t tell her that Carlos’ lucrative business was all about running drugs, mostly to South and Central America. I’d kept tabs on the man, which was why I’d called him. He was powerful in Cuba, had a huge army, and owed me a couple of favors. Plus, he had cash should I need it.

However, I damn well hoped we wouldn’t be staying in Cuba for long. Doing so would keep a target on our heads.

However, it was good seeing Carlos. He’d been a lifeline when I’d almost lost my shit on the tenth anniversary of Megan’s murder. Somehow, being here with him as I was finally freeing her ghost was cathartic.

“This is beautiful,” Fallon said. “And I think I need to hear all the gory stories about this man. To use as ammunition in the future.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” I told her. After climbing out, I gazed into her beautiful face. “I stand corrected. You would.”

“Lovely lady,” Carlos said. “You’ve got it and trust me, I have some doozies. Maybe I’ll tell her about the time we stole a vehicle.”

“We did not steal a vehicle.” I shook my head. “Un-fucking-believable.”

At least Fallon could laugh.

He huffed and climbed out, grabbing the bags while I helped Fallon get out from the backseat. “Okay, your words were that we borrowed it, but those dudes who almost killed us didn’t seem to take it that way.”

“Those are exactly the kind of stories I need to hear. Every. Single. One.” She was as insistent as usual.

“I’m happy to oblige such a beautiful lady. Let’s get you settled. I think you’ll like the house. I have a great view of the ocean.”

After he followed her inside, I remained on the veranda, studying the area, which was stunning. The pieces had yet to fall together, but they would.

I pulled out my phone. Now it was time to put Mikhail on notice. I had a bad feeling getting off this damn island without being shot might take a miracle. I also needed to warn him that soon the cat would be let out of the bag in that we’d survived the attack. It was possible Bruni would send some men to Vegas. It would be risky as hell, but given what Giovanni could be facing with the monsters in Russia, he might see it as necessary. Not that I should give a shit except he would stop at nothing to get what he needed to make a down payment or solidify the alliance.

His granddaughter.

What continued to bother me was that the Brunis had managed to get on Saba Island and under Ludolf’s nose. Or he’d wanted me to believe the Brunis had attacked us. I couldn’t be certain which.

Carlos joined me a few minutes later, handing me a cold bottle of beer.

We stood quietly together. While his house was set back from the road, the area around him was busy.

“Security tight?” I asked.

“You know it is.”

Nodding, I took a pull of the beer. “Good. I feel like I’m stuck in a game of cat and mouse.”

“I figured as much.”

I threw him a look. “Ever heard of a brand with a skull tattoo with red eyes and a jeweled dagger going through the eyes?”

He shrugged. “Sounds like any number of them out there, buddy. Hell, I have a skull with red eyes inked somewhere on my body. I’ll ask around. Is it important?”

“It could be.”

“Alright. So, I’m curious. How did you find Fallon?”