relaxed into the leather of the vehicle and watched suburbia melt away as they entered the city. Somewhere behind her, Lou and Katlin were following with the little package they’d picked up at the bar. “It could be our coming-out dinner.”
“You outed me years ago, lover.”
“My, we
“Let’s see. Who, pray tell, has a standing reservation every Friday night? They’re known for their northern Italian, right?”
“I really may just retire now and let you handle things from here on out. It’s nice to see you didn’t lose that observant streak of yours living the quiet life in Wisconsin.” The back of the vehicle was filled with Cain’s laughter. “It’s Friday night and Mr. Bracato, the senior scumbag, has a standing reservation. And yes, they are known for their renditions of certain Italian dishes. What do you say, Mrs. Casey? Care to join me?”
“I’d love to. Hold on, baby. Just let me tell Merrick about our new destination. Can I pick you up anything while I’m out?” They headed back toward Jarvis’s house, so Emma leaned up and tapped Merrick’s shoulder. “Merrick, could you please take me downtown.” Then she asked Cain, “Can I pick up anything for you while I’m out?”
“Do you remember how to spend real money?” Cain asked.
“I can muddle through. It’s easy when you’re so encouraging.”
“Sorry to cut this short, but I’ve got to go. Have fun, and I’ll see you at Uncle Jarvis’s soon.” There before her was the warehouse Muriel had bought while they were gone. The workers were packing up for the afternoon and starting to pull out of the parking lot. “I love you, and tell Merrick not to lose sight of you. I have plans for you later.”
“I love you too, and be careful.”
Emma knew this was her first true test, but unlike Blue, she planned to prove just how loyal she was to Cain.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Cain’s footsteps echoed hollowly as she walked to the center of the room. There was no furniture in the new Emerald’s yet, considering the sawdust and hanging wires, but she could envision the final product. The unfinished carved oak bar fit in well since the builders had left alone the brick walls as well as the old wood floor along the perimeter of the new dance floor.
From the back a large door opened, and Lou pulled the SUV in far enough for the door to close behind him.
Blue started for Cain, and Katlin caught him just before he touched her, dropping him to his knees with a kick to his legs.
“Please, Cain, don’t do this. I didn’t do anything,” Blue pleaded.
“How do you like the new place?” Cain asked, as if Blue had never spoken. “We stock the bar, get some tables and bar stools, and we’re back in business.”
“It’s great. I can’t wait.” The tears were starting to fall down his face. He never figured he’d be in this position. Assurances had been made that he would never have to face Cain’s anger. “Is that why we’re here? To talk about the new club?” He tried to play the innocent again.
Lou and Katlin both took off their jackets, folded them, and placed them on the shell of the bar. Then Katlin found a chair one of the contractors had been using and brought it over for Cain.
Sitting, Cain balanced a folder on her lap and crossed her legs, the picture of relaxation. “No, Blue, that’s not why we’re here. I’m going to explain a few things to you before we get started, and if you’re a good boy, we’ll be out of here in no time.”
“Great! Like I said, I didn’t do nothing wrong, so I have no idea what this is about.”
“See,” Cain said, as she glanced up at Lou, who’d almost finished rolling up his sleeves and was shaking his head, “already you’re lying to me, and I haven’t even asked you anything. Lou, you want to show Blue what happens when I know he’s lying.”
When Lou’s fist connected with Blue’s side, it was strong enough to knock him face-first to the floor. Katlin helped him back to a kneeling position by yanking him up by the hair while he cried openly.
“See how we play the game now?” Cain asked.
Blue nodded vigorously.
“Good, very good. First, how much did it take to give up the men who worked for you? Two guys who were just looking to make a few extra bucks while they were in school. How much?”
“I don’t know—”
Blue never finished the statement as Cain waved her hand at Lou again.
The second blow caught him on the jaw, and he dropped as if he’d been axed. Again Katlin picked him up off the floor.
“You know, Lou, maybe you should hit me too. I deserve it for giving this dumb fuck a job in management.”
The two guards laughed as Cain said to Blue, “Since ‘how much’ was too difficult for you, how about who offered you the money?”
Blue just shook his head. “Please, Cain, you know me.”
She opened the folder and looked at a picture before holding it up for him to see. “I thought I knew you. I thought you were smart enough to know something like this wouldn’t stay a secret very long.” The picture was of
