“Perhaps I’ll put you on my payroll if you come and liven the place up with such beauty every night.” Ramon handed Cain a whiskey and Emma a glass of wine.
“Does your wife know you just come here to flirt, my friend?” Cain asked.
“I wasn’t talking to you, Cain, so leave an old man to his fun.” Ramon leaned over Emma’s hand and pressed his lips to it briefly. He liked to joke around, but not enough to insult. “May I escort you back to your table?”
Emma smiled at Cain and winked, accepting Ramon’s arm.
“How are your friends from warmer climates?” Cain asked as soon as they were all seated.
With his hands spread out in a gesture of innocence, Ramon laughed and shook his head. “Rodolfo and I aren’t friends. Not like you and I are. He and I are acquaintances with a mutual respect. He comes here to drink my liquor and enjoy the music with the understanding I don’t want any part of that shit he peddles.”
Cain nodded slowly, distracted by her thoughts. “The word on the street is he cut a deal with Bracato to expand his operations here.”
“They had one meeting, but I hear they don’t feel comfortable with each other yet. But”—Ramon put his finger up for emphasis and leaned farther in—“I did learn that Giovanni put down a nice chunk of cash as a show of good faith. And he still doesn’t know his number-one son is already doing business with Juan and Rodolfo in Mississippi.”
“Did you speak to Rodolfo on my behalf?” Cain asked.
“I did all that Muriel asked of me, my friend. Actually I, as well as my children, would like to see how this plays out. We’re having a similar situation in Vegas, and I hope to learn from your outcome.”
Cain laughed at his tact. “Or my mistakes, right?”
Ramon laughed along with her and stood. “Please, I know you don’t often make mistakes.” He patted her shoulder with affection before adding, “It’s a trait that reminds me so much of my daughter Remi.”
“Thank you, Ramon. You and your kids are always welcome to call on me for help.”
They watched him return to his true passion, the gaming tables upstairs. Another round of drinks arrived without prompting, and Cain arched a brow in the waiter’s direction.
“The gentlemen by the stage sent them, Ms. Casey. The older man would also like a moment of your time.”
In answer, Cain picked up her glass and saluted Rodolfo Luis with it before taking a sip. Immediately Rodolfo and his companion stood and headed in their direction. Under the table Emma rested her hand in the curve of Cain’s thigh.
“Senora Casey, it’s nice to see you again and looking so well.” Rodolfo extended his hand to Cain.
“Please sit, Senor Luis, and please, it’s Cain.” After the handshake she introduced Emma. “This is my wife, Emma.”
“A pleasure, ma’am, and this is my nephew Juan.” The younger man sat and had a hard time keeping his eyes off Emma as well as a smirk off his face. “How are you feeling after your accident?”
Emma’s hand tightened at the word “accident,” and Cain could see her jaw clenched in an effort not to say anything.
“I’m feeling fine. Emma’s taking really good care of me.” With the admission Cain felt Emma relax.
“Good.” Rodolfo smiled as he leaned back farther into the leather chair. “I hate to intrude on your evening, but would you give me a few minutes of your time?”
“I’d be glad to,” Cain answered, since it was the main reason they were there.
“Alone,” Rodolfo added.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Emma.”
The hand on Cain’s leg tightened again. “It’s all right, love. I have to go to the ladies’ room anyway.”
Everyone stood when Emma did. “Save my seat,” she told Cain before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
Without another word, Emma stepped away with Lou following close behind. Juan also stood and headed in the same general direction, leaving his uncle to the business that needed to be discussed.
“What can I do for you?” Cain asked.
“We’ll get to that, I’m sure, but first I wanted to ask you about Bracato. I hear from Ramon that he’s the one who ordered the hit on you.”
Cain ran her finger along the rim of the glass before her as she pinned the head of the Mexican drug cartel with a cold stare. “Big Gino and my family have a history, but I’m sure you don’t want to waste time on our differences. Bracato has made it clear he wants a war between our families, and I don’t intend to ignore that. If you want to do business with him, do business with him. That’s none of my concern. Only warn your people not to mistake my disinterest for leniency. If they get in my way, there will be consequences.”
Rodolfo’s smile faltered for a second, then grew larger. “There’s no need to threaten me. I have no dog in this fight. My family is only interested in making money, and I trust you’ll not interfere. I plan to do business with Bracato, but that’s all.”
“Let’s just say I have different plans for Big Gino and no interest in your business. You have my word.”
Rodolfo extended his hand again to seal their bargain. “Perhaps I should’ve offered you the deal first. You’d be a much better partner and more lucrative to my bottom line.”
“Thanks, but I’m not interested.”
“My nephew and I’ll be in town awhile longer if you change your mind.”
