“I want to help, and I know what that means.”
“When we’re done, we can go back to the way things were, but in here,” she tapped over her heart, “and up here,” she tapped the side of her head, “you won’t be able to undo it.”
“I can handle it.”
“I’ve got to worry—you’re my family.”
“Boss,” Katlin said from the door.
“We’re done, come in,” Muriel said.
Cain nodded and told them what she’d just learned from Shelby. “I need a few things from you all. Katlin, I want one of Rodolfo’s guys that was outside the day we went to the Steak Knife, the one with a ponytail.”
“You want to talk to this clown?”
“I’m interested in a long, private conversation.”
“We’ll go tonight and take a look. If you’re in for the night, I’ll take Lou with me and maybe he’ll recognize him.” Katlin leaned her hip against the side of Cain’s desk, and Muriel saw how she didn’t hesitate to follow Cain’s orders.
“Muriel,” Cain said next. “I’m going to have some of the guys work with you.”
“I can handle it myself.”
“In law school did they teach you how to break into someone’s house and not have them notice you’ve been there?”
“Breaking and entering? Since when are we involved in petty crime?”
“Think of it this way,” Cain said, not sounding upset with Muriel’s question. “If we get caught, it’ll be much easier to defend me against that than tax evasion and bootlegging.”
“Who are we robbing and how do I fit in?”
“Anthony Curtis—”
“Agent Anthony Curtis.” Muriel was shocked that Cain would even consider such a move.
“Is it time for you to go up to your office?” Cain asked, not quite slamming her hand down, but getting Muriel’s attention.
“I’m not trying to piss you off, just keep you out of trouble. Don’t you think they’re waiting for you to go after Curtis?”
“I’m always thinking, and if something goes wrong, don’t worry. It’ll be my ass in the vise, not yours.”
The set of Cain’s mouth was proof that Muriel had pushed too far and shouldn’t have initiated this conversation with Katlin and Lou in the room, but she didn’t let up. “Don’t you think I know that? That night in the warehouse you were supposed to be the only one in the line of fire—Emma was a surprise. And look at what that almost cost us. If you want this family to survive intact, get used to the idea of me taking care of you.”
“I appreciate that, but if you want to get involved in all the business, remember there’s only one person in charge. And you have to trust I know what I’m doing.” Cain glanced up at Katlin. “Since what I’m asking is new to you, I’ll put Katlin with you. I want someone in Curtis’s house, but don’t go near him. I need information, not the satisfaction of driving his nose into his brain.”
Muriel locked eyes with Cain but realized she couldn’t win. “What do you need?” she asked as her way of conceding.
After Cain started her list, Muriel realized she would have to go because it was the only way she could be sure they’d get what Cain needed. She knew without any explanation why Cain was asking and what she planned to do with the information.
“Cain.” Cain’s assistant came over the intercom. “I hate to bother you, but Remi Jatibon’s on the phone.”
“Any questions?” Cain asked the group in her office. She didn’t pick up until she was alone. “Remi, where are you?”
“I’m helping Dallas gather a few things from her place. She’s staying with me for several days since she’s got a lot going on, including starting her contract negotiations today. It reminded me why I asked you for help with Bob.”
Cain laughed at the frustration in Remi’s voice. “I think it reminded you that you want Dallas all to yourself. I’ve been there, my friend, and it can make you crazy.”
“I’m beginning to realize that.”
“Can you talk? I’ve got something that might help you,” Cain said as she opened the file she’d made on Dallas.
“Not right now, but I can swing by later.”
“Come for dinner tonight and bring Dallas. We can talk about your problem and recap everything else we’re facing.”
Remi laughed. “What, you’re not going to give me a hint? Did you find anything?”
“I had an idea and it panned out. Stop worrying. You’ll have to learn to live with some things and forget others, but you can have faith in what she feels for you.”
“Thanks, Cain. If you’ve got most of what I was looking for, I can call off my father.”
Cain hung up and closed her eyes, trying to order her thoughts. The casino deal, Juan Luis, Anthony Curtis, and Dallas Montgomery were all on her mind, and with enough time she would have some solutions. She already had an
