Page 85 of Captured

“Not yet but expecting it any time now.”

“Good. The dangerous situation will be concluded on this trip.” I’d brought my laptop with me as well, using the various information I’d gathered, sorting it entirely differently than any of my men had the skills to do. There were too many players, including my brothers. We were all swimming around each other likes sharks who’d smelled blood in the water. One act of revenge years before had started an avalanche. It was time to put a stop to the madness. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to be easy.

However, in my days of enjoying acts of violence, I’d also learned one of the most important methods to use when eliminating an enemy was to allow them to implode by providing the means necessary. As much as I wanted to fulfill my angel’s request, I knew she’d never forgive herself. She wasn’t a killer. She was a perfect little bird who deserved to fly.

Maybe I was turning over a new leaf after all.

A grin crossing my face, I was eager to start bringing a conclusion to this madness.

Black tie.

There was a time I’d worn scrubs and jeans, nothing else. There’d been no need while working long hours at the hospital. With fourteen- to sixteen-hour days, often maybe one day off in nine or ten, I was lucky that I showered on a regular basis.

Now I owned four tuxedos, all from different designers, all impeccably designed for me alone. I’d been to more lavish parties in the last few years than I cared to mention or could remember for that matter.

Not because I’d gotten intoxicated, because I never allowed myself to lose control, becoming uninhibited at parties or business events. Those who did were easy to blackmail with their less than stellar behavior.

I climbed out the back of the SUV, immediately buttoning my tux jacket as I peered up at the posh hotel, the finest the city had to offer and flanking Boston Harbor. Only a few seconds later, Axe flanked my side, my companion for the evening, although his presence would be noticed by no one. He’d learned a long time before to be an excellent driver and shadow. He was also extremely observant.

As he handed off the keys to the valet on duty, I gave him a quick once-over. Who would have thought he could look better in a tuxedo than I did?

Three of my other men were keeping watch on the area, mindful of what I was attempting to do. They were also to be on the lookout should Gideon attempt to bolt if and when he noticed my appearance.

I was known as a celebrity in town, even more so than the man himself. I’d already noticed three different television stations’ news trucks, all carrying the fabulous charity event in vivid color.

Gideon was a smart man, enjoying the glow and show that money and influence had to offer. I ventured a guess tonight he was indeed announcing his run for public office, the crowd of supporters mostly his friends and favorable colleagues.

That much I’d already determined. The fact the entire event was being televised could be used to my benefit.

“Do you need anything else from me, boss?” Axe said as he shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Just keep an eye out for unusual guests or any trouble that might be on the radar.”

“You got it.” I headed toward the main doors of the hotel and Axe hung back, waiting until I was at the elevator before walking into the building. None of my men were easily recognizable, although in these types of circumstances, I never went alone.

I’d found out after being shot at more times than I could count over the years that you couldn’t underestimate your enemy for one second. If you did, you were dead.

Holidays didn’t matter.

Birthday celebrations.

Nothing.

It was business as usual in the world of crime syndicates, twenty-four/seven, fifty-two weeks a year. That suited me just fine because it made my usual marks easier to locate. Besides, men holding powerful positions enjoyed pontificating more than the normal man.

Whatever that was.

However, Axe would be my shadow if needed, providing backup for the men Gideon had brought with him. I was still surprised there’d been no police investigation regarding the murder of his two men, which meant he was attempting to hide certain aspects of his life. It certainly was something I would do, but it was interesting timing. My guess was it all had to do with whatever deal was put into place with the prince. There was too much at stake.

I grinned as the elevator doors closed, my thoughts drifting to my lovely Emily. I’d debated bringing her with me. There was nothing I wanted to do more than to parade her in front of her father, but even as reprehensible as I was, I had no intentions of using her in that manner. She was all mine, not some fodder and eye candy for another man.

And her damn fucking asshole of a father would never be allowed to get his hands on her again.

I leaned against the elevator wall, thinking about her request. She was almost ready to learn the truth about her father’s intentions, although I wanted to be there with her when she did. She deserved all the honesty I could provide and nothing less. Her admittance that she’d suspected her father had been involved with her mother’s murder hadn’t been surprising. She was a highly intelligent girl. She’d managed to bide her time, honing her craft so she could get out from under the man’s thumb.

That was courage. Maybe I could learn something from her.

What she didn’t know was that I was planning on using the additional documentation I’d discovered against the man, which would provide the needed encouragement to end his political career before it began. After that? I’d see how he acted. But I had my attorney standing by with various sets of documentation.

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