Page 19 of Carnival Master

“Tyson, what brings you-”

I grab him by the throat and slam him against the wall. “You tried to have her killed.”

“Who?” Frank chokes out.

“Don’t play dumb. Sofia Moretti. The black SUV? Ring any bells?”

His eyes widen. I release my grip enough for him to speak.

“Jimmy and Paulie joining forces will destroy me. You know that.”

“So you target an innocent woman?” I press harder. “His daughter?”

“Business is business.” Frank wheezes. “Nothing personal.”

I drive my fist into his gut. He doubles over, gasping.

“Here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to leave Sofia alone. If anything happens to her and you’re responsible, I’ll fucking kill you.”

Frank straightens, rubbing his throat. “You’re threatening me over some mob princess? One who’s due to marry Paulie, for fuck’s sake. What’s it to you?”

I tighten my grip on Frank’s throat, my knuckles white with rage. “What she is to me doesn’t matter. You put a hit on her while she was atmycarnival. That makes it personal.”

“Come on, Tyson. Think about it. Jimmy and Paulie’s alliance will squeeze out everyone else in Dawsbury.” Frank’s voice comes out strained. “I did us both a favor.”

“A favor?” I slam him against the wall again. “You endangered my client’s daughter. Do you know what Jimmy would do if he found out it was you?”

Frank’s face pales. “You wouldn’t tell him.”

“Try me.” I lean in close, my voice dropping to a deadly whisper. “And that’s not even considering what I’ll do to you if you try anything like this again.”

“Fine.” Frank raises his hands in surrender. “I’ll back off. But you’re making a mistake getting involved with her. She’s Paulie’s.”

The way he says it makes my blood boil. I release him with a shove, watching him stumble.

“She’s not anyone’s property.” I straighten my jacket. “And if I ever hear about another attempt on her life, our business arrangement is done. Permanently.”

Frank rubs his throat. “You’d throw away years of partnership over some girl?”

“No, you would if you decide to go against me.” I meet his gaze and don’t back down.

He holds his hands up. “Fine. Since you’re here, let’s talk about our other business.” He pulls out a briefcase of cash and clicks it open. “I want ten kilos, as discussed.”

My jaw tightens. Part of me wants to tell him to shove his money where the sun doesn’t shine, but business is business. It was the plan when we didn’t have the product, but since we recovered it, I need to keep the cash flowing and the drugs moving. And keeping him as a client means I can closely monitor his movements.

“Same price as always,” I say, watching him count out stacks of bills for me.

“Quality better be consistent,” he replies.

“When have I ever disappointed you?” I gather the cash, doing a quick count. “Delivery will be Sunday night, usual spot.”

Frank nods, lighting a cigar. “We good, then?”

“For now.” I pocket the money. “But remember what I said about Sofia. I won’t repeat myself.”

“Message received.” He blows out a cloud of smoke. “Loud and clear,” he adds.

I head for the door, pausing with my hand on the handle. “One more thing, Frank. This is your only chance. Cross me again, and you won’t like the fallout.”

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