Page 15 of Beautiful Dangerous

Eddie Calito – the President of this Devil’s Creed chapter – comes out of the clubhouse, and the second Olivia sees him she smiles. So does he, these two have a close relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

They exchange greetings; light kisses on cheeks and a firm handshake. A hug. And then Eddie turns his attention to me, extending his hand.

“Lucca, my man!”

“Good to see you, Eddie.”

Eddie and I go way back. We’ve known each other since my days as a Devil’s Creed brother back in Mexico, our chapters did a lot of business together. We’ve remained friends, and as far as the cartel is concerned he’s one of our most trusted contacts. A necessary ally.

“Come on. Let’s go inside.”

Olivia follows Eddie into the clubhouse, I stay a few steps behind them, there’s something about her today that’s making me feel the need to watch her more carefully than usual, but there’s a reason for that. We’re coming up to the second anniversary of Javier’s death, and that date, it plays on all of our minds. Mine especially.

We go straight to the chapel – the meeting room at the back of the clubhouse – where we’re joined by Angel Ruiz, Eddie’s vice-president, a tall, bearded Mexican-American who’s been part of the club since he was a teenager. I’ve known him nearly as long as I’ve known Eddie.

“Is everything still ready to go as far as the weapons are concerned?” Olivia takes a seat at the huge rectangular table in the center of the room, while Eddie takes his seat at the head of it. Me and Angel hang back by the door.

“It is. This first shipment will be off our hands within hours of it arriving.”

“Can I trust these people you’re doing business with?”

“Do you trustme?” Eddie sits back and lights up a cigarette.

Olivia smiles a slow smile, crossing her legs, her eyes never leaving Eddie’s. “Of course I trust you.”

“Then you can trustthem. I’ve been doing business with these people a long time, Olivia, everything’s good.”

“And the cocaine? That’s ready for distribution?”

“It’s all in hand.”

“I’d still like to know more about the people we’re selling the weapons to.”

Eddie glances over at Angel, jerking his head in the direction of a stack of cabinets in the corner of the room. Angel goes over, pulls out a drawer and lifts out a file, which he hands to Eddie. “Here.” Eddie slides the file toward Olivia. “Everything you need to know is in there.” His gaze shifts to the door as Carlos Marin, his sergeant-at-arms, sticks his head around it. “Yes?”

“I need Angel.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Colton’s here. Wants a quick word.”

I exchange glances with Olivia, who then looks at Eddie, but he just shakes his head and turns his attention to Angel.

“Go see what he wants, then get rid of him.”

Angel leaves with Carlos, but Olivia’s expression remains one of concern.

“You didn’t tell me you were expecting company, Eddie.”

“I didn’t know we were.”

“Colton’s law enforcement.”

“He’s on the payroll, it’s fine. He’ll be checking in, that’s all. We have our own business going on here, Olivia, we don’t just work for you.”

“But you understand that I have to be careful?”

“Of course.” He taps the file he’s just pushed toward her. “Take that with you. We have copies.”

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