Page 82 of Seven

“We’re not getting anywhere with this.” Grim looked over to me as he said, “We need to set up an exchange, and we need to do it now.”

Before I could respond, Prez stepped back into the bar and motioned for me and the others to step into the hall. Once wewere gathered around, Preacher looked to me as he said, “Just got off the phone with Cotton.”

“And?”

“These guys aren’t your typical mafia. They come from old money and have deep pockets. Real deep. They don’t do shit by the book. They run some dope, but not the hard stuff and a few weapons here and there. But nothing over the top.”

“So, what were they doing with Tallie’s father?”

“He was helping them buy up properties along the river. They’ve been using them as fronts for their drug and weapon distribution, but Sergei’s ultimate goal is to build a high dollar, water-front casino with all the bells and whistles.”

“That’s the last thing we need around here.”

“You’re telling me,” Preacher scoffed. “But he’s got his head set on it, and Tallie’s father was doing everything he could to make it happen.”

“They’ve pushed a lot of people out of their homes and businesses to make room for this plan of theirs.” He paused, his gaze locking onto mine. “And things seemed to be going their way, so it makes no sense for Sergei to kill him.”

“Then, who the fuck killed him?”

“Good question. If it were my guess, I’d say he pissed off the wrong person. But I don’t think it’s the Russians.”

“So, what now?”

“We need to be smart about it. Volkovs aren’t the type you just storm in on unless you want a full-blown war. If they want the brother, we’re giving them the brother.”

As we started back into the bar, Grim leaned over to Preacher and said, “I’ll take him.”

“Not unless I’m with you.” I cocked my brow as I looked at him with disdain. “He might not come back, but I’ll get him there. The question is where the fuck am I taking him?”

“They’ve got properties all over the city.” Shep shook his head. “No way to know where they’ve taken her.”

We’d barely sat down when the back door creaked open, and seconds later, I heard a small, uncertain voice call my name. “Holt?”

I turned, and my stomach dropped when I saw Ford standing in the doorway with Casey and Toby. His little face was tight with worry as he stood there searching the room. He was clutching the sleeve of his hoodie in one hand while the other was balled into a nervous fist.

Damn.

I was moving before I even thought about it. I weaved through the brothers, and once I reached him, I crouched in front of him, trying my best to hide my panic. “Hey, buddy. What are you doing here?”

He tried to put on a brave front as he asked, “Where is she?”

The kid might as well have punched me straight in the gut.

I had no answer.

None whatsoever, and I hated myself for it.

“Tallie promised to be back by noon, and he got worried,” Casey grimaced as she explained, “I’m sorry, but he kept insisting to see you.”

“You don’t have to apologize. If he wants me, he gets me.” I placed my hand on Ford’s shoulder as I said, “I know you’re worried, but everything’s gonna be okay.”

“She said she’d be back,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “She should be back.”

“I know. And she will be. I’ll make sure of it.”

Ford’s little fingers twisted tighter around his sleeve, and it was all I could do to fight the urge to pick him up and hug him as I made promises I wasn’t sure I could keep. I had been so focused on finding Tallie, I hadn’t thought about Ford. I should have known he’d be worried when she didn’t show. He searchedmy face, and whatever he saw there must’ve been enough because, after a long second, he finally nodded.

“That’s my boy.” I stood and turned to Casey. “Why don’t you take the boys down to the family room and let them hang out for a bit?”

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