Page 32 of Puma's Pride

Diego tells him what he discovered from Sal about Greg. When Puma doesn’t look surprised, I ask him, “you knew?”

“I did.”

“Sal believes Juan acted when he did because Sal and Sal Jr were in Chicago.” Diego adds.

Puma’s expression shifts slightly. I don’t think any of the others saw it, but I know my man. I also know why the mention of Chicago would cause a reaction.

“Why was Sal in Chicago?” I ask, so Puma doesn’t have to draw attention to his interest.

Diego shrugs. “He didn’t say, only that it was a business meeting. The odd thing is that he mentioned he and Sal Jr. flew out the morning Josef grabbed you, but came home the same day. Something about the meeting being cancelled.”

“Cancelled, huh?” I say. “Wasted trip.” I glance at Puma and I can see he’s thinking. I’m not surprised when he stands to leave.

“I have to check on a few things.” Puma says, leaning over to kiss me. “See you in a few minutes?”

I nod.

“Something’s going on.” Corinne says. “Wasn’t Puma in Chicago?”

I narrow my eyes at her. “What makes you think he was?”

Corinne gulps. “That’s what that man said, Juan. He said something about Puma being back from Chicago, so I should be able to reach him.”

I frown at that. How did Juan know about Puma’s movements? Was he watching Puma? Likely. But is it more than that? Could he have a spy? Not so likely. I need to tell Puma about what Corinne heard. Her comment has me wondering if she’s as innocent in this as we all assumed.

“It’s club business.” I tell her. “It’s frustrating, but the members keep some details away from us for our protection and theirs. You need to forget about Chicago. Can you do that?” I ask her.

She studies me and nods slowly. “I understand, and I won’t mention it again.”

“Thank you.” I tell her, rising. “I need to check on Elina.”

I leave them and do a check on my daughter. After tucking her leg back under the covers, I brush my hand over her hair. Matteo and I were best friends who made this amazing little girl. I will always love him for that reason alone. When he died, I grieved, but I carried on. Juan killed Matteo. I’m certain of it. The thought of him killing Puma terrifies me. I know in my heart that if I ever lost Puma. I wouldn’t survive.

CHAPTER NINETEEN: PUMA

My first stop is Spark’s office.

“Still looking into the attack on Sal’s driver.” He tells me. “We have a video of the incident, but we can’t see the attacker’s face. He keeps his back to the camera. But I think they knew each other.” He shows me the video and I see what he means. The driver greeted his attacker. He seemed surprised to see him, but not afraid. Not until the pipe comes down on his head.

I nod. “Send Sal the video. Maybe he can recognize the attacker. I also need you to sweep my office for bugs. Sweep the common room and anywhere else Sal’s guards may have accessed.”

He stands and grabs a device off a nearby table. “I can do that. But I scanned your office, the common room, and the restrooms after they left.”

I grin at him. “Damn. Now I know why I keep you around.”

He snorts. “I’ll do it again, doesn’t hurt to double check. And you keep me around so I can shield you from all that pussy. Don’t want to piss Alisa off.”

I shake my head. Spark does fine with the ladies, but he’s not the one I’d turn to help deflect pussy. Most of the time, he only gets laid because the girls hunt him down. He’s the type of guy who needs an Old Lady. One who makes sure he eats and gets sleep. Fuck, maybe he just needs a mommy.

After he checks my office for bugs and calls the all clear. I close the door to make a call. Dante answers on the second ring.

“Puma. Problem?”

“Don’t know.” I fill him in on what Diego said about Sal being in Chicago for a meeting. “I don’t think Sal is involved with Standish, but if he is…” I trail off.

“We need to know.” Dante finishes. “We’ve spent some time with our guests and have a list of those with the special invitation to the sex club for that night. Sal isn’t on it. Chrome has been doing some digging on his end, as well. I’ll patch him in and see if he’s found anything that says differently.” A few minutes later, Chrome, the President of the Chicago chapter, comes on the line.

“Dante, my man. How’s the Old Lady and her crew?” Chrome asks.

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