Page 136 of Hunt Me
“People disappear all the time in Vegas, Mayor. I’m certain you’ve heard.”
“Yes, well, I thought you’d like to know.”
“I appreciate the heads-up. What about Bristol’s involvement?”
“While I wasn’t thrilled how she handled the situation with the victim, I understand. As far as the police are concerned, the evidence speaks for itself. She won’t be named or brought forth as a witness. You can thank Jack Wagner for that.”
For the first time, his eyes twinkled. “I’m impressed.” And I was. The man had more guts than I’d given him credit for.
His laugh was labored. “Some dogs can learn new tricks. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t breathe a word of this to anyone. However, Bristol is aware.”
“Now, I’m curious. Have you tried to convince her to return to the special commission?”
“No, since I’m no longer going to be involved.”
Another news flash. The man was full of them.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning I think it’s time that I retire and pay for my sins. After the indictments are in place, I’m going to turn myself in to the proper authorities. I crossed several lines over the years and canno longer justify my actions. If there’s one thing I learned after this exercise in organized crime it’s that I’m getting too old to play the game. Do me a favor and don’t tell Bristol my plans. I’ve already made arrangements with the chief of police to handle my arrest. He’s going to do so the night after the charity event.”
I honestly had no idea what to say. “I think Bristol will be proud of you.”
“I hope so and I hope one day she can forgive me. I was once her hero. At least she’s found someone who can easily take my place. Take care of my daughter, Mikhail. Just like you did before.”
I’d heard the saying revenge was best served cold. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t agree, but in the case of dealing with Tristen, the saying was apt. I’d called in a few favors of my own, including having a chat with the chief of police.
Deals were a daily activity in any corporation and utilizing everyone who could influence the outcome of such important decisions was vital.
I’d learned the art of making a deal in my twenties, perfecting doing so in my early thirties. Now that I controlled a billion-dollar empire and a powerful Russian Bratva, I also realized biding my time was in my best interest.
In the case of Tristen O’Shaughnessy, that’s what I would do. Even if I preferred putting a bullet in his brain.
The indictments would stand. The various cases against him and members of his organization would go to trial and they’d be convicted on multiple charges. For most, that would meanlengthy prison time. In an ordinary situation, that would end the concern about retaliatory actions, but not when members of the mafia were involved.
So, I needed to make a point and do so with clear intentions.
Tristen had arrived in town because of Connor’s arrest. Convenient. I had a feeling he’d been coerced by the very wise mayor of our beloved city.
I’d called in a favor with the authorities and had been allowed one last… meeting with Tristen.
Given I owned the town, I shadowed his moves for a full two days before heading into the hotel where he was staying.
The competition, of course.
As soon as I walked into the restaurant where he was enjoying lunch, his soldiers immediately jumped to their feet. They were trying to cut me off at the pass.
I opened my jacket, showing the goons protecting Tristen I had no weapons. There was no need.
“Let him pass,” Tristen barked.
The brigade of burly men only allowed a narrow passageway for me to pass, glaring at me the entire time as if their concept of intimidation would bother me.
Evidently, they didn’t know what I was capable of.
I pulled the chair out, sitting down as if I didn’t have a care in the world.
He continued eating, acting as if I was nothing but an annoyance. Finally, he pushed his plate away. “Are you here to gloat about Connor’s arrest?”
