Page 79 of Raul
“That’s the problem,” Raul said with a grimace. “She’s in prison for life with no hope of parole. We’ve impounded all the assets Quinn was able to find. All her communication with the outside world has been cut off or is closely monitored. She knows her rights as a prisoner, so we can’t use permanent solitary confinement to frighten her.”
“What about her comfort? Worse food? A crappy mattress? Nasty-smelling soap that dries out her skin?”
“You are diabolical.” Raul’s eyes widened before he turned thoughtful. After a moment, he shook his head. “As tempting as those are, I would not stoop so low.”
“You’re a better person than I am,” Erica said. “I would want to make her life a living hell.”
“Believe me, I do.” Raul shifted in his chair. “However, I have learned through hard experience that when you lower yourself to your adversary’s level, you get dirt on your soul. It’s almost never worth it. Honestly, I don’t think such minor inconveniences would deter Odette when she is set on destruction.”
“So, no obvious way to punish her,” Erica mused.
“That was my conclusion.” Raul drummed his fingers on his knee. “The alternative is to offer her something she wants, but it must stay within the parameters of her imprisonment.”
Erica set her empty beer bottle on the small table that stood between their chairs. “Would you like another—wait!” she exclaimed. “You said Odette times her persecutions right before important events.”
“To cause maximum disruption of everyone’s lives,” Raul said bitterly.
“Certainly that, but she also does it to draw your attention when you least want to give it to her. She needs you to focus on her.” Excitement made her lean toward him. “Maybe someone from your family could agree to visit her occasionally. Think of how powerful that would make her feel! Dragging a royal intoher jail cell. It could work like a safety valve bleeding off her hatred, to keep it from building to an explosion when you can’t control it.”
“Not her cell.” Raul made a moue of distaste. “The meetings are held in the warden’s office.”
Erica waved a hand at the quibble. “Just getting one of you to the prison is enough. And it gives you leverage. If she doesn’t behave, you stop the visits.” The more she thought about it, the more she thought it could work.
“That feels like rewarding Odette for her threats when she should be punished.”
“We’ve established that she’s at the maximum acceptable punishment, so what’s the alternative?” Erica gave him a direct look.
Raul twisted the dragon claw ring on his finger. “Have you ever been to CárcelMax?”
“I try to stay out of jail,” Erica said in a wry tone.
“For all that it’s a modern prison, it’s a grim place. The people incarcerated there are the worst of Caleva.” Raul swallowed.
She remembered what he had said earlier. “It gets dirt on your soul?”
“Something like that.” He twisted the ring one more time. “But if it keeps Odette from tormenting my family, I will do it.”
“Is there someone you could take turns with?” He looked so unhappy that she wanted to help him.
“No!” He sat up straight in his chair. “This is my duty.”
Dios,she wanted to wrap her arms around him and tell him he didn’t have to take on every burden for his family. But she wouldn’t allow herself to touch him, much less hug him. Instead, she jumped up. “We need more beer now.”
“Gracias.”He tilted his head back to look up at her, the angles of his face softening. “I knew you would find an answer.”
“It’s only an answer if it works.” She turned away from the longing to lay her palm against his cheek and went to the fridge.
“It will work.” His voice was certain. “You spotted a weakness when no one else could.”
“I hope I’m right about it.” Returning with the open bottles, she handed him one and clinked hers against it. “To muzzling Odette.” They both drank and she sat. “When will you go see her?”
“Tomorrow morning.” He took a large gulp. “And after that, I have a rehearsal for the wedding. From viciousness to joy. Such a contrast.”
God, she hoped her suggestion helped Raul shut down the horrible woman. She didn’t want Gabriel’s happiness marred by the terrible events from his past. “Does Gabriel know about Odette’s latest?”
“No, and I plan to keep it that way.” Raul’s gaze settled on her face. “Are you flying tomorrow?”
“Every day until the wedding. It’s one of Gabriel’s ways to thank the musicians who’ve played at DragonFest.” If only it kept her busy enough to stop remembering all the ways she’d touched and been touched by the man sitting next to her.
