Page 27 of Licence To Howl
‘Yes,’ he found himself replying. Then he looked away, annoyed with himself for the stark truth.
‘Would it bother you if I approached her for myself?’
Devereau spoke truthfully again. ‘Yes.’ He cleared his throat. ‘But I won’t interfere and it won’t change anything for me or for our deal. Like I said, I don’t mix business with pleasure.’
Christopher Solentino tapped the arm of his chair with his fingernail. ‘Hmm. I don’t see why. Personally speaking, I mix business with pleasure all the time.’ He smiled slowly. ‘I tell you what though. I won’t fuck your girl. I will, however, ask for something from you in return for not doing so.’
The man seemed convinced that Scarlett would fall into his damned bed just because he said so. Devereau forced his mouth to curve upwards and met Solentino’s eyes. ‘What’s that?’
‘That you kill her.’ He reached for a fat olive and popped it into his mouth.
Devereau was halfway out of his chair before he realised what he was doing. He sat back down again and schooled his expression into a bland mask. Solentino watched him with amusement.
‘She’s my business partner,’ he managed. ‘Why would I kill her?’
Solentino steepled his fingers under his chin and leaned forward. ‘I like you,’ he said. ‘Inasmuch as I like anyone, that is. You had balls coming here like you did. And,’ he added, without a single glance or gesture towards Mike Lancaster’s dead body, ‘my little organisation suddenly has an opening. From what I’ve learnt of you so far, you’re someone we can work with. From what I’ve learnt of Miss Cook, she’s someone I can’t.’
Devereau bit back the question which rose to his lips. Why? Why had he decided he couldn’t work with Scarlett? What had he found out? It couldn’t be her identity as the buyer of the Ring Of All Seasons. If that were the case, Solentino would be trying to kill them both. It had to be something else. ‘I’ve worked together with Scarlett before,’ he said carefully. ‘She’s someone who is trustworthy. And as a vampire she has considerable power.’
Solentino didn’t hesitate with his reply. ‘Her other loyalties indicate that she is not a good fit for us. You are a different story. Tell me, Mr Webb, how far are you really prepared to go to make decent money? I’m not talking about the sort of money that will buy you a nice holiday or a nice car. I’m not even talking about the sort of money that will pay off your mortgage. When I say decent amount of money I mean the sort that changes lives.’ He raised a single meaningful eyebrow. ‘For ever.’
Devereau kept his body language as relaxed and open as possible. ‘Go on.’
Solentino shook his head. ‘I can’t say any more. Not yet. Not until I know that you can truly be one of us.’ He picked up a knife from the table and toyed with it. ‘Prove your worth to me and kill your little vampire friend. She’s sexy and I like her but she has to go.’ He paused, his fingertip on the edge of the blade. ‘Unless your feelings for her are so strong that you cannot bear to end her life.’ He shrugged. ‘In which case, we shall part company with no hard feelings.’
It was a test. The worst kind of test. Devereau had no choice but to stall. He forced the tiniest smile to play around his mouth, giving the impression that he was truly considering Solentino’s proposal. ‘Am I permitted some thinking time?’
Something sparked in the other man’s eyes. ‘Sure. In fact, why don’t you and Miss Cook take the rest of the day off? You can both leave. I will ask you to return tomorrow morning. That should be enough time for those laxatives to take effect. Give me the ring and I’ll give you the money I have already agreed upon. One point five million euros. We shall shake hands and I will hope never to see you again. Alternatively, give me the ring and Miss Cook’s head and the world will be yours for the taking.’ Solentino ran the knife across the fleshy part of his own thumb, watching with some disinterest as beads of blood appeared. ‘It’s entirely your choice.’
‘Very well,’ Devereau said. ‘I suppose that will give me the night with Scarlett to enjoy first.’
Solentino suddenly grinned. ‘You are indeed a man after my own heart.’
* * *
Both Devereauand Scarlett were ejected onto the pavement outside Solentino’s apartment block. Devereau glanced towards the locking mechanism of the door as they were pushed out past it and smiled slightly to himself.
‘You’ve not shit yourself already, have you?’ Scarlett asked suspiciously. ‘How strong were those laxatives?’
‘Don’t worry about the ring,’ Devereau said cheerfully. ‘It’s not budged yet. Signore Solentino and I merely had a frank discussion about various matters and we’ve come to an understanding. There’s nothing for you to worry your pretty your little head about.’
Scarlett’s spine went rigid and she glared at him, rage spiking in her eyes. Then she suddenly relaxed, realising that he was concerned Solentino could still hear what they said. The windows above their heads were open. There was every reason to think their voices could drift upwards. ‘I deserve a little more respect than that, Dev,’ she bit out.
‘Let’s go to the hotel,’ he said, ‘and I’ll show you all the respect you deserve.’
Scarlett folded her arms. ‘That had better be a promise.’
He touched his heart. ‘I give you my solemn vow.’
They crossed the road and wandered down to the battered Fiat. Scarlett paused beside it, examining the lock. Devereau checked the passenger side. It looked clean. Then she unlocked the door and they both got in.
‘There’s no sign of tampering,’ she said quietly. ‘They didn’t peg the car as mine. We’re good.’
Devereau nodded. ‘Let’s get out of here and I’ll tell you what happened.’ His tone was grim.
Scarlett put the Fiat into gear and drove off. As soon as they rounded the corner, she started to shake her limbs vigorously. ‘Ugh. I’m going to need to scrub myself for hours to get rid of the taint of that man. What a fucker.’
‘You have no idea,’ Devereau said darkly. He glanced in the rear view mirror. There was a figure behind them on a motorbike. Their helmet was tinted so it was impossible to tell who it was. He was certain it was one of Solentino’s men, however. It might even be Alina. ‘I think we’re being followed. Head to the Hotel Condotti. I don’t want to raise any suspicions. Solentino already knew I was staying there so the hotel room may be compromised. We’ll have to be careful where we speak candidly.’
