Page 15 of Love Bleeds Red
And just like that, Cruz turns white as a sheet. “You come back here and want to poke the hornet’s nest day one? I’ve heard of them. Bad news. Not something you want to get mixed up in.”
I’m getting impatient, but bite back the harsh words that are bursting to come out. “I know, trust me on that. I need something, Cruz. Anything.”
Another train rumbles overhead, and dust falls from the ceiling, landing on the sticky table. “I haven’t heard much but I know they’re not what they say. The company has some bad dealings. The owner, Orlov, has ties in East London. Might’ve had a client not too long ago that got stiffed and asked me to do a little digging. Problem is, he keeps it air tight.”
“I know,” I say with a sigh. “Bastard’s been hard to crack.”
“There’s his charity organization. Office is in some posh building in Canary Wharf. I’d start there. I’ve heard they host parties. I bet your father?—”
I put my hand up to stop him. “I’m not involving my father.”
He shrugs. “Just a suggestion. Anyway, last I heard, he’s got this group of rich blokes from all over the world involved in this charity. All of them squeaky clean when I dug in, but there must be more to it.”
My fist clenches around my glass.The Brotherhood.That must be what he’s talking about. “What kind of charity?”
“Tell me more about this missing girl,” he asks. “She’s American?” I ignore his question.
“Any names of people who might be more directly involved? Someone who would know more details?” He rubs his chin, like he’s thinking of a measured response.
“Like I said, there’s the charity office. Might try there.” Cruz leans forward, lowering his voice again. “I don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into, but whatever it is, be careful. These trafficking networks have connections everywhere. Police, government, you name it.”
You have no idea.
“I can handle myself,” I say instead.
Cruz laughs. “Yeah, I bet America’s made you hard, hasn’t it? I remember when you were just a skinny hacker afraid of your own shadow. Now look at you. I bet you could win some real money at The Irons.”
I shake my head. “Haven’t heard that name for a long time.”
“I can get you in. I know a guy.” His eyes gleam and he looks exactly like the teenage mischief maker I’ve known for years. He gestures to the bartender for another round.
“You mean Tank? Pretty sure she remembers me.” I scratch my chin, giving him a hard time before adding, “I’ll think about it.” Fighting at The Irons didn’t work out too well for me last time, but Cruz is right. I have gotten stronger. Plus, I’ve got a good deal of pent up rage to release being back here. Physical pain to overpower the guilt of failing her may be what I need.
The bartender puts two fresh pints on the table and Cruz immediately grabs his. “I know who I’ve got my money on.” He sips, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You. I see that look in your eyes… Scary, man. Like a killer.”
He laughs at his joke, not knowing how true his words are.
“I need to go,” I say, placing my full beer on the table and standing up.
“I mean it, Colter. Be careful. And if you need backup?—”
I grab a few bills out of my wallet and drop them on the table. “I’ve got backup, but thanks for the offer.”
He nods, and drops his gaze to the bills. “Still a vault, huh? Some things never change.”
“Take care of your wife,” I say, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll be in touch.”
I can feel his eyes on my back as I walk out of the pub. I feel bad for being an ass, but I refuse to get Cruz tangled up in this mess. At least I got something out of him. Less than I’d hoped for, but it’s a start.
A light drizzle falls from the sky as I make my way back to the tube. I pull the collar of my leather jacket up to ward off the chill in the air. My mind is already working on a plan. Check out this charity, see where it leads me. It’s not much, but anything helps. In the meantime, I’ll continue to monitor everything on Mech Express. If Ivan Orlov is here, I’ll find out, and emptying his accounts will be the least of his worries.
Tilting my face to the dark sky, I make a silent promise to her.Soon, Firefly. I’m coming for you.
BAILEY - JUNE 1ST
I’m so exhausted but I have to get this down before I pass out.
Leon came in to work tonight. I was halfway embarrassed because working at Burger Palace isn’t exactly glamorous, thank you grease-stained apron, but also it’s a job and I make decent tips so can’t complain. It was right in the middle of the dinner rush. I looked up and there he was, sitting at the corner booth with his laptop like he’d owned the place. My heart literally skipped but I don’t think it showed on my face. I hope.
