Page 18 of The Enforcer

“I got you guys bagels and cake.”

“Is that from Yasukochi’s?” He sounded hopeful.

And who wouldn’t be? It was only San Fran’s best baker. “Yes, it is. Here you go.”

It was as if a silent alarm had gone off, because suddenly, she was surrounded by big, brawny men.

“Hola, bonita, I’m Cortez—”

“Afternoon, ma’am, I’m Beau. Can I have—”

Achilles pushed a few of the guys away. “Like bees to honey,” he muttered.

“There’s another one at the reception,” Mary whispered. “I used it to pay my entrance fee.”

Achilles chuckled. He was so much more approachable than Hector. Also, he was hot, in a big, blond, Viking-like way. She could see why Tommie was into him.

She went into Hector’s office, where she came face to face with Mr. Frowny Face.

“Hi. I brought you lunch, but I’m afraid Jess and your men confiscated it.” She plopped down on the seat in front of his desk.

Hector dropped the file he was reading. “They’re like locusts. Never bring food into the compound, unless you’re prepared to give it up.”

“Duly noted.”

“You seem more… chipper today,” he remarked.

“I am.” She leaned closer to him. “I learned from the CPS lady that Zoe’s uncle has opted out of being her guardian. Last night, while he was working in his garage, an accident happened. Get this. A car dropped on top of him, paralyzing him from the waist down.”

“Really?” Hector said, sounding only moderately interested.

“Yup. It’s unsure if he’s ever going to walk again, though the predictions are bleak.”

“I’m glad it worked out that way.”

“I know it’s not nice to wish bad stuff to happen to people, but I’m kind of glad it happened. Of course, this doesn’t mean the judge will automatically appoint me as Zoe’s guardian, but knowing that she won’t fall in the hands of that monster, I’ll sleep better at night.”

Also, with him out of the picture, it increases your chances with Zoe.

That’s a horrible thing to think!

Doesn’t make it any less true.

She internally rolled her eyes at the opportunistic part of her brain.

Even with Zoe’s uncle out of the equation, she still had a lot of ground to cover to be an eligible candidate. She had to look trustworthy and stable. Changing her marital status was an imperative step into the right direction.

It was time for Act Two.

She took out the stack of papers from her bag. “I’ve been going over the files of your men all night. Thanks, by the way, for wanting to help me out with making the right choice.” She pointed at a cute-looking guy. “What about this one? I think he would make beautiful babies.”

Hector stiffened. “Why in the fuck would that matter? You’re only looking for a marriage of convenience, right?”

She shrugged, a finger trailing her bottom lip. “I don’t know. A girl has needs, you know. And he is kind of hot and, well, who knows what might happen if—”

“He hates children.”

“He does? That seems kind of harsh.”

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