Page 169 of Possession

“It’s official: Brax Cruz is officially a whipped man. Welcome to the club,” Carson announces.

I frown. “Get the fucking ping running and find him before the Jackals do.”

“We’re on it. I’ll have them bring Spencer to a room for you too,” Tim says and stalks out.

Carson follows, but not before he winks at me and nods approvingly.

Freak.

“I’ll hang with Landyn,” Micah says. “Kiss her ass and stuff, for what happened in New York.”

Landyn holds up a finger as she leaves a voicemail. “Rocco, it’s Landyn. Look, you have to come back. At least call me—let me explain. I’m so worried about you. Please call.”

“Keep the phone, just in case,” I say. “Stay with Micah while I talk to Spencer.”

“Come on,” Micah says. “I’ll buy you a cup of coffee.”

40

OFFER

Brax

I’m waiting when the door opens.

Spencer is wearing the same clothes from yesterday when he spoke in code to urge us out of the house.

He pauses for a moment to stare at me, but then moves across the table.

Ever the professional and gentleman, just like he has been for the two years we worked around each other. I was the liar about my job and true identity.

Spencer sits, and I look up at the agents. “Thanks. I’ll take it from here.”

“We’ll be in the next room. Just say the word.”

I look back at the man across from me but speak to the agents. “I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine. Spencer and I have an understanding.”

The agents shut the door and leave.

Spencer leans back in his chair. He’s always put together, but not now. He’s rumpled and looks like he can use a shower. “We have an understanding?”

I ignore his question. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten here before now. I’ve been waiting on something before I talk to you.”

Spencer stares at me, but it’s not like the shitshow yesterday with Rocco. He’s controlled as he studies me.

What a difference three decades can make.

“I knew you were different,” he admits. “But I never expected this. I never thought anyone would be good enough to infiltrate the Marino family. You managed to do the impossible.”

I don’t agree because he confirms what I already know. “You’ve been in custody, so let me catch you up. My name is Braxton Cruz. If this goes the way I want it to, you can call me Brax. I’m a special agent with the DEA.”

“The DEA.” He shakes his head in disbelief.

“The Marino organization north of the border is no more. Assets are frozen. Properties have been seized. And everyone—I’m talking the Deckers, the Albas, the Jackals, and beyond—are in custody. We’ve taken control of the Jackals tunnel to Mexico. Alamandos is on the run, but we’ll find him.”

I watch him listen to the series of events from the last twenty-four hours. He has no job and no protection. I’m sure he expects to be extradited for being in the U.S. illegally.

“It’s a lot, and those are just the basics. If you have questions, I’ll answer what I can, but I’d rather get down to business. You and I have things to discuss.”

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