Heart of the Devil

by Ali Vali

  “We’ll find him, but it’ll be easier to just find Callie and Boone.” Billy parked one last time so they could use one of the large SUVs the feds were used to seeing. “You think they’re working with someone else?”

  “That’s why I’d like to talk to them. If they give me the chance, I’ll show them the same hot time we gave Big Chief.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The house was too quiet as Callie walked down the hallway to the kitchen for her morning coffee. It had been too quiet for too long, so Harold came to mind again. Harold was always around, so eager to please, or at least a phone call away, but he’d disappeared. She’d sent Harold and JJ to take care of the unbending old man with the corner grocery, and that’d been the last time she’d seen either of them.

  She tried Harold’s number again, but it went immediately to voicemail. After the beep prompted her to leave a message, she said, “Where the hell are you?”

  Boone’s door was open, but she wasn’t worried about him since she’d spoken to him at midnight. He’d found some bitch to spend the night with, he’d said, then was headed to Rick’s Café to meet with his crew. It didn’t thrill her that he’d decided on such a public location, so she hoped no one paid attention.

  The house phone rang, and she found herself hoping it was Harold. “Yeah?”

  “Today at eleven. Don’t be late. The man wants a face-to-face.”

  After the short message the phone went dead. They were making a lot more money, but she was starting to get the impression she was a trained seal expected to perform on a whim. “Hey,” she said when Boone answered, sounding groggy. “We have a command performance at eleven, so skip Rick’s and meet me here.”

  “What now?”

  “The guy who called didn’t go into specifics. Don’t make us late,” she said, ending the call so she could get the door. She opened it to Ryan Douglas, another one of their crew. “Have you heard from him or found him?”

  “It’s weird, Boss.” Ryan came in and locked the door behind him. He was tall and muscled to the point Callie thought he had a steroid problem. “He took JJ with him to see that Mendel guy, and he’s like smoke in a high wind. We drove by there and the place’s open, so I don’t even know if Harold made it over there.”

  “Nothing was different?” She started the coffee and pulled the tie on her robe tighter. Ryan seemed to be staring at her ass when she turned around, which was brave.

  “People from the neighborhood coming and going like usual, so nothing seemed off to me.”

  Her robe was made of a satiny material, and he seemed to be enjoying the way it clung to her body. “Did you send some guys like I asked?” She leaned back against the counter, making the robe pull tight against her breasts.

  “That’s all we been doing, but no one saw nothing. If something went down, it was a good cleanup.”

  “I guess Harold’s dead and whoever did it got JJ too.” She walked up to him and put her hand on his crotch. From the feel of him, maybe he wasn’t juiced up. It was going to be a long, stressful day, so maybe Boone had the right idea. A good fuck would relax her. Ryan appeared almost shocked by her straightforwardness.

  “You okay, Callie?”

  “You turning me down?” She squeezed harder, and he took a deep breath as he sat up straighter. “I didn’t think so, and this is just about fucking, so don’t get any cute ideas.”

  She led him to her bedroom and dropped her robe while he shed his pants and boots. He lay down when she pointed to the bed and climbed on top of him. No way would she ever be pinned by another man, and this position prevented any kissing.

  They were done and dressed by the time Boone made it home to shower and change. Since Ryan was still there, he drove them to their meeting, but Boone told him to wait outside.

  “What the fuck am I paying you two for?” Giovanni “Big Gino” Bracato screamed when they were led into his office.

  “What do you mean?” Boone asked, his voice tight and controlled. One move against this fat fucker and they’d never make it out alive, but any more bullshit, and Boone appeared ready to take his chances.

  “Big Chief’s place burned down last night with that stupid fucker inside. I thought you said he was working with you?”

  “He’s dead?” Callie hated asking the question since she realized it made her sound like some dumbass punk deaf and blind to what was happening on the streets. “If he is, we didn’t have anything to do with it.”

  “He’s fucking dead, and he was your fucking responsibility, so you might as well have pulled the trigger.” Big Gino pounded his desk and spit over the surface as he spoke. “You might use this to our advantage, though, and threaten some of those other people with the same thing. Tell them there’s a fire waiting if they don’t get with the program.”

  “We’ll start with the next weakest link and build from there,” she said. “It didn’t take that long to flip Big Chief.”

  “You got another week to finish a block,” Big Gino said, lowering his voice as if for effect.

  “We get too heavy-handed and someone’s gonna call the cops,” Boone said.

  “You come down hard enough and no one’s calling for help. You’re big enough to make them all understand that, so just do it.”

  They left and glanced at each other over the car. “What do you think he’s going to do if we don’t deliver?” Boone asked.

  “Try and wipe us out, but we haven’t made it this long by bowing to guys like that. He comes after us and we’ll hit him hard. That’s what guys like Big Gino understand.”

  “Let’s hope he understands, because nobody wins if we have to try to take each other out.”

  “Big Gino’s talking tough because he knows what we’ve done for him, and he’s going to use it against us before we can return the favor.” She held Boone’s hand as they took off. “He’s got to know, though, that what we did for him needs to stay quiet for both our sakes. That’s a secret we all need to take to the grave.”

  * * *

  The peeling paint on the bench in front of Emma’s building was noticeable since Cain felt the rough edges through her pants as she sat waiting. The unkempt appearance seemed to be prevalent throughout the entire building. She flicked a piece off her knee as she wondered how long Emma would be. They’d spoken that morning and Emma had said she’d be home by eleven, but it was fifteen after.

  In a totally uncharacteristic move, she’d walked through the French Market to shop for flowers before going to Emma’s. The elderly woman who’d helped her had recommended the bouquet next to her on the bench, so she carried them away, probably confusing the fed trailing her. It was only fair since she was a little confused about all this herself.

  She saw Emma turn the corner and smiled when she started walking faster. The happy expression on Emma’s face made her glad she’d stopped for the sappy gift.

  “Hey.” Emma dropped her bag on the bench and put her arms around her neck when she stood. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

  “It was too nice a day to be inside, so here I am.” She handed over the bouquet of sunflowers, now thinking the roses like she’d brought before would’ve been a better choice.

  “Oh, my God,” Emma said with a beautiful smile. “Ever since I was little I’ve grown these every spring and summer. They’ve always been my favorites since they make me happy. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, and I’m glad, since you make me happy.”

  Emma really brightened and kissed her again. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. I seldom kid,” she said, trying not to laugh.

  “You’re so funny.” Emma pulled her toward the front door. “Let me put these in water and drop my stuff inside.”

  “If you’re not tired, let’s take a walk and have lunch.”

  Emma hugged her for the suggestion and almost shyly handed over her bag to carry up.

  “Do I need to change?” Emma asked, but she stayed right outside the door when they got to t
he apartment.

  “You’re fine, so take your time.”

  She watched Emma comb her hair back and pull it into a tie. She’d had plenty of women in her life, but this was so new to her. Emma was either a good actress, or she really was this fresh, untouched beauty who had completely captivated her.

  The phone rang and Emma seemed ready to ignore it.

  “Go ahead. I’m not in a hurry.”

  “Hello,” Emma said, and her face became a mask of misery. Her expression was so pained that Cain wanted to go in and hold her, so she did. “I lost my job, so I had to find another one so I could stay and finish.”

  Standing this close to Emma, she could hear the woman on the other end. “Why am I just hearing about this?”

  “Because I’ve been busy with my new job, and I have a full course load this semester. I haven’t had time to phone, so I’m sorry you found out by calling the bookstore.”

  “Emma, don’t take that tone with me. Every moment you stay in that pit, the more likely we’ll lose you to the devil himself.”

  “Mama, all I want is an education, so I’m working to get one.” Emma leaned back against her so she tightened her hold. “I haven’t asked you or Daddy for anything, so that should make you happy.”

  “You’re an ungrateful child, Emma. I didn’t allow you to use any of our money because I wouldn’t be part of the mistake of sending you there.”

  “I know you don’t agree with what I want, but I’m going to do whatever I have to so I can finish.” Emma’s voice was soft, as if she was mortified this was happening. She could see and feel the heat of Emma’s blush, so she pressed a kiss to Emma’s temple. “All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be proud of me,” Emma whispered.

  “No. All you’ve ever wanted was to get away from what you know is best for you.”

  “Believe what you want, but I really don’t want to argue about it. I’ll call you and Daddy soon.” Emma slowly put the phone down and exhaled loudly. “I’m sorry you had to be here for that.”

  “Don’t apologize for something that’s not your fault. You shouldn’t feel bad for saying the things you said, as long as they’re true.” She turned Emma around, and the tears tracking down Emma’s cheeks drove her to want to make Emma feel better. “Never apologize for standing up for yourself, especially if what you’re doing is right.”

  “I try my best, but I’m never going to be what she wants.”

  She combed Emma’s hair back and framed her face with her hands. “Maybe you should ask yourself what you want.”

  Emma peered up at her and seemed almost pained. “I never—”

  The way Emma stopped made her think she was somewhat lost in her own life and didn’t know how to ask for what would make her the happiest. She wanted new things, but she was still walking the maze of pain her mother had made for her. “We don’t know each other well yet, but maybe we need to stop running and take a look around as to where we are. Blinders can keep the pain out, but they keep you from seeing everything else too. We both carry our unique set of problems, but together we can work through them.”

  “You make it sound so easy.” Emma slid her hands up Cain’s arms until they were on her shoulders.

  “It can be as easy as telling me what you want. Forget about pleasing anyone but yourself for once.”

  “I want this,” Emma whispered. “It’s new, and I hope you don’t mind that I don’t have a lot of experience, but you’re what I want.”

  “Then forget the rest for now, and let’s concentrate on that.” She kissed Emma, and some of her well-built defenses fell away. The sensation was liberating.

  “Thank you for all that.” Emma hugged her and sounded happy again.

  “Come on. You’ll feel better with some food in you.”

  They walked down St. Charles Avenue to the Magnolia Grille. The old New Orleans favorite only had a lunch counter, but Cain liked the simplicity of the menu and the waiters with their unique form of entertainment.

  Emma seemed to like the banter and the singing, so the lost hours of work were worth it to Cain. “Do you want to split a piece of pie?”

  “I’d love to but you pick.”

  “Are you an apple fan?”

  Emma nodded, so she ordered and pointed to the guy preparing their piece. He cleaned the grill, dropped a hunk of butter onto it, and placed the slice in the melted pool it made. Once it was crispy on both sides, he plated it and put ice cream on it.

  “Everything on the plate except the butter is homemade.”

  “You’re dangerous to me fitting in my jeans,” Emma said, then hummed when she took a bite.

  “That’s okay. I’d rather you be out of them.” She smiled when Emma blushed and slapped the side of her arm.

  “You like keeping me off balance, don’t you?” Emma scooped up more pie and fed it to her.

  “We’re even then, since you’re doing the same thing to me, but I can’t wait for you to keep me on my best behavior as we navigate all this.”

  They finished and walked back so she could leave Emma safely at home. She would’ve taken the day off, but she had some appointments to keep. Besides, she hadn’t held someone’s hand this much since grade school.

  “Will I see you tonight?” Emma asked as Cain unlocked her door.

  “I’ve got a thing, but I’m all yours after that.” She pressed Emma against her door and kissed the side of her neck. “What would you like to do?”

  “Can we go somewhere quiet so we can talk?”

  “We can do that, so finish your homework and I’ll call you later,” she said. She’d never expected to say that again after high school.

  Emma grabbed her lapels as she started to move away, but that’s as bold as she seemed to be as she clung to her. She kissed Emma, making her moan when she took possession of Emma’s mouth. Emma’s response turned her on, but Emma caught her hand as it crept too close to her breast.

  “You’re killing me, but I’ll call you later so you can torture me some more.”

  * * *

  Cain opened her eyes when the car stopped inside her warehouse, her daydreams abruptly ending. Lou had picked up Paul Sardine and driven him in the car with the darkest tinted windows they owned. Paul had been in a few of her classes at Tulane, and they’d reached an agreement back then.

  Paul’s brother Victor ran their legitimate business, but without Paul’s side, they wouldn’t be living the rich lifestyle they had grown accustomed to as children when their father and uncle ran the business in the exact same way. Her father had agreed to this arrangement before his death, but she’d given him her word that she’d talk to the Liam brothers first. Even Dalton had figured there’d be no compromise once Roger Liam retired.

  She had trusted Paul from the very beginning of their friendship, and he’d sounded eager when she’d called the month before. She smiled when she saw him standing by the office entrance waiting for her.

  “You look good, old friend,” Paul said, pulling her into a bear hug. He was six inches shorter than she was, but she hadn’t forgotten his affectionate nature. “My family has kept you in our prayers, considering what happened. Your father was a good man, and he raised exceptional children.”

  “Thanks, Paul, and you were always too generous with the compliments.” She led him to the conference room and poured them a drink. “Are you and Victor enjoying your time at the helm?”

  “My little brother and Papa keep preaching about the work, so it’s cut out all my fun. Your call almost sent both of them into a nirvana-like euphoria. We do well, but partnering with you will triple our business.” After Paul downed the whiskey in one gulp, he got up and poured the next one. “Are you sure about the numbers?”

  “We don’t do much business with the Liams, but I want to expand as well, so you lucked out that you’ll be filling my orders going forward. The only way to strengthen my position is to open new territory, and I’m working toward that.”

  He nodded and finished his sec
ond drink. “I want the business, but only if you and your family are going to be okay.” Paul was so full of nervous energy that he sometimes reminded her of a windup toy.

  “We’ll be fine as long as we don’t have any kinks along the way. Neither of us can afford any on-the-job training or problem-solving once we start.”

  He offered her a third drink, but she waved him off.

  “I’ve already mapped out our routes and gone over them with Muriel enough times that I dream about them.”

  “Muriel is even more fanatical about the rules than I am, but you’ll thank her when you start spending the money,” she said, making him rub his hands together and laugh.

  “I might need some of that money for a wedding,” he said, covering his eyes with his hands. “Can you believe I finally met someone I’m willing to leave bachelorhood for?”

  “More like I can’t believe you found some willing soul to put up with you.” She stood and shook his hand. “Tell me about it.”

  “It happens to the best of us, so don’t think you’re immune. One day you meet one who you can’t get out of your head, and before you really think it over, she’s living in your house cutting things out of bridal magazines and taking up tons of room in your closet. It helps that her family is sort of in the same business. They’ve owned a high-end whiskey distillery for years.” He shivered, as if thinking about it, but his smile never faltered. “You have to swear to me you’ll come.”

  “When is this happy occasion?” she asked, wondering if Paul’s mind wasn’t a bit muddled to cut such a big deal with her and not miss something along the way.

  “In six months, and you can quit worrying,” he said as if reading her thoughts. “Victor’s nowhere ready to get married, so he’s reviewed everything I’ve done. I’d never leave you hanging or exposed, Cain. You can trust me.”

  “I know, and I promise to be there, wherever that might be.”

  “Don’t worry about that either. We wouldn’t send you into the frozen tundra of Canada in winter. Daphne agreed to move the party to Bermuda so we could thaw out.”