Dirty Dealers

by Tia Louise

  “Kass went to the bathroom and took forever to come back.” She gives my lips a suspicious glance. “When she got back, her skin was red and blotchy.”

  I clear my throat. “What did she say?”

  “She said she was having an allergy attack and left.”

  My brow knits. “That’s it?”

  “Well…” Ava is studying me, and I know she’s smart. If I give anything away, she’ll demand answers. Rowan will have my head. “Her brother disappeared mysteriously. Then she got a text.”

  “From who?” I’m headed to where Cameron’s guards were stationed earlier with Ava right behind me. Rex is there alone, and I signal for him to come to me.

  “I’m sorry, sir.” He looks down. “Stefano had gone to the loo, and I… I was…”

  “What were you doing?” My voice is lower, a bit more sinister.

  “I looked away.” He glances to the side where a busty redhead is swaying to the music. She looks over her shoulder and waves at us, and I have to fight my urge to grab him by the collar.

  “Did anybody see anything?”

  Stefano returns to where we’re standing. He’s breathless and sweat lines the dark hair at his temples. It’s the one thing that brings me down a notch. He’d better be sweating.

  “His band mate said one of the delivery guys needed help. Last he saw, Cameron was following a fellow out to a lorry.”

  “Why the hell would he do that?” Rex snaps. “He’s the fucking front man for the band!”

  If Cameron is captured, I have no idea what Kass will do to save him. This time panic squeezes my chest. “He’s young and friendly. They could have told him anything.” I can’t waste time here. I’ve got to get to Kass. “See what you can find out about that truck. Report back to me or Freddie.”

  I turn and Ava’s so close, I have to catch her arms. “Your majesty.”

  She arches an eyebrow, and I’m pretty sure she knows this is more than a casual situation. “I’ll return to the palace with Hajib. See what you can find out and let me know.”

  “I’ll escort you to the car.”

  Hajib has been a longtime driver for the royal family, and he easily doubles as a guard. He’s thick and stocky and served in the Moroccan military.

  A strobe of camera flashes blind us as soon as we exit the café. Paparazzi are a fact of life for the royal family, and I hold out my arm, blocking her from them with my body.

  She’s in the car, and I lean down, speaking to Hajib. “Take her straight to the palace.” He nods, and I straighten, ready to close the door.

  Ava’s hand shoots out and stops it. “I want to know she’s safe. Text me when you find her.”

  “I will.” She relents, and I slam the door.

  I’m of little importance in the entertainment world, so as the car moves slowly away, the photographers move with it. For the first time, I’m not so annoyed by their presence. They’re another layer of protection tonight, and Hajib won’t be reckless or put Ava’s life in danger. He’ll deliver her safely to their destination.

  That matter settled, I’m racing down the alley, headed to my bike.

  Kass is in her apartment alone when I secretly climb the fire escape to check on her. The noise of her crying rips my heart, and I want to go inside, take her in my arms and comfort her. The only thing holding me back is the king’s order to wait. To see if Blix comes to her or if she goes to him.

  She’s not sobbing or breaking down, but every few moments, she slides her palm across her cheek, wiping away a new flood of tears. As much as it hurts me, I steel my emotions. We’ve got to find out what she knows.

  I’ve never been more frustrated with Rowan in the history of my career as a guard. Still, I can’t jeopardize the case.

  Freddie texted me shortly after I arrived. They’re searching for her brother. His friends had to improvise their final set. They’re pissed, but they’re also worried.

  The consensus is he never does this, Freddie texts. Even the girl he’s been sleeping with is worried.

  Keep me posted, is all I reply.

  Based on what I’m seeing, how Kass is acting, I’m convinced Blix is behind this. Dammit, I swear in my mind. If I could only be sure she would work with us. Instead, I watch helpless as she walks around her apartment hugging her torso when she’s not wiping away tears. I won’t leave her. I won’t let her do anything dangerous without me here to save her.

  For the second night in a row, I have to lean back in the darkness and breathe through my urges. Last night I had to listen to her confess she loves me. Tonight I struggle against going in there and taking matters into my own hands.

  The night wears on, and I start to nod. My phone buzzes, and it’s the king. Come in. I’ve sent Freddie to watch her while you sleep.

  My jaw clenches, and the last thing I want to do is leave. Leaning forward, I can see her cheek in the light of the streetlamp. It’s no longer shining with tears, but a line pierces her forehead. She’s stressed and it makes me worry.

  I can stay, I text back.

  You can’t help her if you’re exhausted.

  Leaning my head against the brick wall, I know he’s right. Two nights in a row is too long for me to remain sharp. I have to trust Freddie won’t let her out of his sight until I return. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I follow orders.

  Ava meets me in the back foyer when I arrive at the palace. She’s still wearing what she had on at the café. Her arms are crossed, and she’s clearly angry.

  “I’ve been waiting for your text,” she says.

  It’s the first time I remembered what she said when we parted. “I’m sorry.” I do a little bow. “I was distracted, and I forgot.”

  “Distracted? Weren’t you sitting and watching her?”

  “Physically, that’s what I was doing.” She’s the queen, but she’s still pissing me off right now. “I was also plotting out all the possible scenarios of what could go wrong and how to address them.”

  She lets out a heavy sigh and sits on the bench lining the wall. “If Zee had gotten a text like that and I was missing…” She doesn’t finish. She only shakes her head side to side as if to say no.

  It’s everything I already know and why I was so hesitant to leave her tonight. “When you were with her, did you see anything unusual?”

  Ava shoves a tangle of dark waves behind her ear and studies the floor in front of her. Then she shakes her head no.

  Her response tings my instincts. “Try to remember. Anything could be a clue.”

  She only shakes her head again. “It was just the usual club crowd.” Pushing against her legs, she stands with a deep sigh. “I’m going to sleep now… but I want to see her. She’s my friend, and I want to help.”

  All the reasons she should stay here, especially now cloud my tired brain. “You need to stay put. If Rowan suspected that you put yourself in danger—”

  Her aqua eyes flash. “I only said I was going to see her. I’ll take my new guard.”

  Exhaustion is winning. Stepping back, I do a little bow. “I’m going to rest for five hours.”

  “Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  I don’t like the dare in her voice, but I have to let the king worry about her for now. Rowan is right. I need to rest.

  A Plan

  Kass

  “I read the text.” Ava’s crisp tone cuts through my tired mind.

  I have no idea what time it is. I didn’t even bother changing out of my gown when she called to say she was out on the street at my door. I only knew I had to get her inside.

  “What text?” My voice is thick.

  I’m surprised I even slept last night. After Blix left, I had been overwhelmed by despair and fear. I can only see my little brother bound in a dark warehouse. I can hear the screams of the tortured men. The memories have my eyes heating with tears again, and I thought I’d cried them all away last night.

  “You know what text.” She pushes past me into my room
.

  I turn, closing the door and leaning against it. “You shouldn’t be here. You need to stay at the palace where it’s safe.”

  “Because what’s happening has something to do with me.”

  I’m awake enough to start acting. “Ava, you’re the queen, but not everything is about you.”

  She presses on. “Last night, after your brother disappeared. I didn’t mean to spy, but your phone is huge. The font size is even bigger. It was pretty hard not to see—”

  “You read my phone?” My voice rises, and she grasps my arm.

  “I wasn’t trying to read it. The point is it was a threat.” I shake her hand away and stalk around my small room.

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I know you can’t do this on your own. Let me help you.”

  She has no idea what she’s asking, and even if she did, there’s no way I could allow her to be pulled into what I’m doing. I’ve been fighting hard enough to keep Cameron out of my mess.

  “I think you should go now.” I’m digging in my closet, feeling each item for a sweater… jeans…

  My phone buzzes, and I drop everything to lunge for it. It’s closer to her, and she snatches it up before I get there. She reads the text loud and clear, and my insides cringe.

  Follow Boulevard d’Italie into the mountains toward Menton. Will meet you on the old windmill road. Don’t be alone.

  “Give it to me.” I hold my hand toward her, but she doesn’t do what I ask.

  “What does this mean ‘Don’t be alone’?”

  “Ava,” I sigh. “You have to trust me.”

  She’s quiet, and I listen to the creak of her shoes as she paces my hardwood floors. Her heels are quiet, which means she’s wearing flats. The leather squeaks softly as she takes four steps to the right and stops. She turns and takes four steps in my direction. The closer she gets, the faint scent of her perfume grows stronger. It’s freesia… or some small flower.

  “Zelda did this,” she says. “She believed getting us involved with Wade Paxton was her fault, and it was up to her to make it right. As if he wouldn’t have found another way…” She stops, and I hear a tone of anger enter her voice. “She never considered my feelings. She wouldn’t let me be a human who would be hurt by her choices.”

  Going to my window, I face the street, doing my best to discern meaning in the haze before my eyes. “I don’t know your sister. I never met Wade Paxton. But I do know Blix Ratcliffe. He’s a monster we can’t stop.”

  “He almost killed my sister.” Ava’s voice wavers. “Now he’s threatening my friend.”

  “You haven’t known me long enough to feel an obligation to help me,” I say quietly.

  “You didn’t know me at all when you tried to kill him the first time.”

  My failure at the villa is another reason to say no. “I couldn’t betray Logan.”

  She crosses the room to where I’m standing, reaching down to capture both my hands in hers. “I’m sick of being locked away in the palace, unable to help anyone. That’s not me. It’s never been me.” She pauses for a breath, but I know her eyes are on me. “I won’t be innocent if I let you face him alone. Together we can do this. We can take him by surprise. Zelda and I always worked better as a team.”

  I’m still not convinced. Shaking my head, I go to the door. “I won’t hand you over like a lamb to the slaughter.”

  “So I was right.” Her voice is solemn, and I know she’s not leaving now. “When he said ‘Don’t come alone,’ it meant you were supposed to bring me to him.”

  “As if I can tell you where to go. It’s ridiculous. I plan to tell him that.”

  “You’re right. You can’t tell me. Which is why I’m coming with you.”

  “Ava…” I growl, pushing her hands away.

  “What happens to your brother if you show up without me?”

  My throat squeezes tight. “I plan to offer myself in his place.”

  “Because he won’t accept that.” Her voice is rising, and I hear the frustration in her tone. “Stop being stubborn, Kass. Let me help you.”

  “You can’t! You’re not strong enough!”

  “Let me get this straight. You think a blind girl with no weapons and only an argument that an insane man is making insane demands is somehow stronger than working with me?”

  I’m growing weary of fighting. I’m running out of arguments. “He has helpers… thugs… who do whatever he says.”

  “Okay.” She’s walking around my apartment again. “What does he want? Ultimately, I mean. He doesn’t want your brother. He doesn’t want me. He’s using us… What’s his goal?”

  It’s possible I underestimated Ava’s brain. “Money.”

  She stops short. “That’s it? Money? He only wants money?”

  I almost laugh at her incredulity. “A whole lot of money.”

  “At least when Zelda was taken, they wanted power.”

  “Money is power.”

  She sniffs, and I can almost see her shrug. “Either way. He has demands, and he won’t do anything to jeopardize getting what he wants.”

  I don’t answer. I don’t like opening this door to her.

  “Am I right?” she demands.

  As much as I hate it, I tell her the truth. “You’re right.”

  “Then we can do this.”

  I exhale a deep sigh and walk to the bed. “All right. I’ve told you my plan. Now you tell me yours.”

  * * *

  The streets are wet as we head out on Ava’s silver Vespa. It’s before noon, but it feels late without the sun shining down on us. I can tell by the shadows and the haze the sky is grey and lowering. The Boulevard d’Italie runs straight through the center of town, and as a result, we have to take it slow. Freddie is shadowing us, keeping watch over the queen, and as much as I’m glad he’s there, I know it doesn’t matter. We’re headed straight into the snake pit.

  She pulls off suddenly, and I sit back as she dashes up to the little coffee cart in the middle of the market district. A few minutes pass. I hear her ordering mixed with the sounds of couples talking, people passing, little dogs clicking by on the semi-crowded streets. We’re pretending to be having a simple morning out. Ava hands me my latte, and as I sip it, she points to a flower vendor and exclaims about the beautiful arrangements.

  Every muscle in my body is clenched so tightly it hurts. I don’t even bother noting I can’t see a thing she’s trying to show me. This is crazy. This isn’t going to work. This isn’t going to work. The words are on repeat in my brain like a mantra.

  My fingers tremble as I tap out the text. We’re on our way.

  Just before I hit send, I hold it close to my eyes to be sure I didn’t make any typos. It’s exactly right.

  Lowering my phone, I look in the direction of her dark outline sitting on the seat. “No going back when I hit send.”

  “No going back,” she repeats solemnly.

  My thumb hesitates, trembling over the green arrow. “Oh, god, Ava,” I whisper just as I let it drop.

  The noise of a swoosh tells me the message has left my control. The clock has started.

  “Let’s go,” she says, and I hear her determination.

  I wish I felt the same, but Blix has destroyed my confidence with every man he tortured to death.

  We’re on the outskirts of the city now, and I can tell by the sounds from the streets around us when we begin climbing the mountains. Traffic thins, and the air seems cleaner. Damp hangs all around us, and our hair is getting wet where it extends out around our helmets.

  “When will we know if he got it?” Ava yells back to me.

  A seagull cries overhead, and my nose touches her shoulder. “We’ll know. Is Freddie still with us?”

  Her torso moves as she looks around us. “Yes,” She shouts, and I have to believe Blix planned for her to be followed. She’s the queen regent, after all.

  Dread is hot in my veins. We’re risking everything d
oing this. We’re giving Blix exactly what he asked for, and I have no idea what he has planned once he gets it. Still, I’d run out of arguments. Ava is right. Alone, I’m no match for Blix, and offering myself in her place was a ridiculous idea. I don’t bring anything to the table. After all, Rowan hadn’t stopped me from leaving Occitan. Reggie practically helped me pack.

  Blix would have simply killed Cameron and me and used some other method to capture the queen. Heck, it’s possible he’ll do that anyway. I’m in the midst of this macabre thought when Ava’s body stiffens. For the first time since she showed up at my apartment uninvited, I feel a tremor move through her.

  “They’re here,” she says, and fear flashes in my chest.

  The Vespa engine continues its happy buzz, but coming up fast are the low roars of truck engines. I look down and back, and I can make out three black SUVs approaching us fast.

  “Don’t act like you know,” I say in her ear.

  She’s already on it, accelerating her small scooter. Her breathing goes faster, and my fear intensifies as a result. Lowering my face, I press my closed eyes against her shoulder.

  The noise of engines is all around us, loud and intimidating. Ava lets out a little wail and accelerates more on the Vespa. It’s wide open, going as fast as it can, but we can’t outrun these men. The black SUV swerves in closer to us, and we’re right against the side of the mountain.

  “Slow down!” I cry, gripping her waist. “You’ve got to stop!”

  “I can’t!” she shouts back. “They’re right behind us!”

  I look over my shoulder and my heart drops. A huge black vehicle is right on our tail. Any unexpected moves, and it’ll roll right over us.

  “What do they expect us to do?” I cry.

  The truck that had been crowding us suddenly accelerates and shoots ahead of us on the narrow road. A junky old farm truck shoots past where the SUV had been, and just as fast, another vehicle shoots up to take it’s place, matching our speed.

  I hear the noise of a door opening. It’s a sliding door. I didn’t expect it, since the car beside us doesn’t resemble a mini-van. Either way, the door is open, and I can just make out the form of a man standing in the dark space.