King of Tides (The Immortal Iron Brothers #3)

Chapter 31

Backup Plan

I walk into the basement of the dive bar where I have my next meeting. Fixing my tie, I look around and snort. This is what I’ve had to resort to.

I’m still seething from the phone call that’s led to this decision. I’m all out of options and everyone’s looking the other way as if I’m the plague.

“Hello, it’s about time you got back to me,” answered the call.

“This will be our last conversation. I have what you asked for,” she said.

“Well?”

“Maybe you should have kept a closer eye on them over the years. Neither girl is an option. They are twenty-nine going on thirty, for God’s sake.

“Do you even want to know who they are now or what they do?” she hissed accusingly.

“You speak to me as if I’m a bad father. I was told to stay away. What does any of that matter to you anyway?”

“It doesn’t but it sure as hell should matter to you. One is a cop and she’s been hell-bent on taking you down. You made an enemy of your own child.”

“ Marone. Fanculo. You have to be shitting me. Just add her to the list.”

“Yes, your list is long, but this foot is on your neck. You are closer to a cell than you think and if she has her way, she’s going to make that happen sooner rather later.”

I hung up right there. After I allowed them to take my three girls, I found a witch to look after the two I wouldn’t get to see or know. I figured it couldn’t hurt to have my own supernatural help.

I made her promise to tell me if anything ever happened to them that I should know about and I asked her to monitor if they remained pure. She has done none of that.

It’s like I’m getting fucked in the ass left and right with no lube. Marone . So the other girls aren’t an option and those fucking bikers still won’t answer me.

This indictment is on my head, and they won’t lift a finger to get me out of this situation. I still have my ring. How are they denying my summons?

“Candido, finally. We can’t meet like this again. You’re in some hot water and if I’m seen with you, I’m going down with the ship.”

“Officer Gates, how you doing? Since when do we start off without pleasantries?”

“Cut the bullshit. You’re usually the one entering the room rushing to be rid of me. My ass is on the line, and I have a detective who’s on your ass.

“It hasn’t been as easy to make shit go away for you. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say someone higher up is pulling strings to reveal you. Salvado just got lucky.”

Salvado, that’s the name of my daughter. She’s a cop and a decorated one. I never thought I’d be proud of a pig.

Yeah, I did a little digging after that phone call. Billy Ann Salvado is one of my little girls. She’s not so little anymore and she’s a knockout.

I made beautiful children. Marrying the four of them off would have been easy if I kept them all. I should have picked a better match for Ray. Maybe that’s where I went wrong.

“Detective Salvado is the reason for this meeting. Name your price to have her suspended before the end of the week.”

“Why would I do that? She’s not on the task force gunning for you. I made sure of that,” he says with a confused look on his face.

“Don’t worry about why. I’m telling you she’s a problem. I need her sat the fuck down before she exposes us both. I’m still working to get out of this mess.

“I have on good authority she’ll fuck that all up. Which means, if I go down, you’re coming with me,” I say and smile.

“Fuck you, Ricci. I have two kids in college and one on the way next year. I’m still making alimony payments to that bitch who birthed the little ungrateful bastards.

“I’ll put a bullet in your head myself before I allow you to make me lose my badge or my pension.”

I think fast. I need him to do this so I can explore my other options. I have a meeting at the church in a few nights that should settle my problems.

“Killing me won’t hide the truth. You think I would deal with a dirty cop and not cover my ass? I have enough recordings of our meetings to take you down, as well as every other motherfucker who was greedy enough to take my money for a favor,” I bite out.

I don’t, but it sounds good. I’ve been greasing pockets just in case of times like this for the last few years. I’ve had backup plans for my backup plans since realizing time might be running out on my hold on the bikers.

“Fine. I’ll handle it, but you’re covering tuitions and the next five years of alimony. She’s a good cop, she doesn’t deserve this.

“Tell me, what the fuck did you do to her anyway? I’ve always wanted to know why she hates your guts so much.”

“Fuck if I know,” I say as if I’m unbothered and turn to leave.

It’s none of his damn business. My sweet little girls all hate me. I never thought it would come to this with Ray, but I can’t blame the others.

I’m sorry, Billy. This isn’t personal, kid.