Mitch tipped his head up, indicating his nephew. “He and a few other boys will start at UCLA this Fall. We want them working, not partying. We taught them the skills, and we don’t want them going to waste. It will also help us to know they are in a safe place, with people looking out for them. Not so much Noah here, but some of the others. I know my wife would appreciate him having someone looking out for him.”
This time, the boy reacted. He rolled his eyes, but the touched smile was there.
“I can definitely work that. I was already planning on sending half my crew over to the new club when it opens. Then splitting the new blood between the two.”
“Good, we can send a few more boys down that weren’t planning on college this year.”
“So many boys that are so young. Will they be able to handle all of this? Working in a club isn’t for the faint of heart. They need to know what they are doing.”
Mitch chuckled, moving to stand up as he opened a briefcase I hadn’t noticed he had set on the floor.
“Don’t worry, they are very well trained. You will not have any problems with them. If you do, have BoBo teach them a lesson. They are used to the consequences of failure.”
Right.
Mitch handed me a contract all written up. I glimpsed inside the briefcase before he closed it.
“How many contracts are you all making while you are in town?”
“Just this one.” He set the contract on my desk. “We were prepared with a variety of deals for you. I had planned to start higher, but after spending the last two days in your club and city, I decided we didn’t need it. I thought this was the best deal.”
“How had I not noticed you here before tonight?”
I vaguely saw Noah step away from his uncle while Mitch pointed out where I needed to sign, when I looked up again, the kid was gone. I searched the room with my eyes, then jumped when the kid stepped out next to me.
“We know how to blend into the shadows, Mr. Murphy.” Noah said quietly. “That’s why you didn’t see us.”
Okay. Good call. Glad I chose these guys over the Italians.
Mitch put his hand in front of me. “Welcome to the Cooper family, Dillan. And don’t worry about the Russians anymore. They’ve been taken care of, and a message has been sent.”
“What? How?”
With knowing smiles, both men left my office, only to be intercepted by a glowing Fiona coming out of the elevator. They nodded and smiled politely as they passed her. She smiled back, confused. Then she saw me and began telling me in detail about the beautiful little girls that just came into the world. Apparently, the doctors had misread the sonogram pictures. Katia whined. Andy was perfectly happy.
Fiona was just taking a breath and asking about my visitors when a message came in on my phone.
Babysitter: Thought you’d like to know. The Russians’ car just blew sky high. One block away. Two new men are stationed outside. They said the family sent them. They look like teenagers. What the hell did you do?
