Page 22 of Brutal Prince

“The Room 23 client wants another set up,” he said solemnly. “He wants the same couple, just better practiced.”

This surprised me. He refused to pay after witnessing the awful, fumbling performance. And I could hardly blame him. Since he refused to pay, we terminated the job and Cattus received nothing.

“Why does he want the same couple? We have plenty on file to draw from.”

“In his words…the male is,” cleared his throat, “extremely well endowed and the female is small, well, small next to the male.”

I sighed. I enjoyed the game, but sometimes it can be so damn tiring trying to please everyone. However, it was my choice to take on this role when it was handed down to me. It’s not like they held a gun to my head.

“Arrange a meeting with the female,” I told him.

“Who will the meeting be with?”

“Me.” I paused to consider my motivations. “Alone. No security.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?”

“Just do as I say, Benson.”

“Fine.”

“Oh and…I don’t suppose you’ve heard of anyone called Bruno hanging around like a half dead bat?”

“Er…no. I don’t think we have a Bruno on the books. Why? You’re not thinking it’s the cops?”

I snorted at his genuine concern. The KVPD can’t touch us even if they tried. “You’re a laugh a minute, Benson.”

He dithered on the line, so I knew there was more.

“Speak.”

“A commission has just come in.”

“And? Commissions come in most weeks, why the pretense?”

“It’s to pop someone off.”

“Who?”

“Detective Mathias.”

I tipped my head back and laughed. “Who’s made the request?”

“Came from the top.”

I faltered. “Reason?”

“Sticking her nose in where it don’t belong.”

“That’s her job and we can hardly fault her for it. Crimes were committed and she’s trying to hunt down the perpetrator.”

“He has great concern that she’s hiding information from the PD about the latest cases and there is a rumor that she’s going over his head for help.”

I groaned. This was the last thing I needed. “With the current systems in place, she can’t touch us, so let’s keep it that way.”

“Do you accept the order?” Vanderbilt asked.

I hesitated, because it didn’t feel right. “Yes, I accept the order. However, I’m not entirely sure who you’ll find to do the job.”

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