Page 54 of Devil's Deal

I gave him another squeeze, then let him go. “So what’s next? When will Frederic be here?”

He frowned, glancing at his watch. “He should be here any minute. You want to go into Mac’s office so we can grab all the files from the PIs he’s hired over the years to search for Emilio?”

“Perfect.” As he turned to walk down the hall, I tapped his butt, and he smiled over his shoulder. That was better. Coming here had to be hard for him. Memories could haunt you like ghosts if you weren’t mentally prepared to face them. He led me through a set of double doors into an office the size of his belfry apartment, and my breath caught in my throat.

Cory rubbed the back of his neck. “That’s so embarrassing.”

If I’d thought the portrait in the hall was large, it was nothing compared to the painting of Cory hanging behind the desk. He was much younger than he was now but still as beautiful. “Are you kidding me? Can we move it back to your place?”

Red-faced, he grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Our place.”

“Our place.” We smiled at each other, and I felt like a total sap.

He pulled me over to a couple of metal filing cabinets and pointed to the one on the left. “I think some are in there, and then I left a few files on his desk. I’ll grab those.”

I nodded, then started pulling open drawers, randomly pulling out folders and checking their label.

“Brother,” a voice boomed, distracting me from something interesting.

Whirling around while reaching for my girl, I saw a man around six-foot-three, thick with muscle and an extra little padding around the middle, rushing toward Cory. I moved with lethal speed, intercepting him before he reached my boy, and put the karambit to his throat.

“Back off,” I hissed.

The big guy smirked. “Who’s your little friend, Cory?”

Cory’s hand gripped my shoulder. “Romeo, stop. This is Frederic. Now put the knife down.”

“Yeah, friend. Put the knife down.” Big man grinned, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Whether Cory knew it or not, this man was a killer. Guess what? So was I.

Instead of listening to either of them, I said, “I will, but first, I think you should officially introduce us.”

Cory huffed, squeezing my shoulder. I had to fight not to cringe or say ow. Damn, he was strong. “Frederic, this is Romeo. Romeo, meet Frederic.”

“Romeo Caputo,” I added for clarification.

Frederic’s nostrils flared. There we go. He didn’t know me, but he knew my reputation.Good. “How did you meet him, Cory?” he hissed. “Do you know who this guy is?”

“Yeah, yeah. He’s a button man. I know.”

Frederic closed his eyes, inhaling slowly like he was praying to God for patience. “He’s notabutton man. He’sthebutton man.” He stepped back, covering his eyes with one large paw. “Fuck. And now I’ve seen his face.” He turned around, putting his back to me.Brave man.“What are you doing to me here, Cory? Are you taking me out?”

Cory slammed his hands on his hips and glared at me. “Who knew all you mobster-types were so dramatic? Turn around, Frederic. Romeo’s my…” He hesitated.

“I’m his new Daddy, and I’m here to help you find your son.”

His hand dropped. “Really?” he asked.

“Yeah.” I sheathed my girl. “Turn around already.”

Frederic’s beady eyes flickered back and forth between me and Cory. “Seriously, how did you meet? Does it have anything to do with that?” He pointed at the discoloration on Cory’s face.

“He stayed in my hotel. And he didn’t do this, but he saved the day and took out the guy who did.”

“What the hell? Why didn’t you call me?” I could tell he wanted to touch my boy’s face, but one scowl from me kept him rooted in place.

“There was no time. I’m fine, I promise.” Cory took two steps toward the big man, then stopped and peered at me. “Are you going to lose your crap if I give him a hug?”

“I can’t make any promises,” I admitted, frowning.

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