Page 152 of 12 Months of Mayhem

Meredith’s gaze finally settles on him, and I can see the moment recognition dawns. Fear flashes across her face, quickly replaced by defiance.

“Go to hell, Ricardo.”

“It’s curious that you’re here alone.”

I can’t help but smirk at Meredith’s attitude. For all her faults, the woman’s got balls. But as Ricardo’s words sink in, I know it’s time to make my move.

“She’s not alone,” I say.

I step out from behind the crates, my gun drawn and steady in my hand. The enforcers whirl around, their own weapons appearing as if by magic. But I’ve got the drop on them, and they know it. Ricardo’s eyes narrow as he takes me in, recognition flickering across his face.

“Rex Reed,” he says. “The new president of the New Orleans Zulu Kings. At last, we meet.”

I move forward slowly, my boots echoing on the concrete floor. Meredith’s attitude falters. I can see the pulse jump in her throat, her eyes darting between me and Ricardo like a cornered animal.

“Since we’re doing introductions,” Ricardo says, his tone casual as if we’re at a cocktail party instead of a standoff, “allow me to formally introduce myself. Ricardo Diaz, at your service.” He gives a mocking little bow, his eyes never leaving mine. “And this,” he gestures to the other suit, “is my brother, Mateo.”

Mateo nods curtly, his hand resting on the butt of a gun hidden beneath his jacket. The family resemblance is clear. Same sharp features and the same calculating gaze. But where Ricardo exudes charm, Mateo radiates cold efficiency.

“You know,” Ricardo continues, his voice taking on a conversational tone that sends a chill down my spine, “I think you might have met one of my other brothers. Alejandro. He took a trip down to New Orleans a few months back.” His eyes narrow slightly, a predatory gleam in them. “Funny thing is, we haven’t seen or heard from him since. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you, Mr. Reed?”

I meet Ricardo’s gaze unflinchingly, letting a lazy smirk play across my lips. “New Orleans is a dangerous place, Mr. Diaz. Filled with dangerous people, dark alleys, and deeper waters. Your brother wouldn’t be the first out-of-towner to get in over his head,” I drawl. “But we’re here to talk about current business, aren’t we?”

Ricardo’s eyes narrow, but I can see the glimmer of interest there. He’s a shark scenting blood in the water, and I’m dangling the bait right in front of him.

“You want your drugs back,” I continue, my gaze flicking briefly to Meredith. “And this lovely lady here is the key to finding them.”

Meredith’s eyes widen. “Rex, you bastard?“

“Shut up,” I snap, not even sparing her a glance. My focus remains on Ricardo and Mateo.

Ricardo’s eyebrows raise slightly. “Is that so?” he says, his tone deceptively casual.

I take a step closer, my gun still trained on the group. “Let’s just say she’s been playing both sides. Thought she could skim a little off the top, sell to the highest bidder.” I let out a low chuckle to cover up my lie. “Didn’t count on getting caught between your organization and mine.”

Meredith’s face contorts with rage. “You lying son ofa?“

“I said shut up,” I recoil, finally turning to face her. The look in my eyes silences her immediately.

Ricardo exchanges a glance with his brother, a silent conversation passing between them. Mateo gives an almost imperceptible nod.

“Interesting,” Ricardo muses, his gaze sliding back to me. “And I suppose you’re here to...what? Make a deal?”

I shrug, aiming for nonchalance. “I’m a businessman, Mr. Diaz. I know when to cut my losses. The way I see it, we both want this mess cleaned up.”

Ricardo’s eyes narrow, assessing me. “And what exactly are you proposing?”

“Simple,” I say, taking another step forward. “You get your drugs back, and we agree to stay out of each other’s way.”

“A tempting offer, Mr. Reed. But why should I trust you? For all I know, this could be an elaborate trap.”

“If I wanted you dead, Mr. Diaz, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m offering you a way out of this mess that doesn’t end with bodies floating in the Mississippi. You get your products, and I get your drugs away from my club. We both win without bloodshed. I’ll even throw in Meredith to sweeten the deal. If you have one shipment missing, I’m sure there’s more. She’ll know who and where Rocky sold your product. “

Mateo shifts slightly, his hand tightening on his concealed weapon. Ricardo holds up a hand, silencing his brother before he can speak.

“Let’s say I’m interested,” Ricardo says, his tone measured. “Where exactly are these drugs you claim Ms. Crane has hidden?”

I smirk, my gaze flicking to Meredith. She’s glaring at me with pure hatred, but beneath that, I can see the fear. Good. She should be afraid.

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