Page 18 of Dreaux: The Corporate Assassin

“I have reason to believe Boudreaux Enterprises is a front for illegal operations.” I sat straight up with my chest out as I spoke. “Detective Morales was in touch with me about the head of the operation, Rosier, before he was killed.”

“If I’m not mistaken, he was found dead from an overdose at a beach house in the Bahamas.” He cut in as he frowned. “His family gave us the autopsy report—nothing came from his accusations.”

“You don’t find that suspicious?” I stood from my chair and all but shouted. A few agents craned their necks to peep inside my office to see what the commotion was about. I hurriedly walked over and shut the door. “Then there’s Paul Reeves. He oversaw the ports in Miami and was adamant about the drug cargos that were docking. You don’t find it strange how he?—”

“How he had to flee the States because he was under investigation for stealing merchandise from that same port? How he was looking to illegally benefit from extorting merchants?” He scoffed and shook his head in frustration. “I’ve told you time and time again that you’re wasting resources and beating a dead horse by trying to build a case against them.” He stood from his seat and adjusted his jacket. “I don’t know what your aim is or what you’re trying to prove here, but this stops now. If I have to have this conversation with you again, you and I will have a different conversation that will include you no longer being an agent.”

Without so much as a backward glance, Roberts left out of my office and slammed the door behind him. I stood there and stared at where he’d gone before I sank back into my chair. Placing my head in my hands, I gripped my hair and took several deep breaths. Glancing up at my computer screen, I scanned over the photos of the three Boudreaux men: Rosier, Jules, and Andre.

The two brothers and cousin trio were very educated, successful, and philanthropic on paper. I could never sit here and try to take away their achievements and generosity to various businesses, organizations, and people. However, I wouldn’t sit here and pretend that I’m not looking into the face of three handsome drug dealers and murderers. I may be taking a risk, but what’s the point of vowing to protect and serve when I’m hindered from doing my job? Giving away millions and building up the poor doesn’t excuse you from being a menace to society.

Downloading all of the documents to a thumb drive, I placed them in my briefcase, along with photos of the men, my findings on their businesses, and their personal information. Regardless of what Roberts said, I knew there was a case here. I just had to be more discreet about building it.

“Going somewhere?” I looked up as my coworker, Agent Micheals leaned against my threshold. “I was coming to see if you wanted to grab a bite to eat for lunch.”

“Thanks, but I’m going to head out.” I gave him a small smile as I placed my bag strap over my shoulder. The look of disappointment couldn’t be missed, but I wasn’t worried about that. I still chose to be polite. “Maybe next time…”

“Next time, huh?” He chuckled as he straightened up and followed me into the hallway as I locked my door behind me. “It’s always next time with me. I just want to take you for food and conversation, Atkins. Is that too much to ask?”

Turning to face him, he hovered over me slightly. Micheals wasn’t a bad-looking guy. He had a muscular build and a shaved head. His beard was always nice and moisturized, and above it sat a goofy smile. While his face wasn’t what I would typically call attractive, his mannerisms added a charming layer to his overall appeal. He was one of the nicer agents here, and we spoke often. Being rude and standoffish was the last thing I wanted to be because he didn’t deserve that.

“Agent Micheals?—”

“Call me James?—”

“James…” I corrected and adjusted the bag on my shoulders. “I apologize if it seems as if I’m brushing you off. I just have a lot going on these days. I’m headed upstairs to take a leave. How about we link for lunch or something in the next week or so?”

Satisfied with my answer, he nodded and made small talk as he walked me to the elevator. Seconds later, I was stepping off and headed into Human Resources.

“Special Agent Atkins! To what do I owe the pleasure?” Amanda asked as I took a seat. “I never see you up here.”

“You know I’m big on figuring things out myself.” We shared a laugh because, over the years, she’s grown to know my personality. If I needed help, she was my go-to, but that was hardly ever the case. I was a problem-solver. “If possible, I wanted to apply for a mental health leave. Completing these back-to-back assignments, I need to gather myself and regroup.”

“Absolutely!” She turned serious and began to type away at her keyboard. “Is there anything I can do for you? Do you need counseling recommendations?”

One thing I love about the bureau is that they take mental and physical health seriously. In this line of work, you could easily lose yourself with the dangerous assignments and their long-lasting effects. Too often, agents have lost their jobs, families, and even lives due to not being able to handle the stress that comes with being a federal agent.

“No, I don’t need anything but a vacation and a little peace.”

“I understand.” She nodded as she continued to type. “I’m going to get this submitted and signed off on straightaway. I’ll be sure to call you and send an email once it’s completed.”

“Thank you, Amanda.” I extended a hand to her, which she took. “I appreciate you.”

Now that that’s out of the way, it was time for me to get things in order with my personal life. Not only that, but I also wanted to dive deeper into the Boudreaux Enterprises and the family that held the same name. I heard what Roberts said, but what I look into and do on my personal time is my business. There was something more to that family than what meets the eye, and I was going to be the one to find out what.

“I appreciateyou coming to town and helping me restore the integrity and quality of my city. I can’t thank you enough for this.”

Handing Uno his requested bottle of water, I nodded as I took my spot on the loveseat across from him. He’d hooked me up with the penthouse suite at the Grove Plaza Hotel we’d built for the city about two years ago, and it had the perfect view of the city. Milly Grove is beautiful and has plenty to offer its residents and visitors. I’m happy to be a part of it continuing to reach its full potential.

“No thanks needed, man.” I waved him off as I got comfortable. “The Heights is better than ever from what you and your brothers tell me. Not to mention… the youth and senior centers are doing well. I hired a new crew to complete the shopping center near Highland Meadows, and it should be done in about three weeks. My question is, what’s next? You were telling Rosier you have more ideas for us to partner on.”

Once John and I finalized the hiring of the new construction workers, the build was seamless. The guys came back from vacation refreshed and excited to be getting raises, as well as happy about having team members who actually wanted to be there. I personally went to the site to make sure everyone was happy. In the same way we ensured everything was well with the Family business, I adhere to those same principles with Boudreaux Enterprises.

He smiled and nodded. “Yeah, y’all are doing your thing for us here in Milly Grove. I was thinking once we get that shopping center finished, we could canvas the area together. I have some things swirling that could be good additions, but I also want to hear what you think about some other potential businesses being that y’all the experts and shit. I don’t want to just keep building shit that ain’t going to make sense. I also want to revisit the conversation about the casino. I feel like it’s time we bring that to fruition.” He kept his eyes locked on mine as he spoke. “I know there were issues and concerns when the previous mayor made his counterproposal, but this is a new era.”

“I agree…” I leaned forward in my seat, placing my knees on my elbows. “Off the record, are you looking for additional cuts from the revenue it makes to sowelsewhere?”

When we wanted to work with the previous mayor, his Uncle Carlos, he demanded additional money that we refused to pay. I’ve known Uno for some time now, and I knew he wasn’t that type of person. Still, I needed to know about any potential personal gains so we knew what we were dealing with on the back end. Most people who want a cut at the beginning of a deal usually end up wanting more and more. I was hoping greed wouldn’t be Uno’s downfall.

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