Page 88 of Brick's Retribution

Imani glances back at me. "Brick, meet my godfather, Alejandro Ramirez."

I step forward, offering my hand. "Sir."

His handshake is firm, his gaze direct. "Amara speaks highly of you. Says you took three bullets protecting my goddaughter."

"Would have taken more if necessary," I reply honestly.

Something flickers in his eyes—approval, maybe.

"Sit," he commands, gesturing to the chairs. "We have much to discuss."

Once we're seated, coffee appears—strong and black, served by silent men who disappear as quickly as they came.

"Tell me everything," Alejandro says to Imani. "From the beginning."

She does, laying out the entire situation like we’re actually reliving it.

The investigation into the trafficking ring, Diego's betrayal, the assassination attempts, our journey to Chihuahua.

Alejandro listens without interrupting, his expression growing darker with each detail.

When she finishes, silence fills the room.

"Diego Silva," Alejandro says finally, and the way he says the name makes it sound like a curse. "I remember when your mother first brought him in. Young, eager, desperate to prove himself."

"He proved himself," Imani says bitterly. "For twenty years."

"The long con," Alejandro agrees. "The most dangerous kind." He turns to Amara. "What have your people learned?"

"Diego's working directly with the trafficking ring," Amara reports. "Has been for at least six months, possibly longer. They promised him control of the Torres operations in exchange for Imani. Personally, I’m looking for connections between him and Sally Bernanrd, because I know they’re there. Everything else lines up too perfectly."

"And Mateo?"

"Alive, but location unknown. Diego's using him as leverage to legitimize the takeover. Making it look like a sanctioned transition of power."

Alejandro's jaw tightens. "Mateo Torres is many things, but he would never hand his empire to thatrata."

"Some of the lieutenants don't know that," Imani points out. "Diego's been Papá's right hand for so long, they might believe it."

"Then we need to act quickly." Alejandro stands, pacing to the window. "This auction you're planning to infiltrate—it's connected?"

"We believe so," I speak up. "Same organization that has Lashes likely arranged Diego's deal."

"And you think Mateo's location might be discoverable through them?"

"It's possible," Amara confirms. "These groups maintain detailed records—blackmail material, leverage on their partners. If Diego's working with them..."

"They'll have information on where he's keeping Mateo," Alejandro finishes. "It's sound reasoning."

He returns to his seat, leaning back thoughtfully.

"I'll provide additional resources. Men who can be trusted absolutely. Diego may have corrupted some of the Torres soldiers, but my people remain clean."

"Padrino," Imani starts, but he holds up a hand.

"This is not negotiable. You're my goddaughter. Mateo is... complicated, but he's still familia. And Diego?" His eyes go cold. "Diego will learn what happens to those who betray that bond."

The promise of violence in his voice is absolute.

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