Page 35 of Declan's Dove

“Shit rolls downhill,” Matteo says with a shrug. I sputter my coffee at his candidness. “The boss loses money, the bikers get punished and, in turn, they find whoever they can link to their missing merchandise and deliver a warning of their own.”

“Violet’s right,” Vincenzo says, turning to Matteo. “Kayce is far too careful to make a mistake of this caliper.”

“You think there’s a rat.” Matteo’s eyes narrow. It’s not a question, it’s an accusation. “You think it’s one of ours or Kayce’s?”

“Yours?” I ask, but they both ignore me.

Vincenzo gives me a side glance, rubbing his beard. When he turns back to Matteo he says, “Reach out to the snitch, and see what you can find out.”

Matteo nods, wiping his face with his napkin, then stands and leaves. “I’ll see you later, Dolcezza.” He calls on his way out.

“Who is the snitch?” I ask. “Isn’t that the same as a rat?”

Vincenzo chuckles. “Not quite. A rat is someone who is leaking information without consent for personal gain.” He leans back, finishing his cup of coffee. “The snitch is my employee. One with a specific set of skills. The snitch can find things, people, information, whatever I need—for a price.”

“And you think this snitch will know who sent the bikers after Mili?”

“I’m not sure what the snitch will know,” he says nonchalantly. “But I have faith enough we will know more than we do now.”

“Vague much?”

Vincenzo laughs. “You know all you need to for now. Let me worry about the details.”

“And what about Kayce?” I ask. “Will you speak to him and see what he knows about all of this?”

“I was actually hoping you would speak to him.”

I pause, watching Vincenzo cautiously. “Why me? You two have a working relationship. I’m sure you can work out the details without me.”

Truth be told, I don’t want to know who’s to blame or why. I just want to get my friend and go home to my son. The further away from Baron’s Edge we both get, the better. Sooner rather than later.

“The less communication I have with the men of Trident Elite, the better. If this group of bikers has discovered the connection between Trident and Emilia, it would be best if I was kept more of a silent partner, if you will.”

“You mean you want to protect yourself.” It comes out on a low growl. My anger bleeding through every word.

“Careful, Miss Dupree.” Vincenzo warns. “I’m merely saying it’s best if the lines between partners don’t connect me to Trident. This way if there is a rat, or a larger problem should occur …”

“You can bail and leave us all to pick up the pieces, leaving you unscathed and us to the slaughter.”

Vincenzo leans his elbows on his knees, gripping my hand with his meaty one. “Listen very carefully, Miss Dupree. I will not be repeating myself.” He waits until I agree before he speaks again. “I have no intention of letting these bastards go after what they’ve done to my—Emilia. However, if there is a rat and they discover our connections to one another, it could lead to more than just Emilia being hurt. Kayce’s involvement would go under the radar, since he works for black ops agencies and his shit is done completely off the books. My involvement, however, could bring in other interested parties, like government agencies. Cops, FBI, you understand where this is going?”

I nod. My body trembling with the realization of what he’s telling me.

“If the police were to find out about my involvement with Kayce’s crusade, they would start interfering with our way of doing things. But if the police discovered Kayce’s connection with yours and Carter’s deaths, well, now that could be a problem for both of us. Especially since you’ve been hiding in my town, worked at my club, and are currently here.” He gestures with his hands around the penthouse. “With your friend under my roof, and both of you and Carter very much alive.”

My body shakes with fear as his words take root.

“And of course, if your husband were to learn that you’re alive, he would soon go searching for Carter as well.”

“No.” I shake my head as tears stream down my face. “He can’t find Carter. Ever.” I wipe my face with the back of my hand. “No matter what happens. If James finds me, he can never find Carter. You promised to protect him.” I’m crossing a line here, and I know it, but I don’t care. I gave Vincenzo the information he wanted, the evidence my husband had on him. It was James’s insurance policy if the man he worked for ever turned the tables on him. James planned to blackmail Vincenzo to keep himself alive. It’s also why Vincenzo told Kayce to put me and Carter under his protection. It gave Vincenzo insurance that I wouldn’t double-cross him.

I gave up one devil for another. But the devil I knew was going to put me in the ground if I didn’t find a way out. At least this devil hasn’t laid a hand on me or my son in anger.

“I am a man of my word, Violet. I have kept you and your son safe, as promised. And I will continue to do so, but you will continue to do what I ask and play liaison between me and Kayce Eaton. It’s the only way I can keep my word to you, and it is part of your payment to me for bringing you here to rescue your friend.”

CHAPTER TEN

Declan

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