Page 56 of Queen of Blades

Eddie and Paul shook hands before Eddie gestured to the restaurant. “Let’s get some lunch.”

The establishment didn’t open for another few hours, but Sebastián often held his meetings at this location. Honestly, Paul preferred this to some vacant warehouse. Sure, they were on the Colombian’s home turf, but it also meant Sebastián trusted Paul’s family not to cause too much of a ruckus, because this was one of hislegitimatebusinesses. If there was one thing anyone in the criminal underground hated, it was drawing heat to their proper companies where they laundered money.

Blowing out a breath of slight relief, Paul followed his brother and father toward the door. This was good for him. Sebastián wasn’t looking to fight. He wanted to have a genuine conversation. He just might make it out of here alive.

It was a small eatery with a large bar in the rear, before the kitchen. Several tables filled the area that were perfectly set for the dinner rush. A few workers bustled around, prepping for the day’s customers. Not one of them looked up as the three men entered.

They weren’t open, which meant the current staff knew well that they neither saw nor heard anything that happened. Well-trained workers. Paul had to nod his approval of Sebastián’s crew.

“Gentlemen,” Sebastián, a lean man with slicked-back black hair and brown eyes, greeted them in a thick accent and wearing a bright smile. “Come to the back room. Lunch is served.”

He waved them along as he shifted his attention to the meeting space. Once inside, Sebastián turned to them.

“Please, sit, grab a plate. Eat,” Sebastián instructed, like a delightful host at a family dinner party. “There’s more than enough for everyone. Would you like some drinks? I can have Felipe get you something.”

All three of the Ricci men shook their heads and waved a hand, declining the offer.

“Suit yourselves,” Sebastián said as he shrugged and took his place at the table.

It was a small room in the restaurant’s rear, with French doors blocking them from the main dining space. Paul imagined it was where people held private parties. The only bad thing about it was there was one way in and one way out, and Sebastián had positioned himself to face the exit. Which meant the Riccis would have their backs to the door.

The worst possible position to be in.

Joseph sat down first. Eddie followed, but Paul remained standing. At meetings such as this, he was more the muscle than the negotiator, so he truly didn’t need a seat at the table. He was here to monitor things.

The table had several plates of food. There were fried plantains, empanadas, rice, and several tamales. It smelled heavenly. He’d actually eaten here before, and the food never disappointed, but not today. They had business to discuss.

“So,” Sebastián began as he took an empty plate from the stack. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?”

“I take it you’re aware Snoopy no longer leads the bikers,” Joseph said.

Paul watched intently as Sebastián busied himself picking the perfect empanada, but the hint of a smile and glint in his eye was all he needed to confirm the Colombian was well informed of the goings-on with the bikers.

“Sí.” He nodded. “Very unfortunate, but I have hope for this Diesel.”

Paul cocked his head to the side. Interesting choice of words. Besides, wasn’t it Diesel who started this mess between them to begin with? He’d shot up the Colombians’ brothel posing as a strip club. Sebastián seemed far too content with the change in command among the bikers. Something didn’t smell right.

“Then you also know we were there?” Joseph asked.

Sebastián nodded. “Sí.” He lifted his dark gaze to Paul’s father. “But you were not harmed?”

“We made it out fine,” Eddie said.

The Colombian’s smile broadened. “Then we have no issues.” He took a bite of his food.

“It’s quite convenient that you were having troubles with Snoopy and now he’s gone.”

Sebastián nodded. “Unfortunately, as you know, sometimes it is the cost of doing business.” He lifted a glass and took a sip. “But you did not come here to discuss my dealings with the bikers. Let us cut to the chase. We are all busy, no?”

“Who put the bounty on Harper’s head?” Paul blurted.

His father stiffened. Eddie glared at him for a moment. They wanted to be more subtle about it. Paul didn’t do subtle.

Sebastián chuckled. “A friend.”

“I want a name,” Paul demanded.

The Colombian arched a brow. He sat back and glanced between the three of them. “It is a terrible thing towant.”

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