Page 21 of Rogue Voice

“Are you threatening me, Emiliano?” Oscar’s neck swelled, giving the impression of a cobra about to strike.

Emiliano raised his palms quickly. “No. No. We are friends, you and I. This is... an opportunity.”

“All the same, I prefer to keep my business mine. Nothing you offer could make me change my mind.”

Emiliano’s smile increased in wattage. It was the smile of a man who knew he held an ace up his sleeve.

“Perhaps I know just the thing, Oscar, that would change your mind.”

Oscar sighed, stroking his beard again. “You’re not going to try to sell me one of these ridiculous paintings again, are you?” he said, pointing at the walls. “I don’t need any more virgins.”

Emiliano’s smile lengthened, making him look like a crocodile about to pounce on his prey. “I was thinking of a different type of virgin.”

A sick feeling erupted in the pit of Rogue’s stomach. It was all he could do to keep his hands on the keyboard, when they itched to slam against Cruz’s jaw.

Aguilar’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

“How would you like to take my beautiful niece, Beatriz, with you when you go home?”

Aguilar’s mouth fell open again, and this time it stayed open. From where he was standing, Rogue could smell the foul stench.

“Think of what you could do with her,” Cruz continued, his voice slimy.

Rogue had to pull on all his training to keep the disgust off his face. He prayed Bea wasn’t hidden at the top of the staircase, eavesdropping on this conversation.

“Are you serious, Emiliano?” Aguilar asked, in a guttural voice.

“Te lo juro por mi hermano.”I swear it on my brother.

Those words seemed to have an impact on Aguilar.

“So. Just to beclaros,” he said altogether too calmly. “If I partner with you in this, your niece is mine, to do with as I want.”

Rogue wanted to kill him. He dug his nails into his palms so hard, he knew he’d see the marks for days.

Cruz nodded enthusiastically. “That’s right. Your loyalty, in exchange for this beautiful, pure flower.”

Aguilar’s tongue came out to lick his lips. “She’s untouched?” he croaked.

“Untouched. Untried. Innocent in every way.”

Aguilar all but drooled. “Let that be a lesson to you, Miguel,” he said, addressing the younger man. “I told you earlier nothing our friend Emiliano could say would convince me to get into business with him. Turns out, one should never say never.”

Miguel laughed, making a crude sign with his hands. “Quédate con la mujer, yo me quedo con la plata.”Keep the woman, I’ll keep the money.

Cruz’s teeth flashed. “So. We are agreed, then,” he said, putting out his hand. “Partners.” The three men shook hands formally.

Eventually, Cruz seemed to remember Rogue was there and turned to look at him. Rogue prayed he’d schooled his appearance, hoping he wasn’t showing any of the disgust he was feeling.

“Then let’s give Rogue the details he needs on your operations to program the system, and let’s get to work on making ourselves richer, gentlemen.”

10

Rogue

Rogue took a deep breath, his hands poised on the keyboard.

Time to see if you’re as good as you think you are.

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