Page 27 of Desert Wind

“I’d say,” frowned Code. “I think we need to start looking into any possible connections of relatives, business associates, that sort of thing. What were they working on or fighting over at the time?”

“That’s a problem,” said Ace. “I looked into it, and it doesn’t seem as though they had any common interests at all. The Ciprianis were determined to control the drug trade in and out of Africa. The St. Martines were managing organized crime in Europe. They were tiptoeing around one another but not stepping on one another’s toes from what I can see.”

“We’re definitely missing something,” said Sly. He rubbed his eyes, shaking his head as he looked at the clock. “I think we need a break from this. Let’s grab some dinner and come back to this tomorrow.”

“I agree,” said Code. Ace nodded at his friends, leaving the information spread out on the table.

There had been a light rain earlier in the afternoon, leaving everything smelling of summer. You could almost taste the smell of the cypress and moss, the flowers, and shrubs. It was always prominent, but after a rain, it was even more so. As they neared the cafeteria, Trevon was approaching as well.

Usually dressed in work attire, he’d obviously showered, changed his clothes, and now had an abundance of cologne sprayed on his body.

“Brother, what’s that pretty smell,” smirked Code.

“Damn.Too much?”

“No, man. I’m just kidding with you. You look good. Can I assume this is for Millicent?” said Code.

“Yeah. I’m nervous as shit. She’s so damn shy, and I suppose I am too. But I really want to ask her out on a date. Like a real date.”

“She’d be foolish to say no,” said Sly. “You’re a good man, Trevon. Surely, she’ll see that.”

“Anyone know why she’s staying on the property? I can’t find out anything, and I don’t want to ask her,” he grimaced.

“You know, I’m not sure. She was brought onto the property by Claudette and Jake. We were never asked to do a background check on her, which is usually the norm here. Nine and the others gave their approval, but it’s pretty unusual.”

“Well, wish me luck,” he said, opening the door.

“Go get her, big man.” Sly grinned at him, shaking his head.

They had a lot of big men on the property. Tailor and Alec were the old guard, but add in Max, Titus, Noah, Noa, Bodhi, Cade, and the younger men, and they had their Team Big times ten.

Trevon was almost a Team Big all by himself. He was tall, wide, strong, and graceful. A lethal combination for any man in security. But he also had a tender, sweet side that was almost comical to watch. When Hayes left a few weeks before, they found him sitting near the fountains with Victoria as she cried.

Except it wasn’t just her crying. Trevon was crying with her as if he could feel her pain and her heartbreak.

“I sure hope that woman doesn’t break his heart,” said Ace, watching as Millicent brought out the massive tray of food for him. Trevon stood like a gentleman and spoke softly to her, twisting his hands together, and he spoke.

Millicent looked up at him with a shocked expression and then looked down again. When she walked away, he turned to the three men and shrugged. They couldn’t resist finding out.

“Did she say no?” asked Code.

“She didn’t say no, but she didn’t say yes. She asked if she could think about it.” Code chuckled, shaking his head.

“Well, you’re right. That’s not a no.”

“Maybe she doesn’t like mixed-race men,” he frowned. “I never asked her that. I never thought about it since all of y’all are so accepting.”

“I don’t think it’s that at all,” said Sly. “I don’t get that vibe from her. She’s friendly with everyone here.”

“Everyone except men,” said Ace. They all stared at the observant one in the group and nodded. “She freely speaks with, walks with, and works with the women on this property, even going to the pond with them. But when it comes to men, even George and Jake, she backs up, looks at her feet and doesn’t speak. Those are all signs and symptoms we’ve seen one too many times.”

“He’s right. She’s afraid of men,” said Trevon. “Damn. I need to know why she’s here. I know she doesn’t want to talk about it but how can I help if I don’t know?”

“Well, if you’re asking us, we usually go to the source, and in this case, it’s either Claudette or Millicent herself. Take your pick, but I can assure you neither will be easy nuts to crack,” said Code. Trevon frowned.

“Great.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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