Page 62 of Extraction

J: There’s been some chatter. Call when you can.

Bruno: Tomorrow.

I tucked it away with a smile. Excellent.

The moment I walked in, I could see by Sully’s face that he hadn’t been able to get the information I asked for and hadn’t thought I’d show up. Then when I saw Nicole with an American on her arm, it sent my blood pressure to new heights. I had sent her to find out where the child was, not to enjoy herself at a party with some American. Sully made some excuse that she was working the party to get close to Rafael, but she wasn’t originally invited, so how did she even know he’d be there? It was becoming evident that I needed to keep a closer eye on what was happening here.

I called my driver over. “Armondo, I want you to investigate that American Nicole is with. I want to know who this Dan is.” Armando left with his phone to his ear.

The man who had been hovering around Rafael finally left him alone, so I crossed the room to intercept. Rafael held all the power in this situation, and he was enjoying his moment. He was puffed up like a peacock as he sipped his drink, but he was a soldier for the Canos family, and the moment he made one misstep, I’d be there to help him into an early grave. For now, I’d play the game, because I would win. I always won.

I grabbed a drink off the waiter’s tray and stepped in front of Rafael.

“Well, if it isn’t Bruno Perez.” He gave me a sly grin like we were old friends. “I was hoping I’d run into you.” I noticed he spoke in English, which I preferred. It helped to eliminate some of the eavesdroppers.

“Rafael.” I didn’t offer my hand or use his last name. “I understand you have a little project that brings you to our side of the street.”

He held up the crystal glass of some of our finest brandy. “Yes, I recently came into possession of a bargaining chip that should interest several parties. I was invited to come tonight to see how interested they are.” He raised his brow, but I refused to bite.

“Come, now, Bruno. Surely, you’ve heard that the Canos family has a secret son in the wind?”

“I did, actually.” I casually glanced around the room. I wasn’t going to show him how much power he had. “I wasn’t aware you had anything to do with that.”

One thing about Rafael was that he loved to brag. “Oh, I have everything to do with it. I was the one who found the kid and put this whole game in motion.” He positively radiated with glee. “My buddy’s girlfriend and the boy’s mother were living together when the mother was killed. The girl wanted nothing to do with el mocoso after that. I was smart and saw the opportunity and took it.”

“You’re playing the families off each other.” I nodded and gave him an admiring glance. I wanted him to know I was impressed by his intelligence. “I would have done the same.”

“Of course you would have. It’s a great plan, and now look.” He waved a hand. “I’m at a Perez party, sipping your tragos, while you all consider the wonderful oportunidad I have provided you. Think of how valuable this child would be. What a bargaining chip to hold over the Canos family, eh?”

I fought not to drive a bullet through his smug mouth. “Well, it sounds like you have set yourself up well. Good luck with that.” I turned to leave, but he cleared his throat.

He tilted his head and lowered his voice. “If you like, we could talk numbers.”

“I’m listening.”

“Ten million US dollars.”

I laughed. I refused to insult myself by accepting such a price. “Six and we have a deal,” I countered.

“Eight and throw in that woman you were manhandling outside.” I hadn’t realized he had seen that. “Nicole, that reporter.”

“She’s spoken for,” I growled. I should rip this idiot’s windpipe out and hand him over to my men.

“I’m joking, my friend.” He laughed heartily. “I can see you like her body.” He made curvy lines with his hands. I ran my tongue along the inside of my mouth as I remembered how he’d gotten between us outside before Nicole’s date played hero. The only reason I didn’t kill him then was because he held all the cards when it came to where the damn child was. “But the girl will be mine in time.” His face hardened and he elbowed me. I bit back my temper.

“Seven and we have a deal.” I sipped my drink. I needed something to do with my hands other than to put them on his neck.

“Seven and the girl.”

“You’re playing a dangerous game here, Rafael,” I warned. I was moments from losing everything I’d worked so hard to control.

“Si, I am, but I intend to secure enough money for my safety.”

I stared into my glass and counted to ten before I looked at him square in the eye and lied. “I admire your drive, and because of that, I will give you seven million US, and as for the girl, if you can handle her, she’s all yours.” I shrugged, and he held out his hand.

“Deal.” I shook his hand and led him to a room to swap bank information.

“Once the money clears, I will send you the address.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he handed me a card. “For good faith on my part, here is the city they’re in. Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Perez.” He smiled and walked from the room. I opened the paper. Cozumel.

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