Page 186 of Darling Wildfire
“I want to talk to you at some point about a possible contract.”
“You go through a lot of ammo here?” I asked, fixing him with a skeptical look. He laughed again.
“God no, not here. I’m partnered with another company who is always looking for additional suppliers and they go through hundreds of thousands of rounds per month.”
“Sure, but I don’t make business deals on vacation,” I said, winking at him.
He clasped me on the shoulder, that amused grin still on his face. “Of course, of course! Just wanted to put it in your head. We can set up a time to discuss later. What do you think of the place so far?”
“I have to say—having the staff know my preferences is great,” I said, lifting my drink to him.
“Only the best for my clients,” he chuckled. “And that extends to the product. I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking here.”
“I have no doubts,” I agreed.
“Come with me,” Cooper said, gesturing as he turned. “I want to introduce you to some people. Part of the fun is networking at these things.”
He led me back to the group of three men he was originally talking to.
“Sorry to interrupt gentlemen,” Cooper said. “I wanted to introduce you to Kraven. It’s his first time here so I expect you repeat offenders to show him the ropes.”
He pointed to a large man, more round than tall with a balding head and beady black eyes. “This is Paul Johnson.” His finger jumped to the next man wearing an all black suit with black rings and tattoos peeking out on his hands and up his neck. There was a cruel twist to his mouth that looked permanent. I instantly didn’t like him.
“Roger Holdings,” Cooper said. Then he pointed to a swarthy forty something man in a crisp suit and calculating brown eyes. “And finally, Greg Mahoney.” The man nodded politely, his fingers curled around a martini glass as he studied me. “I’ll let you guys chat—dinner will be served shortly.”
“What line of business are you in?” Mahoney asked.
“Weapons mostly.” I took a sip of my drink. “Some contract work.”
“Ex-military?”
I nodded. “Yeah—emphasis on ex. Apparently I enjoy killing people too much.” The men chuckled. “What about yourselves?”
“Finance,” Johnson said.
“Imports and exports,” Roger said. So drugs basically.
I turned to Mahoney. “I deal in people.”
There was no smirk, no underlying smugness, he was just stating a fact.
“Most of the product here is courtesy of Mahoney,” Roger said.
“Some of the best in my opinion,” Johnson offered. “Heard of the Red Auction? That’s his.”
“I’ve heard of it,” I nodded. “Have to say it does seem intriguing.”
“Pretty exclusive,” Roger said.
“Knock it off, Roger,” Johnson said. “Greg is right here and can invite anyone.”
“I respect a man who’s tastes are as black as my own,” Mahoney said. “But forgive me if I’m wary of strangers.”
“That makes two of us,” I said easily. “I’m not asking for an invitation.”
“It’s not that—I just have to be assured you are who you say you are,” he shrugged and took a sip of his drink. “Can never be too safe these days. But I’m sure after this week I won’t have any doubts.”
“You’re lucky voyeurism is a kink of mine,” I said. Amusement flashed in my eyes as I turned on the charm. “I plan on taking my purchase out to the forest first. You’re welcome to watch the show.”
