Page 38 of Destiny Redeemed
Time to see how far up the ladder you can take me.
I laughed, the sound brittle and cold. “Oh, come now. Let’s not play games. I know all about the smuggling. Ring any bells?”
His face remained impassive… to most, but not to me. I could see the flicker of realization in his eyes.Got you, you bastard.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his voice carefully controlled.
I leaned forward, placing my hands on his desk. “I think you do. And I think your boss, Red, would be very interested in what I have to say. So why don’t you be a good little lackey and go fetch him for me?”
The man’s jaw clenched, and for a moment I thought I’d pushed too far. But then he stood, his chair scraping against the floor.
“Wait here,” he growled, disappearing through a door I hadn’t noticed before.
As soon as he was gone, Tommy tugged on my sleeve. “M’lord,” he whispered, “are you sure this is a good idea?”
I patted his hand absently. “It’s our only way, Tommy. We need answers, and Red is the key.”
The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Just as I was beginning to wonder if we’d been forgotten, the door opened again. A figure stepped through, tall and imposing, his face hidden in shadow.
“Well, well,” a deep voice rumbled. “What do we have here?”
Red.
I swallowed hard as a man entered - all pure muscles and radiating danger. His face might have been handsome once, but harsh living had carved deep lines around his eyes and mouth. Despite the scars and weathered skin, there was no mistaking the infamous Red.
He smiled, but it only made him seem more menacing. “So,” he drawled as he sat down, “I hear you know something about some gold smuggling. And you have an offer for me?”
He rested his chin on his hand, looking the epitome of innocence.
I forced myself to meet his gaze. “That’s right. I know everything about it.”
His smile got bigger. I swallowed.
“But I’m not here to threaten you or cause you any trouble… sir. I have something that needs smuggling out of the capital, and I thought Red Cross would be my best option.”
Red’s eyes narrowed as he leaned back in his chair. “And what, pray tell, needs smuggling so badly that you’d risk coming here?”
“Raw silk,” I said, watching his reaction carefully.Please, don’t kill me.
His eyebrows shot up. “Impossible! Raw silk? How much are we talking about here that you need to smuggle it? And how did you end up with that much?”
Wouldn’t you like to know?
I smiled, aiming for mysterious but probably landing closer to nervous. “Let’s just say I have my sources. As for the amount - enough to make it worth your while.”
Red leaned in, stroking his chin. “The government’s getting involved now, you know. Prices are rising.”
“Precisely why I need it smuggled out safely,” I countered. “I’m willing to pay handsomely for your services.”
He studied me for a long moment. “What’s your angle here, girl? You’re no common merchant.”
“That’s non—” I paused. What did he say? Girl?
The corner of his mouth lifted up at the shocked look on my face. “What? Did you really think your pathetic disguise was gonna fool us?”
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.Here’s hoping he doesn’t kill me. “Does it matter? You get paid and I get my silk out. Everyone wins.”
Red barked out a laugh. “Oh, it matters. But I’ll play along… for now. Let’s talk numbers.”
