Page 55 of Claim Me
I’d stretch the lines of decency to make a point and if the motherfucker dared threaten me with physical violence or incarceration, he’d learn underneath my Armani suit was a highly trained soldier who carried no remorse.
Sadly, with one exception.
As I parked the car, I allowed my thoughts to drift to Marissa. Against my better judgment, I’d left her with the flash drive. For all I knew, she’d destroy it without bothering to look at the contents. I’d been a fool not to make a copy. Goddamn, she’d been so distraught. Yes, she had every right to be, but at some point, her tantrums would need to end. She’d have to accept my help one way or another.
A half laugh left my lips. She’d peeled away enough layers of armor I’d encased around me to find my former weakness. She’d laser-focused in on Jasmine like the cunning, highly intelligent woman she was.
I’d been making the comparison between the two women for a full hour. They weren’t the same person of course and circumstances were entirely different. They didn’t look anything like each other. The resemblance was in attitude and passion, eagerness for life, and an intense love of music. That’s what hadcaught me off guard when I’d heard Marissa play. That’s what had led me to the intense longing that remained.
My conviction needed to remain. What we’d shared couldn’t happen again.
I’d acted on emotion, not rational thought, which was exactly what had occurred the night before. I’d fucking lost my mind. Disdain followed me, the anger at myself keeping a dull ache behind my eyes. I’d never lost control the way I had around her. What I’d told her was the truth. The passion could never happen again.
Why was it that my body wasn’t interested in complying?
Fuck this.
I had several places to go today, including a first look at Marengo. While it was possible Marissa would contest the will, which was fine by me, she’d need help either running the corporation or selling it. Perhaps I’d take a tour of the port while I was at it. At some point, the explosive information learned regarding the arms shipment would come into play. That card would be handled with the care and intelligence of a skilled poker player.
I left the vehicle, studying the luxurious neighborhood. The homes were worth several million. How interesting that Detective Torres could afford such surroundings on a cop’s salary. I buttoned my jacket, scanning the street. On the drive over, the clouds had disappeared, giving way to a beautiful summer day. There was activity on both sides of the street, landscapers busy coiffing yards, and noise from lawnmowers coming from two directions. One of his neighbors was having their house power washed. I heard laughter and even though itwas barely noon, the smell of chicken on a grill assaulted my senses.
A perfect family day.
As I walked up the short walkway leading to Torres’ front door, I heard more laughter. This time from children. Perhaps the noise was coming from the backyard. Torres had several amenities for his family, including a pool.
Google maps had proven helpful.
As I knocked on the door, I studied the beautiful landscaping. The front yard included a vibrant patch of perfectly green grass, the stripes in the lawn indicating a recent and perfect cut. Flowers bloomed in several pots, all colorful, some with enticing scents.
All in all, a gorgeous setting for a family.
I had to wonder if his wife knew he was on the take.
The heavy footsteps indicated a male approached. I didn’t bother looking at the door while it was opened, but I immediately detected both surprise and arrogant anger.
“Mr. Dmitriyev. I’m surprised to see you.” The shock registered in his voice.
Slowly turning my head, I nodded. “I’m certain you are. I thought we could have a brief discussion on Charlie Valentine’s case.” He was dressed in shorts and a tee shirt, his boat shoes worth more than my Gucci loafers.
“I’m actually off today, but we can certainly talk tomorrow.”
When I crowded his space, color drained from his face. Since I was several inches taller, I was certain he felt a momentof suffocation. “I don’t think you understand. I have some information you’ll find very useful. We are going to have a discussion. Now, we can do it outside for all your neighbors to see and gossip about or we can do it in the privacy of your home. Your choice.”
His face twisted, but he shoved down his emotions. “Alright. As long as we don’t disturb my family and it doesn’t take too long.”
“I assure you this will be over in a matter of minutes.” I smiled, sensing he knew my weapon was easily obtained.
He led me in through his house, arrogant enough to take me into a sunroom fronting the backyard. The pool was exquisite, the deep end housing a slide, which two children were taking turns going down while giggling.
Meanwhile, his wife looked on with adoration while sipping something frosty through a neon straw.
“Picture-perfect family,” I told him.
“Yes, they mean the world to me.” He was already gritting his teeth, likely itching to dial a phone number.
“As every family should.” I remained staring at the scene outside for a full minute, enough I could feel Ryan was getting nervous. I could also smell his fear.
Good.
