Page 88 of Bed of Thorns

“Whatever makes you more comfortable,” he answered.

“So I have you to thank for every successful moment.”

“It’s the least I could do after the horrific hand you were dealt.”

“And what about my father?”

He tipped his head and walked closer, his large frame appearing more muscular than the last time I’d seen him. “Your father was a friend of mine from college days. Did you know that?”

“My father rarely talked about the past.”

“Yes, I can imagine. He was a private man, which I respected about him. We lost touch after he moved to Maine.”

“Then he was brought to your attention by Senator Villanova. Yes?”

His laugh sounded almost genuine, the tone holding at least a hint of remorse. “You’ve done your homework as I suspected you would.”

“I make it my business to know what is expected of me.”

“Very good, Edmond. You’re far wiser than your father was. His betrayal was difficult.”

“Betrayal? You lured him into the fold, but he refused.”

“Not that he refused. He simply got greedy, which is a detriment in this business. As you’ve already been made aware, we have the ability to provide more than everything our members need. He was a shining star but had demons.”

“That included my mother.”

His eyes opened wide. “Yes, I believe that’s the case. Instead of coming to us, explaining his difficulties, he chose to stick a knife in the heart of our organization.”

“Double dipping.”

When he smiled, I could tell his eyes were searching mine, trying to figure out just how much I knew. “That’s one term to use. Yes. The money really wasn’t the issue; however, it was the principle of his treachery. As Carl has already told you, we value loyalty above everything else.”

“Now, you’re questioning my loyalty.”

“Actually, no. Unfortunately, we underestimated Mercedes’ formidable nature as well as her effect on you. It’s only a matter of time before you’re forced to make a difficult choice. I don’t relish that for you.”

“Her or the organization.”

“Exactly. All those years I spent with you, grooming you into becoming the man I knew you could be meant something to me, Edmond. However, I should have taken into account your obsession for her. That’s something that will trouble me greatly for years to come.”

“It’s called love, Markus. I love her.”

“Yes.”

“You experienced love. I know you did.”

A moment of sadness crossed his face. “Yes, I did. I loved my wife very much, but she was a lot like Mercedes. Independent. Determined to pull me away from the darkness she’d accused me of falling into. I was saddened by how our life spiraled out of control at that point. She even attempted to take my son away from me.”

A cold chill slammed down my spine. “What happened?”

“Both she and my son were killed.”

My mouth went dry. “You ordered a hit.”

He stared at me for a few seconds before moving toward the bar at the other end of the room. “Have a drink with me, Edmond. Things aren’t always as they seem.”

While he poured two shots of bourbon, I put more of the pieces together.

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