Page 84 of Irish King

“Lo siento,” he said, raising his free hand. “It’s just that with girls like these, it’s very hard not to want more than just a look. Perhaps, as a way to, ah, seal the deal, you can let me take these lovely young women home with me tonight. I promise I’ll return them in good working order in the morning.”

The way he talked about the women like they were toys to amuse himself with made me want to rush over and slug him right in his fat, sweaty face. Sapphire shot her wide eyes up to me, clearly terrified at the idea of Juarez getting a chance to do what he wanted with her.

“Doesn’t work that way,” I called out. “Watch, drink, and enjoy yourself.”

“Fine, fine.”

“Speaking of the deal,” Kellan said. “When are we getting on with it?” He checked his watch. “It’s ten thirty, this was supposed to happen an hour ago.”

“We are waiting on Jose,” Juarez replied, seeming irritated that he was being distracted from the women. “He’s something of a good luck charm for negotiations. He messaged me a few minutes ago, saying that he was on his way.” With that, Juarez turned back to the girls on the stage.

“I don’t like this,” Kellan said. “What the hell more important does that prick Jose have going on?”

“It’s a power move,” I said. “Making us wait to start all of this on their own time.”

“It’s bullshite, is what it is.” Kellan took an angry sip of his whiskey.

Right as he set the glass down, the front doors of the club opened, Jose Burciaga stepping into the place dressed in a fine, if not gaudy suit, a smug smile on his face.

“My apologies,mis amigos,” he said. “Much to do, much to do. No rest for the weary, as you Americans say.” He pulled off his coat in a dramatic flourish, hanging it on the back of a nearby bar seat.

“Pleased to finally see you,” I said, putting a tinge of hardness onto my voice.

Jose said nothing, the pleased look on his face suggesting that he knew what he was doing.

“Girls!” Kellan called out. “You’re done for the night. Ubers are on me!”

The girls on stage wasted no time hurrying off, putting as much distance between them and Juarez as quickly as they could. Once the girls were gone, I signaled to the bartender to cut the music.

Juarez heaved his big, blubbery body out of his seat, coming over to us with his pair of cronies. I gave the pair of lackeys a once-over, noting that they were both young and trim, each adorned with colorful tattoos on their arms, hands and necks. One of them struck me as similar looking to Juarez, though twenty years younger and a hundred and fifty pounds lighter. Both carried themselves with poise and calm.

The four of us took our seats at a circular table in the middle of the place. Juarez had his two men, Kellan and I had a pair of guards and in a pinch, the bartender, should things go sideways.

I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

“Jose,” Juarez said. “Get the tequila.”

Without a word, only a nod, Jose went for Juarez’s bag and withdrew a bottle of very fancy-looking tequila, setting it down on the center of the table, along with four shot glasses.

“A little tradition,” Juarez said. “When a deal is done, we celebrate.”

“Fine with me,” I replied. “Now, let’s get this on with.”

Juarez leaned back, his dark, beady eyes flitting from me to Kellan.

“Now, rumor has it that you, Connor, are no longer the leader of the Coonan organization. Is thisverdad?”

“It’s true,” Kellan confirmed. “We were waiting until the meeting to inform you of this change to leadership, but there it is.”

“I see, I see,” Juarez said. “Once again, my condolences for Eddie.”

“What’s your role here, then?” Jose asked, his tone pointed toward me.

“An advisory role,” I replied. “My last action in the family.”

Juarez nodded. “Well then, good luck with whatever awaits you on the other side of this. Me, I couldn’t leave it behind. Too much fun.” He sighed. “So, first order of business is the terms of the partnership.”

“That’s right,” Kellan said. “Deal is still on. You prepare the product and bring it into the United States, we distribute it. Deal is fair and square, fifty-fifty.”

---