Chapter 24

Styx

Morning dawned with outstanding fabulous orange and red skies. I knew the adage about red skies at night, sailors take flight. Red skies at morn, sailors be warned. But the color was perfect for what I sensed was about to occur.

I was eager and ready for what I knew would be the shocking news broadcast. I'd called my brothers, inviting them to a very early breakfast. Granted, my night had been longer than I'd intended, the time spent with Prince Aziz more enjoyable than I would have thought.

The man had been very open to my suggestion we go into business together. Especially when I sweetened the deal with offering him weapons for his continued fights in the Middle East at a discount. He was more a man of integrity than I'd believed, loathing the way Gideon had offered his own daughter.

I'd made it very clear that the contract he'd signed with Gideon was now considered null and void. He understood the consequences if he failed to honor the various pledges he'd made, including that of staying away from my angel.

While Axe had wanted to learn the turnout of where the prince and his men had gone after we'd left, the fact that we'd waited until the ten men scurried out of the hotel, screeching away in their rented SUVs had told me all I needed to know.

I glanced at the online newspaper, wishing I had an alcoholic beverage in my hand. I'd gone ahead and sent information to Mickey, including very graphic photographs. Of course, a copy was now headed to both the FBI and the chief of police. Now the man would owe me a huge debt for the rest of his life. I liked being in this position.

Plus, Mickey had significantly improved his skills over the years, his writing style amazing for the article he'd penned. He'd taken the documentation on Gideon and run with it. I could only imagine what the foundation board members were doing now. Probably wheezing into empty liquor bottles.

As I heard a knock on the door, I grinned. It was time for a show. Assuming everything had gone as planned, I would be leaving for the island in just a few hours. But not before I did a little shopping for my sweet sparrow.

"What is it, Axe?"

He opened the door, already chomping at the bit. "Your brothers are here. Do you want me to send them in?"

"I do."

"So you know, I purchased you physical copies of the Boston Globe. I couldn't help myself. I was out at four this morning to ensure I was able to grab a few of them."

I grinned when he tossed the beautiful smelling old-fashioned newspaper onto my desk. The front page was a tell-all for how you handle your enemies.

"You're a good man, Axe. Let's get this party started."

"Sure thing, boss."

I was standing in front of the window, waiting not so patiently. It was amazing how much of a better mood I was in now that all the pieces were falling into place. Well, by cutting the edges and making them fit, but I felt like I was king of the jungle.

"Welcome to my beautiful home," I said as soon as I heard footsteps.

"You're in a good mood for a change," Easton said, not so chipper himself.

"That means he's up to something," Creed added, laughing in his usual evil manner.

"Come now, brothers. When was the last time we were in the same room together?"

"The last annual meeting we dared attend together. I think that was six years ago," Easton offered. "Not our finest hour."

"True." We got into a fight that ended up in needing new conference room furniture. I couldn't remember what it was over. "However, we have reason to celebrate." I glanced at Axe, nodding at his silent request to allow him to stay for the festivities. My soldier had laid out the pieces, including the fact that in going into business with the prince, the cartel would be effectively shoved out of their attempt to move into the world of oil.

"And what might that be?" Creed asked, acting his usual arrogant self. I almost admired the man. He'd come a long way in his ruling of the family regime, even if I hadn't wanted to give him any credit.

"Have you gentlemen ever thought about getting into the oil business?"

"What are you talking about?" Easton asked after glancing at Creed. "We make weapons as well as other tactical gear for various military and corporate entities willing to pay the price. We don't need another business."

I glanced at my brother, smirking. "You think I've forgotten? And I wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth."

"You have been galivanting all over the world in your desire to take out your aggression on anyone and everyone for a hefty price tag." Creed's cheap shot was exactly the same as usual. Only after five hundred times, they no longer bothered me.

Or was that because of Emily's influence?

"Yes, that's been the case up to this point."

"We can't get in the oil business. Our stocks continue to slip because someone is issuing false information." Easton was still clearly on top of our financials.

"Yes, but I believe when the market opens today, you'll learn that our stocks are on the verge of soaring." I pulled the very lucrative contract I'd signed with the prince into my hands, taking a look at the billion-dollar figures that would only continue to increase. I handed it to Easton first before heading for the television, grabbing the remote.

A solid two minutes passed of flipping pages of the contract, one of them whistling.

"Is this for real?" Creed coughed when asking.

"Yes, it is. And Gideon wouldn't be very happy that we'd taken all the power out of his hands, including working with his business partner," I told them, already grinning when I finally turned on the television. Oh, look. There was about to be a special report, but wait. There was a reporter in front of Liam's estate. "Oh, look. There's been a horrific murder in town. I think we know him. Liam Jacobs."

Both Creed and Easton walked closer, flanking my sides. I couldn't help myself as the reporter shivered in the chilly air while talking about the heinous murders that had occurred the night before.

"A home invasion?" Easton asked.

"Perhaps." I glanced over my shoulder at Axe, who was shaking his head, still grinning as I knew he would be.

"You did this," Creed said with disbelief in his voice.

"No, I didn't have to. Fate stepped in."

Creed turned toward me, laughing in sheer amusement. "What did you do, pit Gideon against Liam?"

"I didn't need to. You see, Gideon has some issues of his own. Take a peek at the morning paper. I'd sure you'll find the exposé a fascinating read."

Creed was the first eager one, grabbing one of the copies. "My fucking God. It would seem I've underestimated you."

"Jesus Christ. You did all this?" Easton asked, switching his gaze from the television to the new contract and back to the newspaper.

"I did. It came together beautifully. And I got something in the deal."

"You purchased Gideon's daughter?" Creed asked.

"It depends on how you look at it. Since I already had her in my possession, you know what they say. Possession is nine-tenths of the law."

"As if we're law-abiding citizens," Creed said, laughing. "You eliminated two powerful enemies while gaining a fucking sheik as a business partner. Good work. And it ain't even government work."

"Well, I thought it was time to return to my position as president of our illustrious corporation." I glanced from one man to the other.

"No more assassinations?" Easton asked as the reporter droned on about how tightlipped the police were.

"I think it's past time for another career change. Plus, I want to be home more often. It's a win-win." I grinned again, feeling a slight sense of relief it had all worked out the way I'd planned. Then again, greed always allowed for a clear path.

"Well, I guess I'll need to consult with our attorney on the new financial deal." Easton wasn't his normal grumpy self. Perhaps all three of us had finally come to terms with our pasts, ready to keep them under lock and key.

"Yes, I hear you, brother."

"Should we plan on seeing you at the next board meeting?" Creed asked, the twinkle in his eyes also no longer as annoying as it had once been.

"I think you might. We'll see what the next few weeks bring in my new life filled with happiness."

"You mean the love of a good woman." Easton almost sounded forlorn. None of us had been successful up to this point for various reasons.

"Don't worry, brother. She'll come around when you least expect it."

"Or when you purchase it," Creed said, back to his usual asshole self.

I shook my head, glancing at Axe. "Well, I did the hard part. The two of you can announce our good fortune to our board members and to the press. I have other things to do."

"Including going back to the love of a good woman?" There was a wistful look in Easton's eyes. Perhaps the time spent teaching inside a classroom had been good for him after all.

"Something like that. I'll call you in a few days. Don't forget to send me a dividend check," I told them.

"As if you need it, bro," Creed chortled. "It would seem like you have everything you need, including getting your sanity back. There's just one question I have."

"What's that?" I shoved my hands into my pockets, no longer needing the drink. The facts Gideon was about to be arrested for Kendall's murder and Liam was dead had combined with the longing to see my sweet angel to give me a natural high.

Now it was about gaining her trust and hoping she'd fall in love with the man who'd captured her.

Obsessed over her.

Caged her.

Spanked her.

Fucked her.

Maybe I had regained my sanity after all.

"What about finding out who killed Mary and Josh?"

Creed hadn't mentioned their names in years. I hadn't known whether out of respect or simply because he had no ability to help with my grief.

I thought about what Emily and I had talked about. "It no longer matters, Creed. It's time to let the past stay in the past so I can move on. Maybe that's what the three of us need to do."

As I took a few seconds locking eyes with my brothers, it would seem all the hatred and anger we'd felt, all the consuming rage that had kept us at each other's throats might be pushed aside and not just for the greater good of our family and the billion-dollar corporation.

But more important, for our sanity and well-being.

Yep. All I wanted was the love of a good woman and I was willing to do anything to get it.

"Never seen you go shopping before, boss," Axe said out of the blue as I was going over the latest financials, doing several projections after typing in my own conjecture of numbers with the oil rights in the mix.

I shot a glance toward the front of the plane where four seats were lined with packages. "I never knew it could be so enjoyable."

He chuckled, shaking his head and muttering something in his native Italian. "As my grandmother would say, finding the right woman is like discovering the perfect one hundred carat diamond in the rough."

"One hundred carats. Whew. Your grandmother had expensive tastes." I laughed as the numbers crunched, finally bringing up a new average of yearly income. Now that's what I was talking about to increase the corporation's bottom line. Maybe the three of us didn't need any additional money, but I adored seeing ten figures crossing the screen. I could imagine what our stocks would do once the alliance was announced. I already had the corporation's accountant working on those details.

"You have no idea. So, are we planning a wedding?"

I eyed him with amusement. "I think it prudent to give my sweet Emily some time to adjust to both her newfound wealth and the possibilities for the future." I had a little surprise for her other than what was located inside the bags from pricy stores. An old acquaintance of mine served on the New York Philharmonic board of directors, a philanthropist who gave money to the children's hospital since they'd saved the life of his only daughter years before.

Her position would remain hers and hers alone, and there might be a little bit more exposure in her future after the man heard her audition tape.

"Understood. Woman can turn on ya quickly."

"Did you let Rico know we were coming in?"

"Before we boarded. Everything was cool there, not a problem at the compound."

"Good to hear." I glanced out the window. We would land in a little over an hour, just before dark.

"I made sure and told him not to let your guest know you were returning."

"I do so love surprises," I mused, steepling my hands as I allowed another few delicious images of her lush body to come into my mind. I knew what the woman wanted. Some sense of normalcy after the life she'd led. In truth, so did I, more than I'd realized. But the second I'd walked Creed out to his vehicle, I came to terms with the fact I didn't want to be considered the Don of the family. He could have that position. I was perfectly happy with remaining in the shadows.

Only I was giving up killing people. At least for the time being.

Axe studied me carefully, his laptop positioned precariously on his lap. When I heard a ping coming from his expensive machine, I returned my attention to the latest reports coming from the various news sources. Yes, it would seem poor Gideon had gotten himself into a pickle.

While there'd been no comment from the chief of police, a warrant had been issued for the man's arrest. I felt so bad for him.

Snickering, I noticed Axe's face was pinched as he was reading over whatever had come into his email. When he lifted his head, I instantly bristled.

Something was terribly wrong.

"What is it?" I growled.

"We have an issue," he said, his face paling, which was not like my brute of a soldier at all. He lifted the laptop, bringing it in my direction. "Is this possible or a hoax?"

As I peered at the email, I had to read it over a couple of times, my mind spinning with possibilities. And I knew I'd been duped for years. "Tell the fucking pilot to hurry. We need to get to the island before it's too late."

Talon had returned.

This time, there would be blood spilled.