Reaper's Salvation: A Last Riders Trilogy by Jamie Begley (reading e books .txt) 📕

Gabriel rubbed the side of his forehead, trying to find patience. “The difference being, it would have been much easier to make Hammer disappear than Gavin James. Hammer has no close relatives, and he’s recently retired from the service. The only ones who’d miss him are his partner and the woman they share a relationship with. The pair could easily be dealt with, unlike Gavin who has several groups of men who will demand an explanation after his disappearance.”

“They won’t want an explanation; they’ll be out for blood if anything happens to him.”

“Precisely. While Mr. James’ affiliations are of no concern to me, there is no reason to become a source of their animosity unless I am given no choice. The legitimacy of their marriage is being investigated. Until then, all you have to do is keep them contained. Are you able to accomplish that task?”

“Of course.”

“Very well.”

When Collins remained unmoving, Gabriel pointedly flicked his eyes toward the door. “You may leave.”

The FBI agent sank further below the expectations Allerton already had for the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Normally, he would never have hired someone as incompetent as Agent Collins. However in this situation, it worked to his advantage.

The door hadn’t even closed behind Collins before his assistant walked back inside.

“Desmond Beck is on line two.”

Gabriel waved Ethan back out as he reached for the phone, waiting for the door to close before he pushed the flashing button. “Desmond, how are you?” Gabriel deliberately infused warmth into his voice greeting one of his more generous donors.

“Doing well. How about you?”

“Depends on why you’re calling.” Leaning back casually on his highbacked leather chair, he kept monitoring the computer as he talked. “Are you ready to give me a chance to even the score? I’m getting tired of you bragging to all our friends about how you beat me at that last round of golf.”

“Cut it out, Gabriel. We hate golf, and neither of us can name one person we call a friend, even if our lives depended on it.”

Gabriel’s caution eased slightly, but not enough to chance lowering the guard he placed on every word when he talked to any of his benefactors over the phone, though he was sufficiently confident Desmond’s line wasn’t being monitored. “Too true. What can I do for you today?”

“It’s not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you,” Desmond replied curtly. “Whatever spill you’re trying to clean up, let it go. You’re just going to make it worse and get the rest of us buried next to you.” Desmond was a man of few words and got right to the point.

“And exactly how are you aware of my endeavors?” Gabriel replied just as brusquely.

“One of my men is married to the sister of a Last Rider.”

“Which man?”

“Jackal.”

“I meant which Last Rider is her brother?”

“Gabriel …” Desmond’s voice took on a cutting edge. “We’ve never played games with each other; don’t start now. You don’t make moves unless you know exactly who you’re up against. That’s why our business together has been so profitable, which is the only reason I’m giving you this suggestion. Send Ginny and Gavin home, plain and simple.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that. Nothing about this situation is plain or simple. I’m rather busy at this moment, Desmond. We can talk later.”

“If your time is so precious, then I’m coming there. I am not going to be caught up in this without having a safe way out.”

“Forgive me if I doubt your motives for coming for a visit. I won’t tolerate any interference from you, Desmond.”

“When have I ever interfered? I prefer a safe place to stay, where I don’t have to worry about getting my throat slit while I’m sleeping.”

“You have several estates to choose from that can offer you the same protection.”

“That just shows me how much you’re underestimating The Last Riders and the Predators.”

Being on the other end of the icy disdain, which Desmond was famous for in their elite circle, irked him. Nevertheless, Gabriel took into account the profitable arrangements Beck Industries had at their disposal. Profitable arrangements that Gabriel had been working unscrupulously to have under his own control.

“Very well. Can you arrange for your own transportation, or do you need me to send my private jet?”

“Send yours. I don’t want my men to know I’m leaving. Text me when I need to be at the airport.”

“I will. And Desmond, please remember what I said about interference. You’re really one of the few who doesn’t bore me to tears. However, I won’t take that into consideration if I have to end our association.”

“I understand.”

“I hope you do. Good-bye.”

Desmond disconnected the call, placing his cell phone on his desk. “Satisfied? Allerton agreed to let me come, but it wasn’t without him giving me a stern warning about any interference.”

Waving away the curling cigar smoke, Desmond poured himself a glass of brandy before taking the chair next to his former partner. “Must you smoke in my office? The smell will linger in my books.”

King pulled his cigar away from his mouth to stare at the glowing tip. “Do you know how long it has been since I have been able to enjoy a good glass of brandy and cigar at the same time?”

“Being a father and being married do have their pitfalls.”

“Yes, they do.”

“Any regrets?” Desmond asked him curiously.

“No, not one.”

“I would count the lack of cigars and brandy as two.”

“Evie doesn’t make me give them up; it was my decision to make. It doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy them when the mood strikes me.”

“My phone call didn’t lighten your mood?”

“Not unless I misunderstood and Allerton is sending Reaper and Ginny back?” King’s keen gaze cut through the curling smoke.

“You didn’t misunderstand.” Desmond gently swirled the brandy in his glass. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but whatever he has in store for Ginny and Gavin won’t be swayed with my presence on