Dirty Dealers

Rowan is quiet as he walks to the door where I’m standing. He looks out at the scene before us. My eyes slide closed as I wait, knowing what he sees, knowing he’s working out the truth behind why I’m asking to be let go. How I’ve been compromised.

For several moments, he doesn’t speak. I never served directly under the king, but his reputation is one of studied thoughtfulness. He was never like his father or even Cal, both of whom were more impulsive. The second hand on the clock ticks loudly as I wait.

“You’re controlled, Logan, a born protector. It’s what makes you our best guard.” His voice is thoughtful, measured. “When Zelda was kidnapped, you worked around the clock, digging into her background, learning her story, and following where it led.”

My jaw is tight as I answer. “I wasn’t alone in that task.”

“No, but you were the most dedicated.”

“It was my job to find her and bring her back to safety.”

He turns to face me, and I bring my eyes from the floor to meet his. His dark brow is lowered.

“Freddie would sleep. Hell, even I would sleep, but you—”

“Did what I’ve been entrusted to do, sir. She is the Queen Regent’s sister, the mother of the princess, the Duchess of Dumaldi.”

“Not yet.”

I can’t answer him. That clock ticks louder as I wait. Finally, he exhales and crosses the room to the large mahogany desk positioned in front of the empty fireplace.

“My answer is firm. I will not accept your resignation.” My stomach drops, but I hold my posture straight. I watch as he opens the top drawer and removes a beige envelope. “I respect your feelings. I respect you… However, it’s possible matters aren’t as locked down as you think.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’ll transfer you back here, to Monagasco, immediately. A more serious threat has emerged, one that requires your level of commitment.”

His words intrigue me more than the frustration twisting my insides. Returning home, getting away from Tortola, could be enough to ease the tension in my chest. Something serious could help me regain my focus. “What is it?”

“I received this letter a few weeks ago.” He removes a folded sheet of paper from the envelope and holds it out. “I want you to read it and tell me what you think.”

Stepping forward, I take it. A quick glance, and I see it’s a ransom note. It’s an unsettling, old-school style note, with letters cut from assorted magazines.

Wade Paxton owed me twenty million pounds sterling. I want my money. Instructions for delivery are pending. Don’t make me move on your family again. -B.

The words change the tightness in my chest to anger. “What the fuck?”

There’s only one B. who would send such a message. Blix Ratcliffe is the sick bastard who eluded us when we shut down the operation in Uranu, the tiny island now appearing on all maps of the waters surrounding Aruba. We brought every man associated with that hidden brothel to justice and placed the women in homes and rehabilitation.

Blix Ratcliffe is the sick bastard who hurt Zelda. He’s the monster who killed her partner and shot Ava, and I’ve been waiting for the chance to deal with him.

“What makes you think he’s coming here?” I ask.

“I don’t know what he’ll do.” Rowan takes the letter back and puts it in the envelope. “I only know I want my best man guarding my wife.”

My jaw tightens, and my eyes flicker to the doors. “What about—”

“I’ll increase security around the princess.” He goes to the door and pauses before exiting. “We’ll be in Tortola several days. I give you leave to stay here and take some personal time. Use it to relax, reset… Get laid.”

My eyes cut to his, and I’m not sure he’s joking. “Is that a royal command?”

He almost smiles. “It’s a friendly suggestion. When we return, you are solely responsible for the safety of the queen.”

I don’t have to ask if that’s a command, and I’m ready to accept it.

“You have my word. She will not be hurt.”

* * *