“My brothers and I were thinking the same thing and we pumped up security. So far, so good. Jonah decided to give up our connection to the rare pieces coming out of the Middle East. He doesn’t think it’s worth the risk to get the goods here safely. These little cells of soldiers popping up before the road checks can take any of our guys out. We have no security in the fucking desert. You know, you’re on your own for miles and miles between checkpoints and these fucking bandits could do a hit or professionals like what you just got hit with could make a move. It isn’t worth it,” Niall told them.
“Who gets to take over those connections you had?” Rome asked, sounding groggy.
“Last I heard, Roger Hiatte was interested and so was Weiller Onsanna, some dude from Russia or something,” Niall stated.
“Hiatte wants it. I know he does. Last night he mentioned having us do a personal job and he made his concerns clear over our abilities to secure product. When he catches wind of this latest shit he may not want to use us,” Mercury said to them.
“Then maybe whomever he gets could be the company or man trying to destroy us?” Rome slurred his words then closed his eyes.
“Son of a bitch, even drugged up he’s still processing everything. It could be that easy. The guys or company hired to replace you and our company could be the ones,” Niall said.
“Wouldn’t that be so neat and clean,” Mercury said sarcastically.
“Not exactly, considering that then we all need to come up with a plan to put them out of business.” Niall winked. Mercury chuckled.
“I’m going to go give Pina a call,” Niall said to him.
“Tell her hello for me,” he said and then looked at Rome as Niall headed out of the bedroom. He thought about the fact that he could have lost one of his brothers and his chest tightened and he was instantly sick. Someone wanted to cause them pain and ruin them. Who was it? They had done lots of crazy shit over the years to get to where they were today. It wasn’t always legit, they had to use a lot of muscle and military experience but they got the reputations they had wanted. The James brothers were at the top of the security business for high-end people. They owned two nightclubs, one in South Carolina and one in New York City. They had good men and women working for them. Retired military with families to support. Whoever was after them had a reason.
Mercury watched his brother sleep. He couldn’t help but be angry and want revenge. He would find out who was doing this shit and who tried to kill Rome.
“He’s tired and fighting it. I’m glad you ordered him to take the meds,” Niall said, coming back into the room.
“Yeah, if you think he needs the rest, shoot him up now,” Mercury told him.
“He’ll give me shit if I do. Let’s see how he feels in an hour.”
“Niall, we appreciate all you’ve done for him.”
“Hey, we’re like family and you were there for us like always. We’ll get through all this shit together.”
“How was Pina?” Mercury asked.
“She’s meeting her friend Rose for lunch.”
“I saw her last night. She was working at the private bar at Hiatte’s party.”
“Working the bar? You mean bartending? I didn’t know she did that.”
“Neither did I. I was surprised to see her there.”
Niall squinted. “Strange, Pina mentioned Rose meeting some business people last night and getting some sort of side work. I assumed she meant painting or something.”
Mercury didn’t want to mention her taking food and seeming like she was starving. It was good that Pina was meeting her for lunch. He wondered why he felt interested and concerned for the young woman. She was young. Maybe that was his worry.
“Well, I’m sure Pina will get information from her later. You want me to let you know what Rose says?” Niall asked and smirked.
“Why would I want to know?” Mercury looked at him.
Niall shrugged his shoulders. “You sounded interested.”
“Interested in what?” Falco asked, joining them in the bedroom.
“About Pina’s friend Rose. Your brother saw her last night at Hiatte’s party.”