“That treaty is now null and void.”
“You can’t do that.”
“I just did.” I turn to face her. “All the secrets are out, and the treaty no longer serves us.”
“And you think you can just waltz in here and tell me how to run things? I don’t think so.”
“I do, and I am.”
“You and what army?”
“Well,” I say as I give her a lopsided grin, “maybe not an army, but I do have significant backing.” I nod my head towards the car where Landon Stark still sits. “Do you see who’s in that car?”
Janna looks over at the car with narrowed eyes.
“Your cousin. So what?”
“I mean in the back of the car.”
She looks again, shifting her position for a better view.
“I’ll bite,” she says. “Who is it?”
“Landon Stark is sitting over there, ready to back me up.” It might not be the entire truth, but she has to believe it for this to work. “Joseph Franks is dead, and that man will be running the Seattle outfit soon enough. Crossing him would be a very bad idea, but supporting him—that works out for both of us.”
“Franks is dead?”
I nod, and Janna goes pale.
“What is it you’re suggesting?”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath, relieved that she didn’t just get up and leave.
“Let’s face it, Janna, our families have been at war for generations, and for what? Cascade Falls? Seriously? The only beef we have with each other is that our ancestors hated one another. We don’t have to continue that.”
“And your solution is for my family to up and leave? Is that it?”
“More than that,” I say, looking directly at her again. “Stark needs support and numbers. You and Jay would be a lot better off if you positioned yourselves at his side while the transition takes place. By the time the dust has settled, you’ll be in a much better position than you are now. Not only will you avoid the petty squabbles over resources in Cascade Falls, but you’ll be protected by one of the top three organizations in the country.”
I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. I let her take a minute to think about it, and she finally looks back at me.
“Stark is really willing to do this?”
“He’s open to the discussion. You’re going to have to prove yourselves.”
“Why?” she asks, her voice now full of suspicion. “Why would you do this? Why would you get us out of town just to put us in a position with more power?”
“Because I am making some serious life changes.”
“Really?” She stares at me, clearly still skeptical. “What’s your role in all of this?”
“Consider the facilitation of this agreement to be my final act. Cherry and I will be leaving all of this behind.”
“You’re getting out of the business?”
“Yes.”
“Then why wouldn’t I just stay here and take over the Orso operation?”