Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 90642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90642 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“How the hell do you do that?” I ask after an older public defender walks off. “Seriously, how did you know that guy has a daughter?”
“We met once or twice. I’m good with people.” She pats my chest. “Don’t worry, darling, you’re with a professional now.”
If she didn’t look so damn good, and she weren’t living up to her lofty standards, I might be annoyed.
At least I take over when it comes to the cops. Despite her family’s underworld dealings, most of the officers we speak to are more than happy to shake her hand and introduce themselves, probably because it’s like seeing a minor celebrity wander into the room. Any of these law enforcement types would be happy to bust a Bianco. That’d make their damn careers.
Elena charms their pants off. She practically glows in social situations like this, laughing at the right times, telling good stories, basically being engaged with everyone she speaks to in a way that makes them feel special. Even I’m starting to like her more watching her work, and I already knew she was incredible before tonight.
Things are going great until we reach Captain Niall Kennedy. He’s a grizzled old bastard with a head like a brick and shoulders like two eighteen-wheelers. His body’s slumped over his drink and nobody’s bothering him at the end of the bar, which makes sense, because he’s everyone’s boss in this place. Also, he’s crabby as fuck.
“How are things, Captain?” I nod at the bartender and buy him another drink. He glances at me and shrugs.
“Things are fine, Quinn. The fuck you want? Parade your new pretty criminal wife in front of the rank and file. They’re more impressed than I am.”
Elena leans against my side, smiling as if he told the best joke in the world. “Actually, I’d much rather talk to you. This is the first time I’ve been surprised all night.”
Captain Kennedy lifts his head slightly and glances at her. He’s frowning, but he’s also not telling her to fuck off, which is a good thing.
“You and your people have been trouble lately, Ms. Bianco,” he grunts at her. “Sorry, I meant Mrs. Quinn. We’ll have to update our files on you.”
Anger unfurls in my guts. I don’t like the way he’s speaking to my wife, and I’m about to tell him so when Elena squeezes my shoulder. “Please do, Captain. I wouldn’t want the CPD’s paperwork to be incorrect. We all know how much you cops love your paper.”
That gets the tiniest hint of a smile. “You’re funny, Mrs. Quinn.”
“Please, call me Elena. I’m sure you know me better than I know you.”
“You’d assume right.” Captain Kennedy accepts the new drink the bartender places in front of him and turns in our direction. “What can I do for you, Brody?”
“I wanted to discuss some of those files you just mentioned.” I swirl my drink and glance at Elena. If Captain Kennedy had been a little kinder to her, I might do this the easy way, take a nice soft approach with him. Instead, I’m kind of pissed off, and I want to rub his smug fucking face in it.
“I’m not interested.” He starts to turn away again.
“But I’m sure you’re interested in your wife’s medical debt.” I say it nice and casually, but he stiffens. I feel Elena tense at my side too, but I ignore her. “Yeah, I know where my money’s going, Captain, and I know you’ve been taking a nice, big bite out of the CPD’s cut. How is she doing now?”
“In remission,” he says, not meeting my eye. “The department’s got a good medical plan, but—” His shoulders slump. “Fuck you, Quinn. That’s but what.”
“There are too many officers interested in the Bianco family,” I say softly, leaning in closer so only he and Elena can hear me. “I need you to make sure they’re busy working other cases.”
“Why the fuck would I do that?”
“Because your debts can go away.”
His big hands tighten around the glass. “You’re using my wife’s cancer against me. That’s pretty fucked up, even for you.”
“No, I’m using our country’s broken medical system against you. Make sure the Biancos have some space to maneuver in the next few weeks, do you hear me?”
He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “I hate you people,” he murmurs. “You think you own us.”
“No, Captain. I just own your debt.” I push my chair back. “Thanks for cooperating.”
He grunts and looks at Elena. “Guess he fits right in with you and your family, huh? Yeah, I’ll fucking do it, because I love my wife, but don’t misunderstand this situation.”
“Thank you, Captain,” she says very quietly.
I lead her away, smiling to myself, my hand on her lower back. She’s the most beautiful woman in this room—the most beautiful woman in the city—and she’s on my fucking arm.