Off Limits(137)

“So Vince tells me that my group and you have a common problem,” the man said. “Sydney Hale.”

I nodded. “Son of a bitch blackmailed my fiancée and stabbed me. Want to see the scar?”

The man shook his head. “No, that’s all right. I’m sure I would win that competition. I just want to be clear that this man has greatly offended you before we discuss anymore.”

“Care to share why you have it in for him?” I asked, not expecting anything. Instead the man smirked.

“No details, but let’s just say that Sydney Hale has done this type of action before, specifically with the daughter of one of my associates. While not as big time as your woman, the results were far more tragic, as a nineteen-year-old girl committed suicide over it. He’s had it comin’ for a while now.”

I nodded. “I want him taken into police custody.”

The man nodded. “So do we. If something happens to Hale outside of the prison system, my enemies will make sure to pin it on us. However, within the prison walls, things are . . . different.”

I turned and looked out at the ocean. The consequences of my decision would be a lot different than what I’d originally planned. I had to know the truth, unabashed. “Are you planning on having him killed?”

The man shrugged. “I can’t speak for the future, but let’s just say that I plan to exact some payback for his past transgressions.”

“As in?”

The man grinned. “He’s going to spend quite a few weeks walking bowlegged. Now, how about a little fishing?”



* * *



When Vince and I got back to the hotel, Rita and Alix were waiting for us. “After so much time at her place, I thought the four of us could go out for a nice evening off,” Alix said, “so I booked us a reservation at Night Market. You guys up for Thai food?”

“Sure, I love Thai food,” Vince said, then looked at Rita, his head cocked to the side. “What?”

“It’s not your typical Thai food,” she said, coming over and kissing his cheek. “But you might enjoy it. I do hope you have something more formal than your perennial jeans and t-shirt.”

Vince shook his head sadly. “No, ma’am. Sorry.”

I clapped Vince on the shoulder and laughed. “It’s okay. You and I are close enough in size that you can borrow a sport coat of mine. Throw that on top of some clean jeans and a fashionable shirt, and you’ll be able to get away with it.”

Just as I finished, the phone rang, not giving Vince a chance to respond. “Hello?”

“Kade, it’s Layla. How are you?”

I blinked, shocked. “Uhm, hi, Layla. I’m doing okay, I guess. How can I help you?”

“Derek’s memorial service is Monday, and I . . . I didn’t want that to happen with animosity between us. Is Alix there?”

Alix, whose eyes had widened and was standing in front of me with her hands clasped at her chest and her face full of questions, looked at me in a near panic. I nodded and held up my hand. “Yes, she’s right here. I’m going to put you on speaker phone. Just a second.”

I set the phone down on the table. Rita and Vince looked at each other and faded back into the bedroom, closing the door politely behind them. I turned on the speaker and reached for Alix’s hands. “Go ahead, Layla.”

“Alix?”

“I’m here, Mom,” Alix said, tears trickling from her eyes. “I . . . I miss you, Mom.”

There was a choking sound on the other end of the line, and I knew that Layla was fighting back tears as well. “I miss you too, honey. Oh, Alix, I’m so sorry about what I said and did in the hospital. I know it wasn’t your fault, I’m so sorry . . . ”

“I’m sorry too, Mommy,” Alix said, breaking down. She put her head in my shoulder and sobbed, both women crying for a few minutes. “Mom, I want to see you.”

“Me too, baby. Can you two come to the house? It’s your house too, you know. I’ve been a fool in that regard too.”

I looked at Alix, who looked over at the bedroom door. “What about Rita and Vince?”

“You made plans for the night already,” Layla said, overhearing Alix’s question. “I understand.”

I shook my head. “No, Layla, we’ll be there. Tell you what: how about, instead of us coming to the house, you come out with us? We’re taking two close friends out to dinner as a bit of a celebration, and I think it would make the night complete if you were there too.”

Layla’s voice came back, curious. “Kade. Celebrating?”

“Yes,” I said, thinking quickly. “I asked Alix to marry me, Layla. I know it’s weird, and I know this might be awkward, but . . . ”

“I’ll be there,” Layla said with finality. “Where and when?”

“How about we come pick you up?” I said instead. “Alix’s car can easily seat five. We’ll just stick Rita in the middle in the back, between you and Alix.”

“Okay. I think I’d like to meet your friends anyway. When can I expect you?”

I looked at Alix, who smiled and wiped at her eyes. “As soon as we can get changed, Mom. Nothing too formal, but say, not casual either? I’m going with a summer dress I have.”