Cormack looked at Cicero, who shrugged. “Yes, he’s still alive,” Cormack confirmed.

“I want him back.”

“Are you suggesting a swap?”

Soh laughed. It was a high-pitched cackle that pierced Cormack’s eardrum, and he had to hold the phone away from his head. “Oh no, Cormack O’Connell, a daughter is worth much more than a single soldier. You will release Suarez by tomorrow. But that is just the beginning.”

“What else?”

“You will give me control over the union. You will give me control over the harbor.”

Cormack’s head was swimming. “The union? You could never run the union.”

“Not me,” Soh said. “There is someone else I will put in your place who is capable. You will resign your position and appoint the person I will choose. Then you and your daughter will disappear.”

“That’s it? I give you control over the union, and I go … where?”

“That is up to you. As long as it is far away enough that I can be sure that you will not interfere ever again. Your time is over. It is best that you recognize that and retire. Most people in your position never get that chance. I am giving it to you so that you and I can avoid a war. You will get your daughter back, and you can live on. Do we have an agreement?”

Cormack was looking at Cicero. The man’s expression was inscrutable. He took a breath before answering, to control his voice and keep it from breaking. “Yes, we have an agreement,” he said at last.

“Good,” Soh said. “I will call back to tell you where to drop Suarez. Then you and I will discuss how you will leave the union. Once you have resigned, I will release your daughter.” The line went dead.

Cormack was still looking at Cicero. “Retirement,” Cicero said. “Sounds nice.” Cormack didn’t respond. “Of course, you know it’s a lie.” Cicero folded his arms. “He can’t leave you alive. There are too many people who owe you too many favors. There are too many men who are loyal to you. As long as you’re breathing, you’re a threat to him, and he knows it.”

Cormack nodded. “I know.”

“Who in the hell could he be putting in to run the union? Gotta mean he’s got someone on the inside.”

“Gotta be Buddy Cavanaugh, right?”

“The men wouldn’t follow him,” Cicero said with confidence. “Not after he betrayed you.”

“Maybe. I’ve learned that loyalty often follows money and fear. If Soh controls everything along the shoreline, the men may not have a choice.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet. I know that I’ve got to do whatever it takes to keep Diamond alive, though.”