“I totally agree,” Meg said. “The Desaltis were looking into some scientists who might be able to develop a new drug formula for them, but I don’t think anything ever came out of it.”

“But Desmond might have found the right people, and they made the drug for him.” I looked at James, whose face was neutral. Had he known his father had been planning something like that or had Desmond kept everything secret?

“Yeah, but we don’t know who they are just yet,” Meg said. “Once you have the sample of the drug, Petra and her friends can figure out what it really is and what effects it has.”

“If it’s one of those that turn people into zombies very quickly, then we should destroy it and make sure no one ever gets it,” I said, because that wouldn’t just be bad for business but bad for everyone.

“I think I know why my father hid this and waited before distributing it,” James suddenly said, and Meg and I focused on him. “And I think I know what one of those garbled sentences meant...” He strode to his desk and grabbed a piece of paper that was on it.

“Care to tell us?” I said.

“He might’ve stolen that drug from someone, but he needed scientists, either to ensure the drug wasn’t too strong or that it was addictive enough, or he wanted to produce more but no one knew the formula. If the Desaltis had the scientists, then they might have made a deal with my father. Since they know the drug still exists somewhere, they want to get their hands on it.”

“Oh.” Meg grabbed her keyboard and quickly typed something. “That might be a correct assumption.”

“Don’t you have some of my father’s contracts? I’m certain he would’ve wanted that in writing somewhere,” James said.

“One of your father’s men destroyed most of those before we could get to them. He gave his life for that too,” Meg said.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of a deal Desmond had with Romeo. We need to get that drug.” I fished my phone out of my pocket and sent a quick text to Brent. “We’re going for it today.”

“Today?” Meg perked up. “Are you sure? We need a plan. I know this isn’t anyone’s area, but other families will be curious about where we’re going, especially the Desaltis.”

“We’ll come up with one, but we have to be quick,” I said just as Brent opened the door.

“You called,” he said.

“Yeah, I need you to gather the men. We’re going to pick up a special shipment. Meg will give you more details,” I said. “But we’re trying to keep this quiet, so don’t tell anyone until it’s time.”

He eyed me with suspicion. “We? Does that include you or...?”

“Yeah, it includes James and me.”