Carlos’s smile held a hint of pity. “Thank you for not taking offense. I believe we too can coexist while building our businesses, but we must remember our friends.” Lunch was cleared away, and they declined more drinks, so Carlos called for the driver. “We’ll talk again before you head back to New Orleans to iron out our plans. The first thing you need is product, and that we can provide. A shortage will drive up prices, and it’ll allow the DEA to strengthen their position against us. No one cares for dead bodies on the streets because we can’t get along.”

“My people are still in place, and I can pay you for the supply until I get my crops back.” This would be the answer to his problems if Carlos had the amount he needed to stay viable.

“Good, then we agree to a long and prosperous arrangement.” Carlos shook his hand again and walked them to the door. “If you need anything tonight, please call me. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

“Thank you for everything, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Hector waited until they were in their hotel suite to shed the happy facade, and he savagely pulled at his tie to get it off. There was nothing worse in life than to be scolded like a misbehaving schoolboy by a man who was no more than a boy himself. All of it because Marisol couldn’t follow fucking directions.

“You knew this wasn’t going to be easy, and it only has to last as long as it takes to regrow those fields,” Tracy said as she rubbed his shoulders. “This will keep us in business so we can find out who tried to destroy you and kill them.”

“You don’t understand. I gave my word, and reneging on it will destroy me faster than everything that’s happened to us. Once the fields are viable again, I’ll have to cut a new deal.” He sat and closed his eyes when she increased the pressure of her massage. “I did this to survive, but Carlos will expect me to abide by what I promised, and I will. Today we got attacked, but there’s no saying it won’t happen again. Those fields won’t grow overnight.”

“Next time we’ll be ready,” Tracy said, kissing the side of his neck. “And if we make an example of who tried this time, there may not be a next time.”

“Let’s hope.”

Chapter Seventeen

Remi was waiting for Cain when they finished with the asshole who’d set up the hit on the club that hurt Josh. She had Mano with her, and he smiled when she walked in with Lou. “Sorry to run off on you when we got here, but I wanted to check on Josh.”

“Any news on that front?” Remi asked.