“Jerome Rhodes?” She took her cell out and hit speed dial as Pablo nodded like a madman. “Emma, tell Colin not to meet with Rhodes. He’ll know what I’m talking about.”

“He’s outside playing with the girls, but I’ll tell him.”

“Pablo, think carefully about this next question. I have everything I need, but a wrong answer will make the crabs in the lake very happy tonight.”

“Qué?”

“Was it Rhodes who hit Hector?”

“Sí, it make it easy to do business with Delarosa on his knees.”

“Gracias, amigo.” There was nothing more he could tell her that she didn’t already know. She nodded at Lou, who shot Pablo through the heart. It was the least she could do for his truthful answers. “Send the cleaning crew, and make sure this place is locked up when they’re done.”

“You got it, boss,” Dino said, taking her place at the controls.

They made it home the same way they’d left, and Colin was waiting in the office. “Call Rhodes and tell him you’re ready to do business, but you’d rather have dinner at Vincent’s place in two days. Tell him you love the food, but remember to wait the couple of days. We need to have a meeting with Rhodes, but I’m going to have to let Hector know about it.”

The front door opened, and she heard Abigail come in and greet Emma. Finley had already left for the city, having arranged a meeting with her old partner. It was time the FBI knew Nicola was among the living. Finley was going to meet them at the hotel, and if her story was good enough, hopefully the feds would be useful for once. She only needed one shot at Nicola, just one.

“Are you ready?” Emma asked. “I know you have a meeting before our dinner, so you need to get moving. The sooner we get there, the sooner Dallas, Abigail, and I can go shopping while you take care of things.”

“I’m ready, lass. Today’s been kind of a grind, and I’m ready for a change of scenery.”

Chapter Twenty-three

“Remember, none of you lose the guards,” Cain warned Emma, Dallas, and Abigail when they landed. She’d brought plenty of people with them, but the thought of letting all three women out of her sight brought on a little nervousness.

“Stop worrying, my love, and we’ll meet you at the hotel later. I promise you’ll like the results,” Emma said before pulling her head down and kissing her. “Be careful. I’m freaked out by where you’re going and who you’re going to see. Remember what happened the last time I let you go out alone.”

“If someone stabs me, I’ll give you permission to spank me,” she said, putting her hand on Emma’s butt. “I love you, lass.”