There was one thing he knew about Annabel Hicks, and that was she didn’t like giving up. His father had tried and failed to stay on Giovanni Bracato’s payroll, and he’d completely covered his tracks. The bureau, though, had suspected and driven him out without proof. All he’d been trying to do was better his family’s situation, and they’d made him pay for that. He’d succeeded where his father had not, and Annabel was going to do what it took to bring him in. What Annabel didn’t know was that he and his father were going to fuck her and the rest of her team into embarrassment. She had to pay for what had happened to his family.

“They’re still watching, so it’s important Abril gets it right. The grocery is the best place.”

“She know and she already there.” Pablo helped him on with his jacket, and Jerome tilted his head toward the door. Pablo took the hint and left and almost immediately, the bathroom door swung open.

“Remember not to leave the house alone,” he said to Daniela and took her hands before she could touch him. “And be careful who you invite back here.”

“I remember, but you should take me with you. I can help you.”

“I’ll call you,” he said, letting her go. There was no time for circular conversations.

They drove to the airport, and he rolled his own bag, wanting to blend in as a businessman taking a short trip. He smiled at the niggling fear that surfaced when he was in the security line. If he was stopped and fingerprinted, he was done.

“Here you go,” the TSA agent said, handing him back his boarding pass and ID.

Pablo didn’t talk to him as they sat in the concourse having coffee, nor on the flight when he reclined his seat and closed his eyes. He thought of Cain Casey right before he fell asleep and her poise no matter the situation. He’d heard what had happened to her when Cehan had taken her in and laughed at the big goon sitting in prison. When was his old team going to learn that Cain played to win no matter the penalty shots? He’d learned a lot from the bitch, but it was time to surpass her in the dangerous game they played.

They landed in Houston and waited forty-five minutes before catching the connecting flight to Biloxi. The house Pablo had rented across the street from the beach wasn’t as private as he would’ve liked, but he wasn’t planning to lie outside tanning himself. He was in the den having a drink when the door opened, and he heard his father’s deep voice.

“Jerome,” Matty Curtis said loudly from the kitchen.