And, quite possibly, the devil himself.
“I have a friend coming into town on some business.”
I nodded as I sipped my drink, but I didn’t dare interrupt him.
“He’s a high level businessman, like myself. And he has a tendency to draw the attention of unsavory characters whenever he goes.”
I nodded. But again, I didn’t interrupt.
“He’s a big deal, Max. I need you and your boys on his six when he moves. No matter where he moves. I want your best on this, because there’s big money to be had in this job. I need this business relationship untarnished. So no fucking it up.”
I sipped my drink. “We can handle it. We always do.”
“Not with the last job that happened.”
“You know what happened with that last job. We gave that man explicit instructions and he stepped outside of the lines.”
“You’re supposed to have contingencies for everything. Men like my friends don’t listen to what’s good for them. They’re powerful. They make their own rules. Have contingency plans for when the rules break.”
I nodded. “We will have this one handled without incident.”
Ashton narrowed his eyes at me. “You sure about that?”
“Yes.”
“Because I don’t need you guys fucking this one up. This crew hasn’t been what it was underneath myself, or even your brother, since you took up position as president.”
I paused. “You mean your son?”
“Yes. Your brother.”
I held back the snicker wanting to work its way up my throat.
“It will be handled, Dad. You have my word.”
He pointed at me. “I don’t just want it handled. I want it perfect. This crew is known for providing not just services, but impeccable services. No matter the cost asked, or the life taken. You willing to do that? Can you do that, Max?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“All right. Here’s the deal. The client is driving in. Not flying. The last time he attempted to fly, someone tried taking his plane down. He’s driving in and heading straight to his hotel. He’s staying at La Grenvan Rouge on the other side of town. Top floor. There’s a private elevator he is to always take. He wants you and the boys taking it as well. He arrives in two days. When you and your boys get into the lobby, you go to the front desk and say, ‘We’re here for Mr. Penthouse’.”
Is he fucking kidding me? “Got it.”
“You say that, and the front desk will know what to do. They’ll let you up, you collect the client, and you follow him wherever he goes while he’s in town.”
“How long is he in town for?”
Ashton shrugged. “He says a week. Which, in my world, means at least ten days. Maybe more. But the longer you’re employed, the more you get paid. A week upfront quoted, plus extra tacked on for the days after that. You know how it goes.”
I finished my drink. “Yep.”
“Don’t bring all of your men for this, either. Just the ones you trust to handle their shit out there. I don’t need any of your no-good prospects doing this just to prove themselves. This is a ‘seasoned veteran only’ kind of job. You hear me?”
“I hear you loud and clear.”
“Good. You can see yourself out.”
I paused. “Risk factor?”