Cursing the fact I fell asleep, I bolt out of bed and sprint for the device. I glance at the display. It’s nearly five a.m. But the caller’s name shocks me even more.
Ransom.
“What’s wrong? Why the fuck are you calling again so soon?” I snap since we’re only supposed to talk if there’s an emergency.
“I need out. Now.”
“What?” He’s leaving me alone on this case?
“You heard me.”
“Are you fucking serious? I’ve been working this shit for too long for you to just bail.”
“Look, I hoped we’d be done. But I’ve got to end my part in this fucking charade. I’m in love.”
The guy who hasn’t spent more than a few hours with the same woman since high school? “You?”
“Yeah. I took her to bed last night.”
“Am I supposed to congratulate you? You fucked some woman. Whoopee… You can’t be serious here.”
“She turned eighteen yesterday. She was a virgin. I willingly fucked her bareback—more than once—and she’s not on the pill. That serious enough for you?”
And then some. Whoa. For almost two decades, Ransom has sworn he would never settle down, never have more kids, and never let another woman have that much power in his life. So this is beyond significant.
“Shit. You’re not playing.”
“Nope.”
“But she’s your son’s age. You’re a grown-ass man. What are you going to do, finish raising her?”
“Fuck off. I called to give you a heads-up. I plan to dust Paul Carboni pronto so he can’t come after me again. I can do Donzelli, too. Since I’m a ‘dead man,’ neither will see me coming and no one will suspect me. God knows they deserve it for selling human beings like sacks of groceries. It will also get you a step closer to getting out of this shitty mess. What you do with the opportunity is up to you. I’m hanging up now.”
He’s got a point. More than one, actually. I have to get out of this fucking mess right now, too. But my brother? I’m worried about him getting mixed up with some barely legal chick who will fuck him up like his ex from high school. “Wait! I didn’t mean to piss you off. I’m just saying Lydia did a number on you, and this girl—”
“Havana.”
I snort. Ransom always did have his priorities in his pants. “With a name like that, I’m guessing she has a fuck-me mouth and great tits.”
“Shut up.”
“So she doesn’t?” I wait. Silence. “That’s what I thought. You can’t be into Havana for her intellect.”
“You don’t know her, so stop making assumptions. She’s way more mature than Lydia, who had everything handed to her as a kid. Havana has been on her own for two years. She’s got the biggest fucking heart. She wants to be a vet. She’s smart enough to do it, too. And by the way, I’m still here for you to bitch at because she saved my life last night. So back the fuck down. I’m telling you I want out, and this is how it’s going to go down.”
“Okay. Sorry. I didn’t know. It’s been a long night, and I’ve got major problems here.”
“Do you need help?”
I shouldn’t drag Ransom in deeper if he wants out. “If I do, I’ll let you know. Look, I think I speak for Rand and Rush, too, when I say we don’t want another girl to trample your heart. Does Havana really make you happy? Can you live with this girl for a month? A year? The rest of your life?”
“Yeah. I won’t say the age difference didn’t give me pause, man. I tried to resist. God, I fucking tried. But when you know, you know, at least according to Rand and Rush.”
That’s how it happened for me on New Year’s Eve. One look, one kiss…and my heart was Kristi’s. “They’re right. Listen, don’t touch Donzelli. He’s mine. The truth is, I need out, too. Like, now. I think I’ve finally got enough evidence.” Well, not really. But Ransom doesn’t need to hear that right this minute. I’ll figure it out. “And I have an idea. So let’s move on this.”
“You’re serious?”
“Yeah, I, um…met someone, too.”
“When?” Ransom sounds both curious and suspicious.
“Recently.” I wince. I hate to admit this, but he has a right to know. “And she’s fucking here now.”
“What?”
Yep, he’s pissed. I sigh. “Long story. Be careful with this girl.”
“Havana,” he reminds me with growl. “You be careful there, too, bro. Stay focused. Get Donzelli done soon.”
“Tell me when Paulie is dead, then I’ll make my move.”
“Is he home?”
“Yep. It’s just Rudy, Sal, and some of the other guys. Let me know once you’ve iced that stupid bastard. Be safe. I’ve got to go.”
There’s nothing more to say. I end the call.
“Ridge?” Kristi says softly across the room, sheets rustling. “Is everything all right?”
No, but it can be. With my brother bailing and Kristi in jeopardy, I have to cash out. Not in the next twenty-four hours. Not in the next two, even. Now.