“Let me take this. We’ll talk later,” Jett stated, and then walked toward the bar to answer the call.
“Yeah, Jett here.”
“Buddy, I got a name for you, but no picture. The guy’s a ghost. But he’s definitely looking to take over the area, if you know what I mean.”
“Who is it? Did something else happen?”
“Your uncle’s place was just written up by the health department. Numerous citations, they instantly closed him down tonight. He also had multiple liquor suppliers deny deliveries this weekend.”
“What? Holy shit. I should call him. Who is this guy?”
“The name is Margliado. He’s a resourceful individual, and involved with a lot of businesses, but he wants to franchise out. He already brought out Louie Perez.”
“Louie? Holy shit, Louie’s on Fifth is a gold mine. What the hell?”
“I heard the threats on Louis’s life and loved ones were justified.”
“Son of a bitch. We need to beef up security here. I haven’t gotten any hints of any takeovers, threats, or even non-shipments of supplies here.”
“Adelina is in charge of those, right?”
“She sure is. I’ll talk to her. In the meantime, I’d better call my uncle. I can’t believe that he’s shut down. Don’t we know people in the health department?”
“Yes, we all do, but our lips are sealed. No one is breaking the silence on this one.”
“Can you find out more about this Margliado character? A face would be great.”
“Sure thing. But as I said, he’s like a ghost.”
“Great, nothing like fighting an enemy blind. Talk to you tomorrow.”
Jett hung up the phone and quickly pulled out his cell as he waved Flynn over. He saw Adelina leaving for the night, and she hadn’t even said good night. They had upset her. But right now, Adelina was the least one for them to worry about. They had bigger concerns.
Chapter 4
Adelina was nervous. She stared at herself in the mirror and at her very simple, yet sexy black cocktail dress. She was talking to Chiara.
“So you’re going through with this anyway?” Chiara asked. They had become good friends over the last year. Between Chiara, Toni, Tia Rose, and Chastity, the women had their bets on Jett and Flynn to make a move on Adelina sooner than later.
“I can’t go on like this, Chiara. They don’t care for me in the same way that I care for them.”
“That’s bullshit. I’ve seen the way Jett and Flynn look at you when you’re in the room. Those two are fighting their attraction. They have fears none of us probably know about. Plus, Cash and Zane mentioned some family issues going on right now, and that Jett and Flynn have a lot on their minds.”
“I know they do. They had two friends pass away within forty-eight hours of one another. I get it. I just can’t stand wanting them and knowing that they don’t want me.” She felt the tears reach her eyes. Her sister, Kaitlin, grabbed her hand and squeezed it as she listened to Adelina talk on the phone. Kaitlin showed her two pairs of earrings and Adelina chose the small dangling crystals.
“Well, you go have a good time. Be careful. You really don’t know this guy at all. I could have Cash and Zane check him out.”
“Don’t you dare. If I like him and things seem to progress then I’ll let you know if I need him checked out.”
Chiara chuckled. “Okay, be sure to have Kaitlin send me a picture of you in that dress before you leave. Good luck, and have fun. Remember that you’re perfect, and can have any guy you want. There’s no need to settle.”
“I appreciate that, although it isn’t true.”
“You are perfect.”
“I meant about the ‘any guy I want’ part.”
Chiara chuckled and then said good-bye.