“You wanted to see me, Mr. Masters?”
“Yes, please have a seat.”
Sax gave me a curious look and then motioned if I wanted him to stay or leave. I shook my head slightly, needing him here, even if only for moral support. It had been a few days since our family meeting and my commitment to him to try harder. Mrs. Hildebrand calling was the last piece I had needed to cement phase one.
“Did you find anything out on the trust?”
“No, not yet. I asked you here because I’ve decided to host a benefit for Ignite Youth Center. I’ve just gotten off the phone with Mrs. Hildebrand, finalizing the details.”
Her eyes widened with surprise, and I took joy from shocking her. “Wow, that’s very generous of you. I know Jude will be happy to hear about it.”
“I was wondering if you’d be my date to the event?”
“Oh? Um, me?” she asked, biting her lip, looking at Sax briefly.
“Say yes, Spitfire. This is Mas’ way of saying he’s an ass but is trying.”
I gritted my teeth but didn’t dismiss what he said, only nodding when she looked at me. “Well, okay, yes, I accept.”
“Wonderful. I’ll send over the details. I know Immy would cherish some help in picking out a dress, and in appreciation of this, I would be honored to purchase yours. Before you deny it, just consider it. You could make it a whole day and get ready together. She hasn’t had much of that.”
She snapped her mouth shut, the refusal on her lips evaporating at my mention of Immy, and only nodded before getting up to exit the room. Her hand brushed over Sax’s in a gentle gesture, and I saw the bearded mountain practically swoon at the touch. He looked at me, and when I didn’t move for him to stay, he followed her out.
Relaxing back in my chair, I took a deep breath. The fight was tomorrow night, the first of the small ones leading up to the opening of Uprising. Wells was on the ticket, and it was set to be a big night. I hadn’t had space to breathe all week, from the family meeting and dealing with Joel and Marcus, to making amends, and researching my mother’s family history, it had all sped by quickly. Resting my head back on the headrest, I closed my eyes, needing a few seconds.
The knock jolted me, and I sat upright, kicking my desk in the process. The knock sounded again, and I smoothed my hands over before calling them in.
“Enter.”
Topher entered with a package in his hand, his face a little green. “Um, boss. I think you need to see this. We were checking the mail when we came across it. There’s no return address, just a note, and the um… contents.”
I gestured, motioning for him to bring the box closer. He sat it down, handing me some latex gloves. Putting them on, I grabbed a letter opener from my desk and lifted the lid. Inside sat a finger. It was bruised and appeared to have been severed from the person for a few days based on the coloring. Dropping the top, I put my hand out for the note.
Opening it, I wasn’t surprised who it was from, only that it meant he was tired of waiting.
Little Mascro,
I’ve enclosed a gift. It’s just a sample of what awaits your family. This pretty redhead, she’s a fighter. It was so fun watching her bleed. It’s time for you to pay up, hold up your father’s end of the deal. Otherwise, I’ll start taking more members of your family, beginning with the women. I’ll make an exception for the pretty therapist. I wonder if I could get her and Immy for a 2-for-1 deal? If you don’t want to find out, then you’d be wise to follow through.
As they say, time’s up.
I have a cargo ship arriving tomorrow night at your docks. I need your guys to clear it, make sure it passes inspection without any red flags, and deliver it to my warehouse.
Do not open it. Do not try to double-cross me. Do not set me up.
If you fail to meet these terms, then not only will the pretty redhead continue to lose body parts, but for each minute you’re late, I’ll break a bone in your fighter tomorrow night. You’re not the only venue in town anymore, Little Mascro, and I think you’ll find I have some fighters who will decimate yours.
You can’t get out of this. I have you stretched in too many places. Your only hope is to do as I ask and pray I let your pretty cousin live. Maybe I should keep her as the interest owed?
I’ll see how generous I’m feeling.
Tick tock, Mascro. Which door are you going to choose? Time to get your hands dirty.
-D