“Whatever it is, I’ve got limited access now. RICO has taken over the case and building their own against the SOMC.”
And the RRMC. Pretty sure he knew that. “You owe me this, Paul.”
“Things are a lot more complicated than you understand.”
“Enlighten me.”
“Honey, this is a man’s game. Big politics and big players. They don’t care who they take down if it means their greedy pockets are filled and they get all the glory.”
Oh, no he didn’t just go there.
“Don’t fucking patronize me. Peter’s life is in danger. They arrested him along with Mack, Tank, and Jake. Four men who could go down for shit that isn’t their fault. I can’t let our baby be born without Edge so you’re going to make sure he gets out of that jail and back at my side as soon as possible.”
Paul moved behind his desk and slumped down into the seat. “You’re pregnant?”
I nodded, smiling briefly. “Yes, so I need Peter. Now.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Sure, it is. You know what you have to do, even if it means putting yourself in danger.”
Paul stood up, anger riding his worn and haggard features. He was a fit man despite his age, only ten years my senior, but the weight of the truth was taking its toll. “I can’t interfere. Not the way you think.”
“Stop being a coward!” I yelled, furious with his clear dismissal of the situation.
His eyes narrowed as he began to pace in front of me. All thoughts of how I found him completely forgotten. “This is a lot of deep shit, Rae, more than you’ll ever understand.”
I took the time to count to ten before I blew up at him.
“You have connections. Get him out, Paul. I’m not asking!”
Taking a deep breath, I had to focus on what mattered. Saving Peter and the RRMC. Our future.
“Please. This is our chance to finally have a life together. Don’t take Pete from me, not when you can save him and make all this bullshit right.” The tears that I had been holding back fell down my cheeks as Paul paused, hanging his head.
“I don’t know, Rae.”
“I’m just asking you to try,” I pleaded. “I know how deep this shit is, but you can’t let Pete fall for the sins that began decades ago . . . and you know Ron and Mack wouldn’t allow it either.”
“I’ll do what I can,” he promised, lifting his head. “For you.”
It wasn’t much but I hoped it was enough.
Chapter 15 – Cara
“Where’s Rae?” I asked Charlotte, watching as she fixed a snack for the girls. “I thought she would be back by now.”
My sister shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe she got caught up in traffic or something.”
“At this time of day? It’s after seven.”
“We’ll just have to wait for her to come back and try to stay calm. Okay?”
My sister was the rational one. I was the nutcase. This wasn’t working for me at all. I felt cooped up and ready to climb the walls. Not knowing what was happening was the worst part. I should have heard from R.J. hours ago and yet nothing. Not a single text or call. It wasn’t right.
“I think R.J. is in trouble.”
“What do you want to do? Drive around and hope you find him?” She turned around, placing her hands on my shoulders. “I know that you’re scared. I am too. We just have to sit tight and stay here where it’s safe. Nothing is gonna happen in Edge and Rae’s house. Just try to relax.”