Clearly I needed to win a bunch more points before this negotiation would swing in my favor. I smiled again. “I know the Nobles and the Demon’s Wings haven’t had the closest of ties, but we’ve been aware of your presence for quite some time, and Mr. Noble has been impressed by how efficiently Mr. Herald runs his organization. When he decided to form a new alliance, the Demon’s Wings were his first choice.”
Not just because of what we knew of their reputation but also because we’d determined they’d had no contact on record with any gang in the Bend, but I didn’t mention that part.
The other man raised his glass as if in a toast. “We appreciate the respect shown in that gesture. We’ve had plenty of respect ourselves for what we’ve heard of things in Paradise City. That doesn’t explain why you’re looking for an alliance now, though.”
“Of course. How much do you know about the hierarchy in Paradise Bend?”
I watched him carefully as he rubbed his chin. I didn’t see any sign of hidden animosity or guilt.
“Not a great deal,” he admitted. “Your grip extends over the whole county, doesn’t it? Collecting your tithe from the smaller-time groups that have their own bits and pieces of action here and there, like we do.”
“Yes, exactly. Unfortunately, one of those groups has been creating a lot of disruption in the county.”
Eric’s eyebrows rose slightly, but he only looked curious, not as if he was already aware of what I was talking about. I started to relax a little, surer than ever that the Demon’s Wings had no association with Colt.
“And what does that have to do with us?” he asked, swirling his drink. “Surely Ezra Noble can handle a few pissy street rats?”
“Naturally,” I replied. “But there’s something to be said for crushing certain sorts of rebellions as quickly and forcefully as possible. As Mr. Noble has expanded his reach to territories beyond Paradise Bend, he can’t bring as large a force as he’d like down on them without leaving certain other properties vulnerable. So he has a proposition for Mr. Herald.”
“I’m listening.”
“All we’re asking is that Mr. Herald send a contingent of his men, whoever he can spare, for one or two operations in Paradise Bend. In exchange, Mr. Noble would return the favor at whatever time Mr. Herald requires. You have our back, we have yours.”
“But conveniently we have to extend ourselves first,” Eric said.
I didn’t let the skeptical comment faze me. “We recognize that, and so Mr. Noble is also offering a partial stake in a particularly lucrative property he’s been overseeing the development of not far from your own territories. I’ve brought the paperwork for you to bring to Mr. Herald so he can look it over.”
I retrieved the contract from my briefcase and passed it across the table. Eric studied it for a minute, unable to suppress the hint of a grin that touched his lips. I relaxed even more and allowed myself a gulp of my second gin and tonic. I just about had him.
“This is certainly generous, worthy of a man of Ezra Noble’s reputation,” he said, folding the papers and tucking them into his pocket.
“And our offer of manpower doesn’t come with an expiration date,” I said. “The Nobles never forget their debts. Rest assured that we’ll be ready if you call on us.”
Eric nodded. “Well, I think I’ve heard enough to bring this to the boss. It looks good, but it is pretty sudden. I hope you’ll understand if before he commits, he’d want a more immediate, ah, contribution.”
I cocked my head, ignoring the kernel of dread that was expanding in my stomach. “What sort of contribution?”
A smirk I didn’t like at all curled the other man’s mouth. “Oh, nothing all that substantial. Just a small token to seal the deal. I’m sure Mr. Noble has heard of Jasper Herald’s taste in women.”