"I'll let you know, in the meantime talk to Barney and let him know what the situation is. Tell him to keep his ear close to the ground. I'll be arriving there tonight, and I'll be bringing Jagger and you with me." I inform him, and he instantly nods. "It's my father's celebratory party for his marriage to Tina. I want everything to go smoothly."
"Yes Boss, I'll make sure that we're on top of things. I'll give Barney a call while you're in the meeting unless you need me to be present?"
"You can call Barney while Jagger and I have a meeting. Martin, as my second in command you are expected to be present at meetings, just as Jagger is." I probably should have let him know that I’d given him the title of second in command before today, but fuck it, this was as good as any other way.
"Of course, Boss." Pride in his voice, he understands the significance of being my second in command. I don't trust people, but those I do, I make sure they're close to me. Jagger was my best friend growing up, his mom is from the south, and Jagger has that southern drawl she had. Whereas his father, along with mine, started as my grandfather's soldiers before working their way up the ranks. Jagger's dad was shot dead by police believing he was robbing a store. He wasn't, and the officer who killed him almost five years ago now still is breathing. Something I plan on rectifying. Enough time has passed now that they won't automatically think it was us. Although suspicion will fall on us, it will look like an accident, one that happened while he was on the job.
"Martin, while we're in this meeting I need your eyes on Matt and Carmine Jr. I don't trust those two." There's something about them that doesn't sit right with me, even when my dad was in charge. They're lazy, but they're slick too. They know too much for my liking.
"Funny you should mention those two. My gut screams every time those two schmucks are about."
He pulls up outside the new warehouse that Jagger had lined up for me. He'd been searching for a while and found three for us to use. He knows what I'm like, and he also knows that I'm cleaning house. But I'm going to try and control my temper and not kill anyone where I hold my meetings. Ending Ulric was my way of sending a message to the men that I don't give a fuck who I have to take out. If my men are behind me and loyal, they'll stay if they're not, they go.
Jagger's waiting outside for us, his posture is stiff, he’s fucking pissed. I'm curious as to what Carina has done. Whatever it is, she's lucky to be alive. "They're all inside, the men are anxious, they're unsure of what you're planning on doing next."
I smirk, "It'll keep them on their toes. They now know not to fuck around and mess with me. I won't tolerate it."
He nods once and opens the door, as soon as I walk in every single man stands to attention. Good, they've learned
"Cage what did you find about Detective Collins?" I get straight to the point as I walk towards them.
He takes a step forward, "Boss, I searched his place, he kept nothing of relevance there. I did some digging and found a storage container. He had files on you and your dad, but I've disposed of those. Stupid moron hadn't told anyone what Ulric had told him. So we're good." He puffs out his chest.
"How do you know that he hadn't told anyone?"
Darwin steps forward, a deep cough escaping him.
"I may have taken his sister out for dinner."
Jesus.
He smirks, "She said that Collins didn't trust anyone on the force, he wasn't sure who you have in your pocket. So he was waiting until he had enough evidence to take to his superior."
"Thank fuck for his distrusting nature." Cage laughs, "Boss, everything is gone." he assures me.
I nod once, and they both step backward. "Matt and Carmine." My voice has taken on a dark edge.
They glance at each other, before hesitantly taking a step forward. "Yes, Boss?"
"Where is Ulric's body?" He hasn't been found yet, and I'm curious as to where they've dumped him.
Matt stands taller, "There's a new mall going up in Barstow, they laid the foundation for it this morning. Ulric is about ten feet underneath that foundation."
"Good." I nod to them, and they take a step backward.
"There’s been a threat made against my family. I'll be staying close this weekend. Make sure you are by your phones. I don't care what you are doing, I call, you drop whatever it is, and you come. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Boss." They say in unison.
"You're dismissed." One by one, they leave the warehouse, each of them wanting to leave as soon as possible in case I change my mind. "Martin," I call as Darwin and Cage leave. "Follow those two assholes Matt and Carmine Jr and see where they go. I don't buy what they said. Have Sam find any evidence of this happening. They drove to Barstow, there's going to be a trail. Find it."
"On it, call me when you're ready to leave, it's a five-hour journey to go to your father’s."
I laugh, "We're not driving. We're taking the chopper. We're leaving at five. Make sure your bags are packed, and you're ready to go by then."
He nods and leaves the warehouse, leaving Jagger and I alone.
"What did Carina do?"