Secrets That Kill (15 page)

I was swimming on my back when the sliding doors opened and Ramos stepped out. The sun was low on the horizon, sending hues of golden light through the sky. It caught Ramos in the face, outlining his chiseled features and making his skin take on a burnished bronze glow. I sighed in appreciation.

“Just wanted you to know we’re back,” Ramos said. “Nick’s inside working on the thumb-drive.” As Ramos took in my wet hair and welcoming smile, he gritted his teeth against a sudden desire to join me in the pool. Before I could answer, he disappeared into the house and slid the door closed with a thwack.

Hmm… I grimaced, what was that all about? Did I really want to know? Nope. I was going to pretend I hadn’t picked up that Ramos’ attraction to me was making him angry. Maybe it wasn’t so bad that Nick was here after all, although I was hoping to have a minute alone with Ramos to tell him what Uncle Joey and I had discussed. Now that would have to wait for a better time.

I hesitated to get out of the pool just yet, mostly because I didn’t want to face Nick. Or was it Ramos? Or maybe a little of both? Of course, when Nick found out I had ‘premonitions’ I was sure he wouldn’t take it seriously. He’d probably think I was joking, which was just fine with me.

I swam a few more laps, then got out of the pool and dried off with the beach towel I’d found. I wrapped it around my waist and went inside. Nick sat at the table working on his computer, and Ramos stood behind him, looking over his shoulder at the screen. Both of them had frowns on their faces.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I got this,” Nick said. “Ramos doesn’t think I can break the code, but as good of a hacker as Warren was, I’m better. It would help if you’d quit looking over my shoulder, though.” He said this to Ramos, who straightened and jerked away with a scowl.

“I’m going to go take a shower.” I could see that now was not a good time to talk to Ramos. Besides, Nick didn’t seem concerned about my presence at all. If it ever came up, I’d figure out what to tell him then.

I took my time in the bathroom, hoping Nick could get into the files before I joined them downstairs. More than half an hour later, I gingerly crept down the stairs to find them both much happier and I sighed, finally relaxing my shoulders.

Ramos glanced at me and smiled with cold calculation. My heart broke to find his feelings locked up tight, replaced by a much darker focus. Taking down Carson made him hard and unemotional. This was the Ramos that people were afraid of, and it usually meant someone was going to die.

“We found a way to bring him down,” Ramos said. He was thinking how easy it would be to take all of Carson’s money right out from under him, and then tell him why he did it right before he shot him between the eyes.

My eyes widened. What? That wasn’t the plan. What was he thinking?

Ramos took in my alarm and pursed his lips, thinking that as much as he wanted to pull the trigger, he would have to come up with a different plan because of me. I heaved a big sigh, grateful he’d changed his mind. “Don’t forget… that other thing.” I was about to say “your brother” but couldn’t in front of Nick.

“What other thing?” Nick asked suspiciously, not missing a thing.

“Oh… just that one of the police detectives knows Ramos, and would suspect him if anything happened to Carson.” This was safe to admit without telling Nick the whole story.

Ramos grunted, shaking his head in disgust, but played along with me since it was true. “We’re going to have to be creative about this. I was hoping there would be a way we could encourage one of Carson’s associates to kill him so we don’t get our hands dirty.”

“I see,” Nick said. “Maybe with this information that won’t be a problem.” Nick was thinking this little trip was getting more and more interesting. He relished this kind of work and looked forward to figuring out a plan. “From these files, it looks like Manetto was right. I think Carson was cheating him out of at least five hundred thousand dollars. Maybe more.”

“Wow, that’s a lot,” I said. “Uncle Joey’s not going to be happy about that.”

“No, he’s not.” Ramos was suddenly worried that Manetto wouldn’t let him kill Carson without getting the money first. That might be a problem. “I’d better call him.” He picked up his phone and opened the sliding door, going outside to talk in private.

That left me alone with Nick, who focused on me for the first time since he’d gotten here. He’d caught an undercurrent that something was going on between Ramos and me, but there was no way he’d ever mention that. Still, it was an interesting development. He also wondered what I did for Manetto, knowing it had to be important since both Manetto and Ramos trusted me.

Of course, there was a lot he didn’t know about Manetto’s organization, and for now, he was okay with that. He’d learned from his father that in this business, it was probably best to know as little as possible, just in case the police showed up.

“It looks like Carson hasn’t been sharing the profits with anyone like he should,” Nick said, going back to the files. “If these numbers are right, Manetto’s not the only one he’s been cheating.”

“That’s it!” I said. “If we can get this information to everyone else he’s cheated, they’ll take care of him so Ramos doesn’t have to.”

“That should work,” Nick agreed. “I have their names, so it would just be a matter of tracking them down and giving them a hard copy of these files.”

Ramos came in, hearing Nick’s last comment. Nick filled Ramos in about what he’d just told me. “Sounds good,” Ramos said. “But before we alert the others, Manetto wants his money.”

“I was afraid of that,” I said. “How are we supposed to get it?”

“I’m going to have a little chat with Carson.”

This did not sound good in so many ways. “Don’t you think that’s dangerous?” I blurted. “He could kill you.”

“Relax Shelby,” Ramos said. “As far as Carson knows, I’m just here on business. Nothing for him to be worried about.”

“Yeah, until you tell him to pay up. Then what’s going to stop him from killing you?”

“Babe,” Ramos said, his voice low and level. “Give me a little credit. I know what I’m doing. I handle stuff like this all the time. It’s my job.”

“Oh,” I stammered. “Yeah, okay.” I could feel my face flushing with embarrassment.

“But I wouldn’t mind some company,” he said. “If you’re up to it.”

“You want me to go? But he knows who I am.”

“Exactly.” He was thinking this could work out great if Carson fell for it.

“Fell for what?” I asked, peeved that Ramos wasn’t explaining anything to me. Ramos glanced at Nick, who was thinking my comment didn’t make any sense. Oops. “I mean, what are you thinking?” I clamped my mouth shut and waited for Ramos to explain.

“Carson won’t want to get on Manetto’s bad side, and once he knows you’re Manetto’s niece, he’ll leave you alone. We can trade the thumb-drive for the money, and then let the other people he’s cheated take care of him.”

“I guess that could work,” I said, dubiously.

“How quickly can you make copies of the files?” Ramos asked Nick.

“All I need is a printer and some paper,” Nick replied.

“There’s a computer room with a printer just off the kitchen,” Ramos answered, pointing the way. “It should have everything you need.”

“I’ll go check it out.” Nick took his computer and disappeared inside.

Ramos checked his watch. “We can talk to Carson tonight, and I’ll make the trade tomorrow. While I’m making the trade, you and Nick can deliver the copied files to Carson’s associates. Nick can encrypt the thumb-drive so Carson won’t know what’s on it without a good hacker, and by the time he figures it out, it will be too late.”

“I’d better go change then,” I said, my voice sounding breathless and small.

I turned to leave, but Ramos caught my wrist and pulled me to face him. “Don’t worry Shelby. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I nodded and managed a weak smile. “I know.” He gave my wrist a reassuring squeeze and I hurried up the stairs.

I hadn’t bothered to fix my hair or apply any make-up after my swim, and now I regretted swimming at all. My hair was still damp, so I tipped my head upside down and blew it dry. Satisfied with my wind-blown look, I concentrated on my make-up, wanting to look extra-good. Being the “niece” of a mob-boss brought a lot of expectations, and I wished I had something nicer to wear, but as my wardrobe was limited, I just threw on the same clothes from this morning. Thank goodness for the jewelry. It saved an otherwise blah outfit.

Ramos noticed me coming into the living room and smiled appreciatively. He was thinking Manetto would be proud to call me his niece. I even out-did Kate, which was saying something. “Ha,” I said. “You’re just prejudiced.”

“True,” Ramos agreed. “But she still doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

I shook my head at his flattery while my heart flooded with warmth. Nick joined us, mumbling that he needed paper and envelopes for the copies.

“We’re going to Carson’s club tonight,” Ramos told him. “I’d like you to join us. Maybe after, we can get the supplies you need.”

“Sure, that sounds great” Nick replied. “But what do you need me for at the club?”

“It’s simple, I need you inside, but close to the door to keep an eye on things,” he answered. “I don’t expect any trouble, but you never know. You have a gun?”

“Not with me. I couldn’t exactly bring it on the plane,” Nick replied. “But don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.” He was thinking his martial arts training would come in handy, and he almost hoped he could use it.

“Where’s the thumb-drive?” Ramos asked.

“I’ll keep track of it,” Nick said. “Let me get ready and we can go. Nick hurried to his room and returned wearing a nice blazer over a green striped shirt.

Ramos set the house alarm and locked the door behind us. We settled into the car with Nick taking the back seat. With shades of gray to the west, the black night held a bright full moon overhead. The stifling heat of the day had subsided, and the scent of night blooming jasmine filled the air. It would have been a perfect night if not for the reason we were out.

As Ramos drove into the downtown area of the city, my stomach fluttered with nerves. I didn’t question how he knew where to go, just as I didn’t want to think too hard about all that could go wrong with this little meeting. Before I was ready, we pulled to a stop in front of a building with a group of people standing outside waiting to get in. A big man guarded the door to the inside, letting people in for a fee.

Ramos turned to Nick. “Once we get inside, we shouldn’t be long. Remember, Shelby is your first priority. If anything happens, get her to safety.” Ramos wasn’t taking any chances with me, and he wanted to make sure Nick knew that.

A valet came to park our car, and Ramos stepped out, handing him the keys. Nick got out of the back seat, but I couldn’t bring myself to open my door. Ramos and Nick both had blazers on, so they looked good, but scanning the skimpy dresses and high heels of the women in line gave me a stomachache. I was woefully underdressed, and my confidence deserted me. I couldn’t go in there to face Carson looking like this!

Ramos opened my door and extended his hand to help me out. I ignored it. “Babe.” His voice prodded me out of my stupor, and I reluctantly took his hand. I stood as tall as I could in my flat sandals, trying to bolster my confidence. Ramos arched his brow at me, wondering what was going on.

“I’m not exactly dressed for this,” I said, under my breath.

He glanced at the women in line and squeezed my hand. Turning back to me, he held my gaze with measured confidence. “Don’t let their clothes intimidate you. You look great just as you are. Besides, you have nothing to prove, remember? You’re the niece of a bad-ass mob-boss who’s got more clout than anyone in this puny city.”

I couldn’t help snickering, but went along with it just the same. “Damn straight!” I agreed. His smile lit up his eyes before he expertly tucked my hand into his elbow and led me to the door.

The big guy standing there frowned and held up his hand for us to stop. “You on the V.I.P. list?”

Ramos stared at him before replying. “The name’s Ramos. Carson is expecting us.”

The man paled, knowing Ramos’ reputation, and dipped his head. He quickly opened the door for us and kept his eyes lowered as we passed him. Wow! That was kind of cool. It bolstered my confidence enough to strut through the door like I owned the place. Who cares if I’m not wearing a sexy dress. I’m with Ramos.

Inside, we walked down a short hallway to a second set of double doors. Another big man guarded this entrance, but moved to the side and opened the door for us with a polite smile. “Welcome to Club Metropol.”

He ushered us inside, where we were instantly assaulted by loud music coming from a live band at the opposite end of the room. The place was packed with people, and Ramos turned to Nick. “Wait here,” he shouted.

At Nick’s nod, Ramos took my hand and pushed his way through the crowd. Without his bulk in front of me, I would have been lost. Bumping against people in the throes of drinking and dancing, with plenty of sexual undertones, turned my stomach, leaving me a little nauseous. This place was insane. Without my mental shields, I would have been a mess.

We broke through the crowd at the bottom of a set of stairs and I swallowed, sagging with relief. Ramos tightened his grip, giving me a few seconds to recover before we continued up the stairs. At the top, he placed my hand into the crook of his elbow while we took in the floor plan. This was a smaller space with a balcony overlooking the dance floor. A few tables and chairs placed nearby had a great view of the scene below. Here, the music wasn’t as loud, and only a few people lounged in their chairs around the tables.