Ruined: Loving An Alpha Male(105)

I put her bags in front of Cory and pulled the keys from my pocket. I put them in his hands and walked away. Tiffany stood in front of me, and she mouthed, “Thank you.” I leaned into her and kissed her on her cheek.

I whispered so only she could hear, “You know, I would do anything for her to keep her safe.”

I left them all standing there. I knew the anger I was feeling was about to consume me, and I needed space. I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn’t turn to see who it was. I knew who it was, and I was thankful that he was here. He was the only one who knows what type of hell I was in. He was the only one who can talk me off this ledge I’m on.

Everyone went on the fishing trip, except me and Diane. She didn’t want to go in the first place. So, since I didn’t go, I didn’t want to subject them to her winning personality. What I did instead was call Roland. I gave him Max’s cell number, not really telling him who the number belonged to, and asked him to trace where the last call came from. It should get him to the man we were looking for.

After that, I got Sammy Morales to look into the kidnapping case covertly. Sammy is a computer whiz who works for Roland. But I get him to do special jobs for me from time to time, when I’m investigating a business I want to take over.

I wanted him to tell me if the cops found any connection from the kidnapping to Max’s father. If so, what information did they obtain? Was the case still open? Where were they on the whole thing? I was sure it was a cold case because of the time that had elapsed, but I was hoping to get some leads. If the people that are responsible haven’t been found, I need to know who they were. That would require me to talk to Max. That wouldn’t be a pleasant conversation, so I’m hoping to get the info that I need without her.

“I’m going to lie out by the pool. Do you want to join me?” I heard Diane say.

I shook my head, not really paying her any attention.

I did say, out of habit, “I’m working right now, so I’ll have to meet up with you later.”

Sammy got me information rather quickly, but there was not that much for me to go on. The cops did identify a Latin mob gang that is running in South Dallas with ties to Ray Jr. and a cartel out of South America. I sent the name of the cartel to Roland. I think I remembered them from the list of America’s most wanted. If they were one and the same, I will definitely be making a trip across the border soon.

When it was dinner time, I did join everyone. We went to the restaurant in the hotel and found a nice spot on the deck outside. I watched Max eat more than just a salad, which put a smile on my face. I kept up my end of the bargain, and I just had a beer—nothing heavy. I didn’t drink the next morning either. I simply had coffee in the morning before we left to play a round of golf.

We drove in silence, each of us immersed in our own thoughts. I’ve been talking with Roland off and on since last night. He was able to find Max’s father, and he gave me the rundown on his operation. Apparently, he really is a big deal. In fact, Roland said that the FBI and ATF are looking at him. He has known ties to the South American gun and drug trade. It was no wonder I found that connection to Max’s kidnapping. I’m also wondering if whoever touched Max was dealt with.

“Bro.”

I turned to my brother in the driver seat.

“What?”

“You didn’t hear what we said?” I shook my head. “We’ve been debating if AB should get Tiffany a birthday present.” I looked at him confused, and he explained, “The schmuck thinks that this trip is enough of a birthday gift for her. Cory and I disagree. What do you think?”

I turned slightly to AB, who is sitting behind Marc, and shook my head.

“Haven’t I taught you anything? You should be doing something special just for her, you heartless SOB.”

“Why should I? I mean, this trip should be enough.”

“Yeah, and what exactly have you contributed to this trip? Did you set up some quiet time, not just to fuck, but just some alone time?”

“Yeah, right. Trying to get her alone and away from ‘Monkey’ is a difficult task.”

I blanched at the nickname, but I looked over at Cory.

“I’m sure Cory can occupy Maxine for a few hours, so that you can wine and dine your woman as best as you can, considering where we are. That’s the least you can do.”

Did I just say that? AB looked at Cory, and he nodded.

“Of course I can do that. You want to do it tonight?”

AB and Cory started talking on another topic, and I looked back out the window at the scenery going by.

“You alright?” My brother asked me.