The Golden Chalice Page 9

  “I’m not pleased,” Lee answered.

  “It’s only business. Consider me Switzerland. Neutral, man.”

  “Business? You and Cumminskey are thinking of taking advantage of my position now?”

  “No, I only meant—”

  “I’m no rookie, Monk. I know what plays have been made behind my back. I’ve made the same plays at one time or another. So let’s talk business. We could get nasty, and I’ll let some no-name fence to take the Chalice and move it. Hell, I know a country or two that would gladly give me a kingdom for it.”

  There was a pause on the phone. Lee squinted at Monk, who didn’t move a muscle in his seat. Finally, the dirty scumbag spoke through clenched teeth. “I’m listening.”

  “Two conditions.”

  “Just two?”

  “Two conditions and I’ll consider giving you a pass.”

  Monk licked his lips. “I’m listening.”

  “I want to know everything you can find out on the Nigerians. And how Abahti is tied to them. And of course, you give me Cumminskey. Those are my terms.”

  “Nigerians? Who are they?”

  Lee ended the call.

  ***

  Only locals knew El Diablo’s, a Portuguese restaurant on the west side of Chicago. It happened to be one of Eddie ‘The Butcher’ Cumminskey’s favorite watering holes. He forked the spicy yellow rice and black beans doused in hot sauce into his mouth, chewing, observing. His men covered the doors. Eddie checked his watch once more. He happened to look up when a tall, black, sharply dressed man walked in. Eddie tracked the man with his eyes; his paranoia had him seeing threats from the most unlikely sources. He needed to deal with the Lee Sullivan issue fast. He tired of living like a man on the run.

  The cell phone on the table began to buzz. Eddie tossed his fork to his plate and picked it up. “What took you so long?”

  “You wanted information. I have some,” Abahti drawled.

  “About motherfucking time.” Eddie relaxed. “Chocolat?”

  “The one and only. She’s making a run for it. Prague. From there she’s headed to Madrid. Thanks to you and Monk, of course. If you deliver the money, she’ll be ever so grateful. Monk will receive a courier envelope with all the details. She’s yours to do with as you please. And Lee won’t be able to stop you.”

  Eddie smiled. “When?”

  “A week or two. You tell me. Set it up and it’s done.”

  Eddie laughed. “Well, I’ll be damned. This might be worth it. She did lift the Jesus Stones and the Chalice. She and I have some unfinished business.”

  “Whatever. She’s yours. Just see to it that things go as we discussed.”

  “No problem. Monk Eastman has no clue we’re working together. He thinks I’m an idiot. No one plays me. Including you, Abahti. If I find out you’re setting me up—”

  The line went dead.

  Eddie lowered the phone. He stared at his plate. He would need to play his next move carefully. He could trust no one. A slow smile formed on his face. “So your little golden goose is flying the coop, Lee?” The idea of having Chocolat to himself made the tension in his chest ease. She’d be his. The bitch had no choice.

  ***

  The moment Sasha was away from the man she loved, that old familiar hurt crept in, seizing her heart, making her want to offer forgiveness. Just like Pops. Always like Pops.

  Kumar opened the door. He looked up at her, nonplussed. Turning, he walked away immediately. She followed him inside.

  “I’m sorry.” Sasha closed the door

  “Don’t apologize. Not to me. You were right about everything you said.” He dropped into the empty chair in front of his wall of monitors.

  “It’s that bad, huh?” Sasha asked, and secretly prayed the answer would be no.

  “It’s that bad. I’ve tried, Sasha. I’ve tried hard but I…I just don’t know if I can defeat my addiction on my own. Pops helped me the last time. Saved me from Lee’s gun when he found out. How could I come to you…and tell you?”

  “Kumar? I love you. Don’t you know that? I love you so much.” She went to him on her knees before him. She embraced him best she could from her kneeling position, touched his face, wiped at the perspiration, and looked into his glassy red eyes. “We can beat this. But we have to get out of here. Lee will find out soon. He will. Plus, he’s trying to send me away.”

  “There’s something else you need to know.”

  “About the addiction?” she asked.

  “No. More than the addiction. I’m in trouble.”

  Sasha sat back on her legs. “I don’t understand. What else did you do?”

  “I got tagged coming out of one of my spots where I score. A gangster named Monk Eastman. He said I had to steal the Chalice or he’d give me up to Lee. He said if I do the inside job he’d pay me enough to disappear.” Kumar locked eyes with her. “With you.”

  Sasha couldn’t breathe. It felt as if the air was vacuumed from her lungs, siphoned from the room. She shook her head in disbelief as the horror and dread covered her like a dark fog. Her mouth opened and nothing came out.

  “There’s no way I can pull it off, babe. Even if I could, I wouldn’t risk losing you.”

  This was the worst possible news. Lee would kill her boyfriend first and ask for an explanation second. “How long were you going to keep this from me?”

  “I wanted to tell you. I didn’t know how. Or if I could. I just…didn’t know.”

  Sasha rose. She put a hand to her forehead and waited for her heart to stop racing. Three days ago they’d watched his kung-fu movies, talked about their future. Today their lives, happiness, everything was in jeopardy.

  “He said he’d pay you?” she asked.

  “Yeah, he offered, but the job was a no-back-out deal. Either way, I’m fucked.”

  “We’re fucked,” she corrected him with sadness. “Michelle was right. The price to be paid for the happiness of thieves is in blood. Call this Monk person and tell him we need ten million. Five million a piece, for you and for me.”

  “What?”

  “You can’t get into the safe without me. Can you? That’s what you were asking me last night, wasn’t it?”

  Kumar’s gaze lowered and his face drew tight with worry.

  “This is our way out. We get the Chalice and sell it to Monk, and we’re done. We can get the hell away from Lee—all of them.”

  “And your sister?”

  “She doesn’t care about me. Not really. Not anymore. I caused it, and I can’t think of any way to fix things between us. I have to think of you and me. What choice do we have now?”

  “It’s too risky. Lee will kill you. He’ll kill us both for stealing from him.”

  “I’m dead either way, Kumar.” She threw her hands up in defeat. “My life is with you.” Sasha turned and looked to the door. “Wait here. I’ma find Lee, I’ll see if there is a way out. But, Kumar, you make that call. Either way, we’re in this together.”

  She left before he could object and she knew he would. Her bravery slipped with each step. They’d crossed the line on this one. Pops hadn’t trained a fool. What they were about to do, if caught, meant suicide. But she had told Kumar the truth. Whatever road they chose, they took the journey together.

  Chapter Eight

  The steam seeped through Michelle’s pores and relaxed her muscles to the bone. She dreaded leaving the warmth of her shower but did so to avoid drawing up and washing down the drain. Michelle dried herself, slipped on her monogrammed bathrobe, picked up her body cream, and left the bathroom. She stopped to find Lee sitting in a chair in her room, waiting.

  “Didn’t know, uh, you were…were here,” she stammered.

  Lee watched her with hard, suspicious eyes. Michelle gave him the best smile she could manage. The Dobermans were again resting at his feet. She sat on the bed, let the robe fall open, stretched out her leg to smooth the cream over her thighs, and drew her leg up to her to rub the lotion over her knee,
calf, and foot.

  “So what’s on your mind, lover?” Michelle’s gaze slipped over to him. Abahti’s warning surfaced from the deep recess of her brain. If Lee discovered she was playing him, Mr. Nice Guy would take a flying leap.

  “Abahti can’t be trusted,” he answered.

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Why is that? He’s been with you longer than me, and you trust me,” she half-kidded.

  Lee tapped his trigger finger against his temple, continuing to stare at her. Michelle sighed. She dropped the lotion bottle and rubbed the cream over her hands. Keeping the nervous anxiety from her voice, she spoke again. “What did Abahti do?”

  “I think he’s the one who set you up. I think he cost me my kid.” His voice faltered and his face paled with cold rage. “Our baby.”

  She became increasingly uneasy with the tone of his voice. Awkwardly, she cleared her throat. “And you know this how?”

  “I just do. I think it best that you and Sasha leave. Things are going to get messy. He’s handled the arrangement for you to go so—”

  “You just said he couldn’t be trusted. But you’re letting him take me out of the country? I’m not sure if that’s, um, a good idea?”

  “It’s under control. Trust me. I know what I’m doing. Abahti will walk into the trap he laid for himself. I will be there to see that he understands the error he made in ever hurting you.”

  “Me? He’s your companion. Your most trusted confidant. His betrayal is to you.”

  Lee rose. Michelle watched him as he approached her. He stopped directly in front of her. Slowly, she stood and allowed him to take her by the waist to draw her close.

  “I’m no fool, Michelle. Many men and women have forgotten that along the way. You will go to Prague as we planned. And Abahti will pay for his crimes against you. Our child’s life will be avenged.”

  “I don’t want revenge, Lee.” She pressed her lips together, chained to him by their shared grief and mistrust. “Don’t use our child to justify your vengeance. He betrayed a code, he betrayed you. Deal with it.”

  “I plan to.” He pressed his jaw against her cheek and folded his arms around her, holding her tight. She lifted her arms and returned his embrace. “I love you, Michelle.”

  “I know, sweetheart. I love you, too.”

  Soft and warm, his breath fanned her cheek. The mere touch of his hand as it caressed her backside sent shivers of compassion for him through her. Gently, she pushed her way out of the embrace before it led them to their bed.

  “When you need me, you know were to find me.”

  She turned and picked up her body cream, waiting for him to say more. He didn’t. She heard the door close behind her. Releasing the breath she’d been holding from the moment she first saw him, she dropped the cream and shook her head.

  ***

  Kumar sat at his desk, staring at his phone. The last thing he wanted was to pull Sasha into his downward spiral. But at this point, he was out of choices and luck. The coward in him decided on the easy route, at the risk of them all. Picking up the phone, he dialed Monk Eastman and waited. He’d make the deal, and pray for them both to survive it all.

  ***

  “I want to talk to you.”

  The door slammed. Lee turned from his bar. Sasha marched into the center of his office with her hands to her hips. He picked up his glass, sipped, and stared. “Make it quick.”

  “Michelle told me she was going to send me away. Permanently. Is this true?”

  “It is.”

  “So all the work I did for you is for nothing? I’m of no use to you now it’s done? Just like that?”

  “Just like that.” Lee returned to his desk chair. He set down his shot glass on the coaster and took a seat behind his large office desk.

  Sasha crossed her arms defensively and Lee reclined in his chair, unblinking. “I see how this works. For months we laid low until Queen Michelle healed. Now she’s here and you’re doing anything to get in good with her. Right? My sister give you a second chance on the condition you get rid of me?”

  “Your sister agreed to marry me, Sasha. Sending you away is my wedding gift to her.”

  Sasha mocked him with laughter. “She did not. She wouldn’t marry you! She hates you, Lee. Open your eyes!”

  “She agreed. After we drop you off, we’re getting married. She made a choice, sweetheart.” Lee leaned forward, arms to his desk. “Just as you made one long ago.”

  “What about Kumar?”

  “Kumar stays. He’s not part of the deal.”

  Sasha rushed his desk. She leaned forward on it and looked him in the eye. “Please. Lee, you don’t understand. He and I are in love. We belong together. Please.”

  “I don’t care to understand. Kumar stays. Now I suggest you pack up all those expensive coats you keep ordering. I hear it’s cold in Prague.”

  Stammering a defensive response, Sasha nearly choked on her anguish. Nothing coherent escaped her. She backed up, horrified. The uncaring eyes fixed on her filled her with dread for Kumar’s life. If Lee found out he was using and working for Monk Eastman, he’d kill him. In that moment, she knew it was the truth. She sucked in a breath and held it, trying to think it through. “Okay. Fine. So congratulations.” She forced a smile to her voice. “Seriously, a paid life far away from this drama is what a girl needs.”

  Lee observed her silently.

  “I um, I think we need to celebrate.”

  “Celebrate?” Lee asked with a raised brow.

  “Yes, yeah, celebrate. You want to announce it, right? This is big. After what Michelle pulled off, her name is rolling off everyone’s lips. You need to let them know who she’s down with. I know when Pops got to the raspberry diamonds, he couldn’t keep the wolves away. My sister is the most wanted diamond thief in the world right now, and she’s going to be your wife. I say that calls for celebrating. Right?”

  Lee regarded her with suspicion. Sasha grinned. “It’s a great idea. I mean, hey, I’ll come right out and admit it. I got a motive.”

  “Do you?”

  “Yeah, I’m trying to buy time. If I got to leave the love of my life behind, I need—I need time…and a way to say goodbye. My way.”

  The wait for him to agree was pure torture. Sasha almost doubted he’d give her the okay. Lee rocked back in his chair and winked. “A party. Not a bad idea. Talk it over with her and see if she wants it. It’s okay with me.”

  Sasha nodded, backing toward the door. “Thanks, Lee. You won’t regret it. I promise you won’t.”

  ***

  The afternoon meetings with his associates ran over. Lee missed dinner. There was so much going on around him he had no time for food, or anything. When he opened the doors to their bedroom he found Evita and Lupe resting on either side of the bed. They looked up and walked off to their corners. Michelle lay under the covers.

  Lee closed the door and approached the bed silently. Tonight she’d chosen one of the negligees he’d picked out when they visited the coast. The soft yellow satin and lace against her honey-bronzed skin stirred his desire for her once more. As if feeling the heat in his stare, she turned on her pillow and opened her eyes. Her gaze met his.

  “I waited for you,” she said in a sleepy voice.

  He smiled. “Did you?”

  “Come to bed, Lee. I’ve missed you.” She extended her hand, his ring glistening from her finger. Lee shed his sports coat and clothes and did as she asked. Michelle drew the covers down, welcoming him in. Her eyes were soft and her touch gentle. She smelled clean and looked beautiful.

  “Bad day, sweetie?” she asked. She kissed the side of his mouth. Her hand ran smoothly over his chest.

  “Not one of my best.” He kissed her cheek and rolled over on her. “I know you’re playing me. I know it.”

  He felt her tense. Trapped beneath him. She looked up into his eyes. “I…wouldn’t betray you, Lee.”

  “I don’t care. I wouldn’t love you so much if you just rolled over and p
layed wife. But I will show you, Michelle. This is for keeps, and soon you will give in and be mine.”

  Lee pushed her legs apart with his hard thighs. He reached beneath and drew up her gown for full access. His entry was swift. She sighed and gripped his ass to drive him deeper. Lee saw Michelle wince at his hard thrusts but her body welcomed the act and met him with equal passion. He buried his face in her neck to keep from crying out. Soft, whimpering sounds escaped her while he ravished her body. Grunting through his release, he lay on her until his heart stopped racing. When he shifted off her, he caught a glimpse of her profile. She stared up at the ceiling. Lee squeezed his eyes shut. He lay there for long, drawn-out minutes without speaking.

  “Lee?”

  “Yes.”

  “I do love you.” She moved into his space. “I want to go to sleep closer to you.”

  He opened his arm for her, and she snuggled up against him. He wished he could believe her. He chose, again, to pretend to claim sleep.

  Chapter Nine

  Four days later

  The champagne poured. Sparkling golden liquid splashed out of the tops of crystal flutes and rolled over slippery tongues of politicians, celebrities, dealers, hustlers—a very eclectic mix.

  She moved gracefully in her slender gown. Black with a plunging back neckline, the fabric parted at the split above her left thigh. Michelle could see her reflection on the mirror-like surface of the large windows. Her hair was swept up in a stack of curls. A few fell over her brow. She tossed her chin upward to knock away the locks and focus on the crowd. Michelle had to admit, her sister had planned the party pretty nicely. Sasha always had a knack for spending someone else’s money.

  When she gave her approval for the party, it sparked a firestorm of excitement from her kid sister. Lee spared no expense. The entire lower level was open to their visitors. His private floors were sealed, of course, by armed men. People gathered in the halls and the dining room, which spilled out into the parlor, where a live band played.