Don’t Love, Don’t Lose

“Yes, I suppose she was.”

“Not quite so fresh after I was done with her, of course. It is a pity that children have to pay for the sins of their fathers, but money is money, as I’m sure you know. We have to be ruthless in business. I know, it’s become my name. But I don’t really think I’m that ruthless. I just believe in numbers. The numbers must balance, Malone. That’s how we get rich – when we find the balance, and we figure out how to tip it in our favor. Oh, don’t look like that. You had nothing when you left here. Just a scholarship. Then you went to college, and you made it from there, didn’t you? You didn’t have a godfather, or backing. You worked to get what you have. You’ve done well, Malone. If I’d known back before you left Baltimore, I would’ve given you a seat at my table. You would’ve done well with me.”

“I’ve done well enough without you, Sanders.”

That flicker of annoyance when he didn’t give Sanders the respect he thought he was owed – Anthony saw it. So the man was not as confident as he wanted to make it seem. Something had gotten him worked up enough to pay him a visit.

What could he gain from it?

Mind games, of course. He hoped to intimidate him. Well, Sanders would find out that Anthony Malone was not easily frightened or awed.

And he wouldn’t forgive.

To be honest, he understood corporate espionage. It was a dirty business, but it was done. It was his job to protect his empire. And he would.

No, the animosity he felt, the visceral hatred he felt, that urge to pound his fist into that red face until that smug look was wiped away – that was because he knew of this man’s history with Jasmine.

Hearing Jasmine being spoken of by him, in any way at all, made Anthony want to bellow in rage.

No, he would not let Sanders see any of that. It would be considered a weakness. He would not give this many any of his weaknesses.

And he had to remember his promise. He had promised to protect them. Jasmine had not asked for protection for herself, but he would give that, too. He would give nothing away.

“Well enough, I suppose. Now, Malone, why did you come to Baltimore? This is my turf. You know that. You have your playground, and I have mine. That’s how it works. There used to be respect in these decisions.”

Ah, that whine – something had Sanders with his confidence shaken.

“There’s plenty of land here for both of us. I’m not going after your properties.”

“But all of this is potentially my property. And I’ve been told that your little girlfriend has been up to her old tricks. I know about her tricks, you see. I know because when she learned, I had her use them for me. It was great fun. I would mention Della, or Rita, and suddenly little Jasmine would do whatever I wanted. Sometimes I wonder if I asked enough.”

Not even a flicker. Not even a flicker showed what Anthony felt. The rage would have to come out later, but for now, it was contained.

Sealed.

“We have different ways of operating, I suppose. Della is my receptionist. And my admin here, too. She is capable and competent. And she knows the community. I’m afraid whatever your sources have told you about her niece might be a little off base. I see her socially occasionally.”

“Come now, Malone, you disappoint me now. We men, we should know when to drop the games and lay our cards on the table, yes? That’s how we do business. I’m here to do business with you, with an offer you simply can’t resist. Or refuse.’

That wheezing laughter again.

“Could I get you a glass of water, Sanders?”

“A good Cognac, maybe. Yes, I would like that. Pour me a Cognac, Malone.”

A little quirk of his eyebrow to show that he was amused by the performance, and kidding him along.

Yes, that annoyed Sanders. His lips tightened. The ruddy hue of his face was getting noticeably ruddier. Anthony was beginning to wonder if the man might have a heart attack and keel over right there. That would be a far bigger mess than he was inclined to deal with.

“Of course. I’m sure I can remember my roots and respect the tradition of hospitality in Baltimore.”

There had been none when he’d left. But it sounded dismissive enough.

Anthony took his time, pouring three generous fingers of Cognac, and he poured himself a Scotch. He preferred whiskey. He had never understood the pretensions involved in drinking brandy.

Maybe it was because he was not of the stock that Sanders was from. That was what the man had been trying to show him. As long as he didn’t let on that he’d heard and noticed the insinuations, it wouldn’t work.

Anthony placed the drink in front of Sanders, and sat back in his chair.

“To Baltimore,” he said, raising his glass, and waited until Sanders had no choice but to follow suit.

He sipped and set it aside. He wouldn’t have more. He needed to be sharp.

Sanders seemed to have no such considerations.

“Now, Malone, let me tell you, quite frankly, why I’m here.”

“I’m listening.”

“I know that you’ve had your little girlfriend digging. I know how good she is. Tell her to stop, or I’ll make her life miserable. I can do it, in a thousand ways, for years and years. You will go back to New York, and you will go back to your life. You will leave her behind. No matter what arrangements you try to make, this is my turf. I can get to whoever I want on my turf.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you’re threatened?”

It was an effort to sound amused, but he managed it.

Sanders chortled again.

“Oh, you are amusing. There’s a part of me that wishes you would stay. It would’ve been fun to play with you. But no, Malone. I don’t like being inconvenienced. This is inconveniencing me. That is all there is. Cut ties with Jasmine Turner and the Simones. If you want them to live in peace, cut ties with them immediately.”

Sanders didn’t wait for a reply. He tossed the brandy back and got to his feet. The bodyguard – or driver, or whoever it was – who’d been standing by the door opened it, and ushered Sanders out.

Anthony didn’t get up, or go after him. He waited until the door closed, and drank the rest of the whiskey.

His hands didn’t tremble, but that took effort, too.

Jasmine – he had threatened Jasmine.

That vindictive man had threatened Jasmine.

He had promised to protect her family. He needed to protect her. He needed to do whatever he had to do to protect them all.

Jasmine sat back. It was six in the morning and she had worked through the night. She’d opened her energy drinks, but she hadn’t needed them. The work had energized her.

Her blood was pumping.

Exhilaration whipped through her.

She’d done it. She’d cracked it.

She’d gotten through.

She had found who the mole was, and she knew why they were the mole. She knew what was in it for them. She knew why Sanders had picked them.