Page 39 of No Merciful Corruption

“That’s not what I asked.”

Lyss takes her coffee cup and slides off the stool. “Thanks for the coffee. Try not to be so loud when you’re screwing my friend. My room’s right next door.”

She heads upstairs and I’m left with a lingering feeling I can’t explain.

Outside the kitchen window, the sky shifts from black to sapphire blue and then a lighter, cooler shade of blue as yellow creeps in. I rummage around the fridge in search of inspiration for breakfast and decide on home fries. I need something that’ll keep my mind and hands busy for a little while.

Me living in New York…what would that look like? Am I finding my own place, moving in here? And what does that mean for the business? I suppose I could leave Diego in charge for a while or Lettie if she was so inclined but she’s going through a phase right now where she’s still trying to figure out her place in the world. We lived and managed the business from abroad before but that was before Abuelo retired. His retirement prompted our move to Barcelona in the first place.

How long will I stay in New York? This is home for Dahlia, what if she never wants to move again? Which one of my cousins would be willing to move to Spain permanently and which one of those idiots is actually responsible enough to do it?

My phone rings and Beni’s name lights up the screen. I got up early to give him a call and completely forgot to do so.

“Hey,” I balance the phone between my cheek and shoulder as I drain the pot I was boiling potatoes in. “I was just about to call you.”

We go through the usual. Things that need my attention, my approval, my thoughts. We discuss shipping routes and what the first quarter financials are looking like. He gives me updates on the Twelve Families and potential business opportunities I might be interested. And as always, he asks me the same question.

“So, you coming home yet?” Humor leaks into the crevices of his voice. “Or does the big boss still have you by the balls?”

“You’re very funny.” I lower the flame on the stove so the eggs don’t get overcooked. “Hilarious, actually.”

“Oscar and I have a bet going. Five grand says you come back with her before Easter. I bet ten grand she bats her lashes and gets you to stay there.”

“I hate giving you the satisfaction but⁠—”

“Oye!” he calls out. “I’m on the phone with Alex—I won!”

A chorus of voices floods the background of the call, some lamenting over their loss, others laughing, a few congratulating Beni on his win. They all mix together and I can’t tell who is who.

“Wait we were placing bets?”

“Ask him who caved first!”

“Him, obviously.”

“Beni, do my favor, and put my brother on the phone.” I snap. “Where is he?”

Beni shushes someone and I think he steps out of the room because the noise quiets. “What do you mean? He’s not with you?”

I let go of the frying and grab hold of my phone to hear him better. “Beni, why would he be with me?”

“Alejandro, your brother took the jet to New York weeks ago. He left the same day you called and said Dahlia was in the hospital.”

“That’s impossible. I just spoke to him yesterday and he—fuck.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Where the Hell is he then?”

Beni is quiet for a second. “Do you think he went to go see your mom?”

“I doubt it.”

“You know, he still speaks to her. Every once in a while…he just doesn’t say anything because he’s afraid it’ll upset you and Lettie.”

“It wouldn’t upset me. She’s his mother too, he doesn’t have to hide the fact that he has a relationship with her.” I expel a deep breath. “All right just…leave it alone for now. In the meantime, ask Lettie to pack my things and I’ll text her a list of what I need from my office. I’m going to be here for a while.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know. That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

I hang up before he can ask me anymore questions. Right now, I have to figure out where the Hell my brother is. Did he go to see Mom in Puerto Rico? Or is he on one of his benders again? He didn’t sound out of it the last time we spoke. It’s been a long time since my brother pulled one of his disappearing acts and I had hoped that with time and maturity he grew out of his bad habits. Diego used to pick up and disappear for weeks at a time.