Page 122 of Cold Hard Cash

“So. What’s the word, Boss?” Jules asked, quick to get to the business at hand.

They had just been attacked for the second time.

They had to make a move.

The giant was obviously antsy for direction.

“Get Tamerlane and Lorre, see if they can find our good friend Corman,” Cold commanded sternly, that particular tone making Jimmy shiver. “Detective Duplin is going to be paying us a visit today. If I’m right, we have a beautiful opportunity to end the war and take out the trash at the same time.”

“Think Corman’s turned?” Jules said bluntly.

Cold glanced at Jimmy, his eyes flicking back to Jules as he replied carefully, “I think it’s safe to say he’s no longer our friend.”

“Got it. What do you need me to do?”

“Keep everyone calm. I have a plan. Tell them this will all be over by Friday. I still have the ring, and I’m sure Matteo Luchesi will agree to another meeting. If Tamerlane and Lorre can’t locate Corman, tell them not to worry. I expect we’ll be seeing him again soon.”

“You got it, Boss.” Jules nodded, grinning as he added, “Don’t fuck yourself up gettin’ your fuck on, all right?”

Jimmy’s blush blazed bright while Cold scoffed. “I’ll be fine. Worry more about our crew and less about my dick.”

Jules cackled as he left, the doors slamming shut after him

Stretching his legs and grimacing, Cold said, “I need to take a shower.”

Jimmy expectantly moved out of the way, but he paused when Cold’s gaze lingered.

“Join me?”

“Oh God, yes.”

The shower was more than enough to accommodate two grown men, and it was wonderful to share such an intimate ritual with Cold. They were mindful of their mutual injuries, but soap and lathering hands quickly turned to hot kisses, and then their fingers tangled together as Cold pressed Jimmy against the tile. It was slow, passionate, and Jimmy never wanted to leave the bathroom.

When they were finished, Jimmy helped Cold dry off and change his bandages. Cold helped place a fresh dressing on Jimmy’s arm as well.

“Look at us and our matching gunshot wounds.” Jimmy laughed.

Cold rolled his eyes and kissed the giggles right from Jimmy’s lips.

They got dressed, Cold taking his time and insisting he didn’t need any help. Jimmy finally asked what side of the closet he could use for his things, and Cold pointed to another door. Jimmy had assumed it led to an office and was delighted to find another massive walk-in closet, completely empty and just for him.

They ate a late breakfast and were entertained by Jules and Jerry screaming at each other in a broken mix of English and French. Jules kept snatching food away, and as best as Jimmy could make out, Jerry was threatening to put his spatula where no spatula should go.

Rowena joined them, smothering Cold with kisses and tearful hugs, and she joined in the barrage of spatula threats if Cold made her worry like that again.

Jules and Cold talked amongst themselves for a while, and Rowena got ready to leave for the club. Cold made a few phone calls and then came back to Jimmy at the table when he was done and Jules had left.

“Detective Duplin is on his way,” Cold informed him, his demeanor becoming distant and firm. “You don’t have to be here when I talk to him.”

“I want to be,” Jimmy said stubbornly. “Especially if it has to do with my mother. I deserve to know.”

“As you wish.” Cold pressed a chaste kiss to Jimmy’s forehead. “You probably won’t like what I say to him. Or what he says to me. Remember who this is for.”

“You? I know you want Augustus to leave you alone—”

“And I want to help your father, for you,” Cold cut in. “It’s for both of us.”

Jimmy nodded, fidgeting as Cold led him to the living room. Cold left briefly to bring in a large box and then dropped it next to the coffee table. He sat in a plush chair, neatly crossing his legs and leisurely leaning back.