"You’re slipping, Brady."
"You’re assuming I’m surprised to see you." Turning slowly, he
crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the rail.
Damon couldn’t resist a taunting grin. He’d known Kaufman would
show. He’d gone to great lengths to draw him out. "It’s about
time."
Kaufman narrowed his eyes. When he finally spoke his voice was low
and deadly. "Sorry to have kept you waiting." His hands were
stuffed into the pockets of his black trench coat, the dark gray
Armani suit beneath it the usual attire for the licentious crime
lord.
Lightning flashed in the distance. Thunder rumbled over the sound
of the waves beating against the dock. The tangy sea air carried
the scent of danger, an ill wind blowing the tarps on the boats
moored nearby. Damon got straight to the point. "I came to warn
you."
"What a coincidence. I’ve a warning for you as well."
"I’ll bet." He refused to let Kaufman take control of the
conversation. "You’ve been causing trouble for a friend of mine.
You will cease immediately."
His answering laugh was echoed by thunder. "I enjoy causing
trouble. And your... friend... has been a great source of
entertainment."
"Your fun is over, Kaufman. There are several documents and photos
linking you to certain undesirable foreign businessmen frequenting
Miami—documents the new D.A. would be delighted to obtain."
"Daniels will cause me no more trouble than the last one." He
shrugged. "Unless he wishes to meet the same fate."
Damon’s teeth clenched. He’d suspected foul play all along. To
have it confirmed only angered him more. "I believe the DEA, IRS,
and FBI will be interested, too. I’ve several copies addressed to
each tucked away to be delivered should anything happen to me."
He nodded. "Which is why you’re still breathing." A flash of
lightning illuminated the dock. Kaufman’s dark eyes were cold,
unconcerned.
"The information I’ve collected is also the reason my friend is no
longer available to entertain you."
"I find it quite surprising that you’d risk your life for her.
Should you decide to release any of those documents to interfere
with my fun, your life is forfeit."
"Actually, Kaufman, I wasn’t speaking of the evidence of your
illegal activities. There are those amongst your colleagues who
would be most interested in some other discoveries I’ve made. It
could impact your income dramatically, if not endanger your very
life. Suffice it to say your clients would be... displeased."
"You’re a fool to threaten me, Brady." Slowly he pulled his right
hand from his pocket. Damon had expected to see a gun, but was
stunned to see a piece of jewelry dangling between the man’s
fingers. A gust of wind made the pendant at the end of the chain
sway and another flash of lightning revealed its design. "Look
familiar?"
Damon’s blood ran cold and his heart slammed against his chest. He
nodded stiffly.
"I have her."
