“Are you all right, Dr. Calhoun?” the receptionist asked, her voice almost inaudible.
“Just… just fine, Christine. I just have some unfinished business,” Winston answered like the good boy I knew he could be.
Cordero opened the back door, pushing him into the car and slamming the door with a hard thud. “Where to, boss?”
“That park on East Boardwalk should do,” I said as I whistled and moved to the other side, glancing at the office one last time. The women wouldn’t dare contact the police. I could tell that they knew exactly who I was. I eased inside, allowing Cordero to get on the highway before pulling out a cigar, taking my time to snip the end before lighting up.
He was watching every move I made.
“Get on with it, Miguel. What do you want from me?”
“Seems like you had a busy morning,” I said quietly after taking a single puff, allowing the smoke to billow in a perfectly formed ‘O.’
“What are you talking about?”
I took several puffs, refusing to open one of the windows. I enjoyed his almost immediate hacking, although I had to admit, I thought about my father. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.” I finally turned my head in his direction, giving him a cold stare. “I would think a man of your stature would have some level of intelligence. I guess I thought wrong.”
“Do you want to cut the drama and tell me what the hell is going on?”
The man was actually still demanding. “Elena visited my parents. It happened to be while I was there. Now, you can imagine my surprise at seeing her condition.”
He sucked in his breath. “That bitch.”
My hand was wrapped around his throat before he had a chance at a second breath. I crowded closer, making certain the glowing end of the cigar was only inches from his valuable eye. “You will never call my sister a bitch again. You will also never lay another finger on her or my niece. Is that clear?”
Shifting, Winston remained quiet.
I tightened my hold. “I asked. Is. That. Clear?”
“Yes. Fine.”
After a few seconds, I released my hold, brushing imagined lint off the arm of my jacket. “I’m a fair man, Winston. Even though my enemies would disagree with that assessment. However, in saying that, I do expect certain rules to be obeyed. Are you following me so far?”
He swallowed, darting a glance toward the windshield. “Sure. Yes.”
“Good. This is how we’re going to play this. As you might imagine, I will never trust you around my sister or my niece again. What you’ve done is reprehensible and will not be forgotten.”
“So? What do you want?”
Dear God, I wanted nothing more than to rip the man’s throat out. I took a deep breath before answering. “You’re going to go home after work tonight and you’re going to pack your things, leaving, of course, every valuable and precious item that belongs to my sister. You will contact your attorney to begin the divorce papers where you will sign away seventy-five percent of your wealth, including the offshore accounts that I’m very well aware you have. After that, you’re going to make certain that you provide another seventy-five percent of your future earnings. That will ensure that my niece has a proper upbringing.”
“You’re fucking insane!” Winston screeched.
I heard Cordero’s guttural sigh as he turned off the highway, darting a glance in the rearview mirror. He was always surprised at my level of patience when dealing with assholes I would prefer killing.
“I am many things, Winston, but certainly not insane. If you’d prefer, I can add the punishment phase of your penance immediately.” I leaned back, eyeing what I considered to be my favorite park. The site was far enough off the beaten path to allow for certain conversations to be held in basic privacy.
He hissed under his breath, but I noticed he was already shaking. “We don’t need to resort to violence, Miguel. I’m sorry about what I did. I’ve never hit your sister before.”
I merely turned my head, locking eyes with his.
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. I love Elena more than anything. I don’t want to leave her!”
“Winston, I absolutely loathe whiners. You have no choice but to leave her if you want to continue practicing medicine.” When Cordero pulled into a parking spot at the end of the small natural area, I was the first one out of the vehicle, walking toward the absolutely beautiful tropical flora. A true paradise. My thoughts drifted to Valencia. She would enjoy a picnic in the park. Hmmm…
I could tell that Cordero was pushing Winston along, his reluctance further fueling my condemnation of him. Men were supposed to face the consequences of their actions without resorting to breakdowns.
“Fine. I’ll agree to your terms. Just don’t kill me!” Winston was half shouting, obviously trying to engage anyone who might be visiting the park.
I gave him an offhanded glance before motioning for Winston to walk with me. “I assure you, Winston, there’s no one around. This is an amazing and well-kept secret, but I do appreciate your acquiescence. I think that’s a much better choice for you.”
“I don’t know why you think you can get away with this.” Winston had finally regained some of his usual bravado.
“You are very well aware of the family that you married into, Winston, which means that you know exactly what my father and I are capable of.” I allowed the words to sink in as I rounded a corner on the path, the fountain a place of respite over the years.
“Resorting to threats now, Miguel? I thought that was beneath you.”
I stopped in front of the fountain, taking a moment to reflect as the small plaque suggested doing. “I never make threats. I only make promises.” I turned toward him, closing the distance until we were centimeters apart. “I’m well aware of your indiscretions with women, including the various clubs that you frequent. Out of respect to my sister and my beautiful niece, I’ll keep silent about your… proclivities as long as you follow my orders.”
For the first time, I noticed a clear indication of fear.
“Fine. All right. Yes. I’ll figure this out. I can do it. Sure.” Winston was already babbling.
“Excellent.” I took a step back, holding out my hand. The handshake was weak, sweat now trickling down both sides of his face. I stepped away, stopping on the path just long enough to tilt my head. “I allowed you to keep your phone. I’m certain you can have one of your buddies come and pick you up. I appreciate you being able to take the time with me today. I prefer handling business in a professional manner.” I gave him another curt look before heading back toward the car.
What he didn’t know was that my associates dealt with issues in an entirely different manner. He would soon find out.
What I found interesting about the items provided by my father was that there’d been a perfect way to keep Santiago under wraps.