Sebastian
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, Sebastian. 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 Carmen. 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, Sebastian? 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.