Dangerous Stranger - Piper Stone Page 0,91

finally come through with flying colors.

Especially since I’d purchased a spectacular piece for myself.

I stood in the shadows of the house, not entirely surprised at the beautiful country setting. I’d parked far enough away my vehicle could be seen from the cottage, twelve of my other soldiers following yet keeping their distance. While I hoped this would go peacefully, I would do what was necessary in order to get Savannah back.

The afternoon sun was just beginning to wane, creating a stunning setting as I walked closer. The baying of sheep in the background only added to the quaint ambiance. While I wore my holster, a second clip of ammunition in my pocket, the gun remained in position.

I only had to rap on the door twice before I heard heavy footsteps.

Coming face to face with him was far more difficult than I’d imagined.

“Dartanian.”

His eyes held surprise, his smile wry. “Very impressive. I can’t wait to hear how you figured it out. Certainly, Jorge would never say anything. He knew exactly what would happen to his family.”

I bristled yet remained quiet, refusing to be goaded. I’d been completely wrong about Don Piero as well as utterly blindsided.

“Hmm... All right. Would you like to come in, brother?” He glanced over my shoulder, obviously scanning the perimeter.

I said nothing as he allowed me inside, the scent of baking bread wafting into my nostrils forcing me to hold my breath.

And my anger.

My own brother had built a life of his own outside of the realm of the Santiago legacy, working for years to create a powerful following of his own. The opportunity when the patriarch of the Los Charlines had been killed too enticing for him to pass up.

Then again, I had no doubt he’d had a hand in the old man’s demise.

“I have to give you credit. I didn’t think you had it in you,” I said quietly as I studied the layout. I knew the type of cottage well, a single hallway leading to two rooms and a bath, a cellar underneath the kitchen normally used as a pantry. I had no doubt at this moment the stone and concrete facility was being used as a cage.

“To lead? To actually find a life of my own?” Dartanian moved toward the fireplace, retrieving the drink he’d obviously been nursing.

“To think you could hide under the radar.” I’d been right about my father. Fortunately, my soldiers had arrived before both he and my mother had been murdered, the men sent pledging loyalty to Calleja, also known as Dartanian Santiago. I’d had a long discussion with my father, calming his anger. I’d also been able to make certain switches, all of which would cut our losses tremendously.

I hadn’t been entirely surprised when he’d told me that the other Dons had suspected Dartanian’s involvement, which was the real reason for the meeting behind closed doors. While he hadn’t wanted to believe in the information that Don Piero had provided, he’d handled his own discovery, putting two and two together. He’d even allowed me to place my brother in an important position, likely in hopes of turning Dartanian around.

They say blood is thicker than water, but greed is stronger than loyalty or honor.

He laughed, wagging his finger. “Which put your skills to shame, brother. I left several clues over the last year that you simply ignored. Your arrogance brought you to this place.”

“What place is that?”

He took a sip of his drink, closing his eyes as he swallowed the amber liquid. “As we speak, every one of the ships that you believe to be protected is about to be boarded, commandeered as the sailors would say. While I hate the fact there will be a significant loss within your ranks, I’m certain you can find some basic thugs who will follow you like a lap dog. Just like you expected me to do.”

“You’re really that angry with me or simply the birth order?” I asked as calmly as possible. A tremendous sadness had swept inside, threatening to shut me down. What was worse was that I’d had my doubts about Dartanian for years, his loyalties never seeming to lie with the family. I should have followed my instincts.

Lifting his glass, he polished off his drink, actually tossing the crystal tumbler into the fire. The sound of smashing glass made his eyes glisten. “You never wanted to be king, Rafael, but Father kept pushing you when I was right there willing to take the helm.”

It was no point arguing