Page 97 of Morally Corrupt

"My sources tell me these people are part of the Ortega cartel. We don't know much because their people don't talk. We do, however, know that they're mainly involved in sex trafficking."

"I see." Enzo regards me for a second before giving his own side. "Ortega isn't your problem. Jimenez is. I've noticed changes in the market since he's started encroaching in the area. But no one can actually vouch for the man. He's never been seen in person. He's more like a myth if you will." Oh, how I know. I've been chasing this myth for twenty years. Few have reported seeing or interacting with him, with most of them probably lying through their teeth.

"How do you deal with a myth then?"

Enzo's mouth spreads into a wide smile. "You're lucky, Hastings. Your enemy seems to be my enemy, as well."

"Really?" I drawl, realizing how well Marcel had predicted this.

"Let's just say we're competing in the same market."

"Then I gather you've already thought how to deal with him?"

"Of course. Jimenez is a dangerous enemy because he doesn't show himself. He only works through intermediaries."

"So, you plan to make him show himself?"

"Exactly. My wife's birthday is in two days. We've been planning a bash for a while now, thinking to lure Jimenez into a cordial partnership." He looks me up and down critically. "You should join us and bring that lovely wife of yours with you."

"That's a very impromptu invite. But thank you nonetheless."

"What can I say. Law enforcement isn't very high up on my list for pleasant company. But I shall make an exception for you. We're to be partners, no?"

"Of course. We'll make sure to be there."

"I'll have the invitations sent to your office."

We quickly wrap up when Enzo receives a phone call that he's needed at one of his locations, but not before he packs me half of the cherry tart he baked.

I get in my car and head to Marcel's office at the D.A.'s. When he sees me come in with the cake, he raises his eyebrow in amusement, and I shrug.

"Who knew Enzo was a baking enthusiast."

"That's funny," he says, but he takes the tart from me and proceeds to cut it in pieces. "It's actually delicious," he praises it, his mouth full. I take a small amount as well, and I have to agree. It's not bad at all.

"Sweets aside, what did you manage?" Marcel reclines in his seat, and I make myself comfortable across from him.

"He's after Jimenez as well. It seems he's been planning for a while to get close to him."

"I assumed as much. There's no way Enzo wouldn't know what happens in his own territory and if there is anyone who threatens his business. Most probably, there's been some sort of communications between him and Jimenez."

"You think? With how elusive Jimenez is?"

"Definitely. The Agostis are very well connected," Marcel remarks.

"Then it would make sense why he thinks Jimenez would make an appearance at his wife's birthday party," I say, musing. When Enzo had casually mentioned Jimenez coming to the party, I hadn't taken it too seriously.

"Did he say so?"

"Yeah, he belatedly invited Bianca and me as well. It's in two days."

"Shit!" Marcel curses under his breath, and I have to agree. The situation isn't optimal. I might actually need to bring Bianca with me.

"Do you think she'll agree to come?" he finally asks.

"I don't know. Last I saw her, she looked pretty rough."

I'd tried my damned best to get the image of her looking half-dead in that bed.