Page 208 of Lethal Obsession

Over the last couple of days I’ve allowed myself to acknowledge a lot that I’ve noticed about Mickey over the years. “The truth is that Mickey is an empire builder,” I say slowly. “Just like you—or Lars, or me. Whatever that hunger is, Roman, Mickey fucking has it.”

“Hunger isn’t enough,” he says harshly. “You, of all people, know what it takes to build what we both did.”

“Yes, I do.” I match his tone. “And I also know that without the hell we went through, neither of us would ever have been able to do it. Sooner or later, Mickey is going to walk through the fires himself.”

Roman stares at me in astonishment. “I didn’t endure that hell just to stand back and watch Mickey fucking volunteer for it.”

I can’t help smiling at that. “I said almost those exact words to him. Among others.” My smile fades. “He didn’t listen, by the way. Even used my own fucking words on me, the little prick. He said he wasn’t asking my permission,” I explain in answer to Roman’s expression.

“Ha.” He shoots me a dark glance. “Not the first time I’ve heard that lately.” He puts his hands on his hips, staring out at the bay. “I knew this was coming,” he says quietly. “Even before Lourdes dumped him over the phone. I just kept hoping that he’d choose algorithms over ammunition. I still want that for him. Not this fucking life.”

“Unfortunately,” I say quietly, “this fucking life is going to keep coming for him, whether you want it to or not.”

Roman folds his arms, eyeing me like he’s still considering knocking me into the water. “You’re suggesting he take over Miami,” he says flatly. “In your place.”

“I understand that you’ve no reason to trust me.” I don’t bother denying it. “Despite that, you’ve shown me more forgiveness than most men would—and a hell of a lot more support than I deserve. I don’t expect that kind of grace twice. So I won’t offer anything to Mickey without your permission. On that you have my word.”

Roman gives a derisive laugh. “Big of you.”

Fair point.

“Mickey has already seen a lot,” I go on. “Usually as a bystander, caught up in events he can’t control. But on that yacht he wasn’t a bystander. Now he’s no longer willing to stand by, behind a keyboard or otherwise.” I meet his eyes. “And I don’t think you should expect him to. We both know there’s no place in our world for bystanders.”

Roman stares at me for a long time.

Then he exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “Never have children.” He gives me a resigned look. “Forget that. You fucking deserve to have them, you asshole.”

“Does that mean I can speak to Mickey?”

He gives me a sour look. “Like you weren’t going to anyway.”

I don’t bother arguing with that.

“When I left this cesspit of a fucking city,” he says, staring out at the bay, “I swore I’d never come back. When I finally did, I wound up here, with my daughters bleeding and my gun pointed at you.”

I look sideways at him. “Do you regret not pulling the trigger?”

“Lately, perhaps,” he says dryly. “Once or twice. But no.” He stares at the water. “I don’t regret it, Alexei. My daughters owe their lives to you. We all do, whether I like to admit it or not. Not just for what you did that day, but for everything you endured before that.” He turns to face me. “Me being in Miami isn’t about trying to repay that debt,” he says quietly, “because nothing can ever repay what you saved back then. Being here is what family does, Lex. We have each other’s back. And whether you and I like it or not, we’re family. We were family before this thing between you and Ofelia, and we still will be, no matter what happens between the two of you in the future.” He smiles wryly. “Which means that no matter how much I might fucking hate your idea, even I know that it’s better for Mickey to get his hands dirty inside the family than outside it.”

To my surprise, he puts his hand out.

After a moment’s hesitation, I take it.

“But since we’re family,” he goes on, “and since you told me once that you would ask my forgiveness, but not my permission—let me tell you what I am, and am not, able to forgive when it comes to my daughter.”

Ah, fuck, I think as he releases my hand. Here it comes.

“I should warn you that you’re late to the party,” I say sardonically. “Everyone else, from my father to your son, has already had their say.”

“Tough,” he says shortly. “I listened to you, despite wanting to knock you out for most of it. Now you get to give me the same courtesy.” He smiles coldly. “Family, you gigantic pain in my ass.”

I step back and brace myself.

“I told you that I came to Miami because you’re family,” he continues. “But I also came because Mak believes that when this is done, you plan to disappear completely.”

I experience a by-now-familiar urge to cause Mak physical pain. “He shouldn’t have said that. Or told any of you about Phantom.”

“And if he hadn’t, none of us would be here helping you now.” Roman’s mouth twists. “You of all people should know Mak never does anything without good reason.”