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indicate the waterfall that was now a focal point in the marble appointed foyer.
    “It’s magnificent,” Seth said, reciting his expected lines. He knew exactly what to say when he was with Thiago, it was easy. They walked around the house, and Thiago showed him all the changes his new decorator had made. Seth couldn’t believe how garish it was, but he showed the appropriate level of enthusiasm and appreciation.
    “Do you want the name of my decorator?”
    “Have them call Portia, she is in charge of all of that. I like taking care of the business side of things, that way I get to spend more time with my friends.” Seth saw Thiago’s pleased look at his response. They were in the sitting room smoking cigars and drinking bourbon.
    “So why have you honored me, dear friend?”
    “Ric Vargas accidentally managed to crash his boat into Portia’s when she was out with some friends.”
    “Bastardo! Those fuckers are trying to cut me out. They want to work with Benitez Shipping to bring in the drugs. They must have figured out some way to distribute product here in the United States. Poor Portia, she must have been terrified.”
    “Portia was out of her mind,” Seth agreed. “Anyway, they have requested a meeting with Tomas and me. Of course Tomas and I wanted to inform you of this craziness. We would never betray our friendship, but…”
    “But what?”
    “Well of course you are probably already thinking along these lines, but I’m concerned for Portia’s safety if we were to follow their plan,” Seth said, leading the man.
    “Give me a moment. I have to think this through. We should make them think you are going along with their plans, when you’re actually double-crossing them.”
    “That’s why I came to you. Of course our first loyalty is to you.”
    “You are a good and loyal friend. You and Tomas have to keep your meeting with Vargas.” Got you, Seth thought with an internal smile.
    “I don’t like the idea. Too many things could go wrong.”
    “Haven’t I always protected you? Haven’t I always taken care of my men? Especially you? You’ve been like a son to me, ever since you started to work for me almost two years ago. I saw something in you that reminded me of myself at your age. Even the one time you fucked up, you did it beautifully. Knocking up Portia Benitez was a magnificent accident. You have solidified our relationship with the major shipping source. You have the Midas touch.” Thiago tipped his glass in salute.
    “Thank you, I have been trying to follow the example you have set.” Seth watched as the man preened. “As for keeping us safe, I have all the confidence in the world in your abilities to keep us safe from Vargas, it is actually Tomas who worries me. He is a wild card. He never follows instruction.”
    “I have a solution for that. I will hold Portia hostage until this whole ugly mess is over with. I will threaten to kill her if he does anything foolish.”
    Seth had to think quickly. All three of them were needed to meet Vargas. “I can’t allow that. Tomas would see this as a sign of weakness on my part if I were to surrender Portia to you. There has to be another way so I do not lose face with my father-in-law.” Seth relaxed as he watched Labado consider his words.
    “I have to threaten something else he values. The only other thing he holds in esteem is his home. I will have that set to blow up. If he somehow botches things with Vargas his entire estate will be burned to the ground. It’s perfect, I’m sure the threat will keep Tomas in line, but if it doesn’t he’ll watch it burn, then I’ll roast him over the live coals. No one will ever betray me again.”
    Seth didn’t doubt that he would do it. “It is agreed then. I will let you know the details when they are set.” They embraced and Seth left. He wasn’t able to take a deep breath until his Ferrari was on the highway, and even then he constantly checked his rear view mirror. This was going to