“And you think the Marins will help? They’ll kill you on sight, Carlos.”
“No they won’t, if you explain I’m wanting to take down my father and that I will give them what they want. In exchange for force. We can come to a deal.”
“Are you serious? You want to give them the holdings in Leblon?” he says, voice a higher pitch than normal from shock.
“More than that. I’m willing to hand over more than that. With conditions, of course.”
Pedro moves close to me, his hands up in a plea.
“You do understand what you’re asking, don't you? To betray your family? You won’t be able to go back on any deal you make with them.”
“I don’t give a fuck if they flatten everything my father owns. I want out, with nothing left to pull me back. I want him safe.”
“Who is he? Is he safe now?”
“Just a guard from back home who came out here. I’ve fucked up. I couldn’t help him when they hurt him. He wants nothing to do with me.”
“Give him time. He’ll understand that you were not in a position to fight.”
“Could you explain that to him?”
Pedro smiles.
“I don’t think I’m the best person for that. Just use your powers of persuasion.”
“Oh, don’t worry. He’ll have no choice.”
“That’s not what I meant,” he says, sighing.
“Anyway, can you help?”
“Leave it with me. Wait for my call.”
I put my hand on his shoulder and give a gentle squeeze.
“Thank you, Pedro.”
“I was always weak when it came to you. Just remember you owe me,” he laughs and I join him, even though I don't feel it.
We leave the boathouse and go our separate ways as I walk back to where Lucas and Mark are chatting.
“All good?” Lucas asks.
“Yeah. Listen, I have some things to work out. Lucas, would you go sit with Simon? You’re the only one I trust with him. I don’t want him to be on his own.”
“Sure.”
“Mark, I need you to find a location just outside the area that would be safe for a meeting. No risk of being seen or caught.”
“Why do you need that?” Lucas asks.
“Because we are meeting someone who can help us get out of this shitstorm.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Lucas says as we all start to walk back to the house, just as my phone blares. Fortunately Simon only cracked the screen. I look at the shattered display. Shit. Dima.
“Hey, Dima.”
“Hey? What the fuck is going on, Carlos? I’m stuck on a fucking flight with these assholes, Simon isn’t answering his phone. Can you explain to me what happened?”