Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87618 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87618 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 438(@200wpm)___ 350(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“That’s why they call him the ghost,” William says. “He’s good at sneaking in and out without getting caught.”
I consider that, flipping through the pages. “What else do you know?”
“We have a location. I guess our pal Diego hasn’t been too careful in the last few months, and more than a few people have figured out where he lives.”
“Not very ghostly,” Daron says.
I ignore him and flip to the last page. “This is the place?”
“It’s a decent house,” William says.
“We don’t know about the security yet.” Eric keeps talking, warming up to the subject. “I haven’t had time to stake it out, but he’s definitely got a network with a ton of chatter. I did some basic scanning from a nearby street, and I’d guess we could break into it without too much effort.”
“Meaning you could,” Daron corrects. “Eric here can’t break into a wet cardboard box.”
Eric flips him off. “From what we heard, it seems that Diego was directly involved in the heist Brenden got burned on. I’m betting he was the one funding it all from the start.”
“The other guys are definitely locked up,” William cuts in again. “They haven’t talked yet, which is good, but who knows how long that lasts. Once they spill their guts, Diego’s going to be even more motivated to take care of your brother-in-law.”
“Meaning we don’t have much time.” I flip the folder shut as soon as Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” blares over the speaker system. As much as I hate to admit it, Daron’s probably right about the noise covering any eavesdropping, and the low light would make it very hard to read over my shoulder.
Still, a fucking strip club. I thought I was past this shit.
“What’s the play here?” Eric asks eagerly. “I assume we didn’t just do all that recon for nothing.”
“The play is you don’t worry about it.” I shove the folder into my jacket. “Erase any evidence that you were looking into Los Sombras. Make sure anyone you talked to forgets you exist. Understand?”
“You’re going to do something.” Eric leans closer. “I want in.”
I glance at Daron. He’s chewing and staring right at me with a deep frown. “That’s not happening.”
“We’re a crew, right? Whatever you’re in on—”
“This is personal. I already asked too much of you.”
William interrupts. “I’m on Eric’s side here.”
“Seriously?” Daron asks, looking perturbed. “I expected this from young buck here—”
“Fuck off, Daron,” Eric says.
“But you have actual experience. Why the fuck would you want to get involved with Los Sombras?”
“Because we’re a crew now.” William seems strangely calm about all this, considering what he’s saying. I don’t know how I feel about it, but I let him talk. “Eric’s motives are wrong, but his heart’s in the right place. If we’re going to build trust, it should start here. I’m willing to help so long as you’re sure this is going to be worth our time.”
I sit back and consider. I could use their expertise, but I understand Daron’s hesitation. They don’t need to stick their necks out for me.
But maybe William’s got a point. If we’re going to build this team, we can start right here, with something simple. Daron looks annoyed, but I cut him off before he can start to argue more.
“I want you three to probe the Los Sombras network,” I say, talking louder when Daron tries to protest. “Don’t do anything stupid. Find vulnerabilities, but don’t go past that. I’ll need a way inside when it’s time.”
“What else?” Eric asks, looking excited. “Want me to stake them out?”
“No, not yet. I’ll handle anything like that if it comes up.” I look at Daron and hold his gaze. “You want to argue? Tell me this is stupid?”
He finishes chewing. William’s watching the dancing girl with a bored expression, and Eric seems like he’s about to vibrate out of his seat. I hold Daron’s stare and practically beg him to challenge me. I want him to make a good point, to convince these other two idiots that they don’t need to get involved in my problem.
But he finally shakes his head. “Fuck it. I never liked the cartel assholes. One of them stole my car. Did I ever tell you that story?”
“You’re full of shit,” Eric says, grinning widely. “When should we start?”
“Tonight.” I push back and stand. “If any of you have second thoughts, I won’t hold it against you. But I appreciate this show of support.”
William shrugs. “We’re a team now. Might as well get used to it.”
“Enjoy the buffet on me.” I toss some cash on the table. Daron eagerly grabs it.
“Happy to, boss.” He gives me a sarcastic salute as I walk off.
Their help is more than I deserve. But if they really do want to help, then I need to make sure I can take care of them in the end. I’m not going to be the kind of man that takes advantage of the people working for me.