Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84471 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“Money? That's at the core of fucking everything, isn't it? But…” I hesitate, less sure about my other theory. “They could just be pissed that we’re working together. Mob tried to move in last year and we put down the first idiot they sent our way, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t try to sabotage something that could give us more power.”
Chafik nods thoughtfully. “So by that logic, it has more to do with you than with me and you should be looking within your own ranks for the problem. With such young leadership…”
Heat flares up inside me at even the goddamn implication that our own men have sold us out, but I push it down. This is part of showing that I'm fucking capable. If I blow up on this guy and fuck up the tenuous relationship we've got going, I'm going to fuck things up for the club. And I'm not gonna be that fucking guy.
Fortunately, I don’t have to.
Hellfire sits up, murder in his eyes. “You’re new, so let me get you up to speed. Three years ago I took over this club because our former president was assassinated by a guy who wanted the job I have now. I won’t bore you with the details, but we expanded too much, too fast and paid the fucking price in blood. I’m the one sitting here today because I weighed the loyalty of every single fucking man in my operation and put down the traitors personally.”
That day is still etched in my memory, as it is for all of us that were there. The sound of his boots on the floor of the old gym. The look on Bonnie’s face as she stared down the man responsible for General’s death. The blood on the floor when the purge was complete.
It wasn’t pretty, but it cemented the club together under Hellfire’s lead in a way that nothing else could have.
Chafik leans back with a predatory smile. “Which is exactly why I’d rather have you with me than against me. I did my research before taking over the mess you made of Victor’s operation. I hope for my sake that your suspicions are unfounded, but I’ll field an internal investigation. As for you, I would very much appreciate it if you continue to follow your own leads. Should you uncover something, I’ll make sure our next arrangement is well rewarded.”
I don’t like this fucker. He looks at us like useful but violent dogs. We took out his predecessor. If we do the same to him, maybe the third guy would be an improvement. Eventually, someone would learn, right? At least this guy's just a self-important asshole, not a fucking supervillain.
“We'll be in touch,” Hellfire says, as he stands up, ending the meeting. “Come on, boys.”
As we're getting on our bikes on the black marble roundabout in front of the main building—which must be fucking hell when it rains—Hellfire rolls his wheels up next to mine. “You did good in there.”
“I was worried it was gonna come to shots, to be fucking honest. I wanted to punch his smug, fucking mouth.”
“We all did, man. It’s hard to find the balance between being diplomatic and making sure they know they can't fuck with us. He’s more nervous than he lets on. He was a small fish back home, and you’re right. There’s no way to expand as fast as he has without taking risks.” Hellfire nods, then fires up his engine.
A few moments later, we’re roaring down his fancy front drive. The ride back takes nearly an hour, and it’s nice to get the time with nothing but my own thoughts to deal with. When we roll into the clubhouse. Me, Dragon and Blackout park next to each other off to the side while Hellfire and Savage head straight for the church, probably to go over what just happened.
Blackout grins. “Nice job, mister officer man.”
“Shut the fuck up.” I give him a shove, but I'm laughing.
“Nah, you did good. I know you weren’t sure you wanted the responsibility, but I can’t think of anyone I’d rather follow. Besides, you’ve got less of a stick up your ass than Ghost.”
“He’s right behind you,” Dragon says deadpan.
Blackout spins, cursing when he finds nobody there. “Asshole. Since when do you have a fucking sense of humor?”
“Since Willow showed up.” I laugh at the glare Dragon sends my way. “Relax, brother. I’m going to go gather a few of the boys and then we can go pay a visit to the Diamond Club. Trouble’s still brewing. We can celebrate later. I’m sure Willow’s ready for a new lesson or two.”
“I like the sound of that,” Blackout says with a shiteating grin.
18
BLACKOUT
The Diamond Club, like most strip bars, is a fancy name slapped on a shitty hole in the wall. Hidden down a seedy alley downtown, the sign over the door is a neon animation of a girl on a stripper pole with a diamond on top, and her leg flashes back and forth between tucked and extended. Classy as fuck, but it's central, has a liquor license and apparently enough girls that they stay in business.