Series: Silver Spoon MC Series by Nichole Rose
Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 39033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39033 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
"I don't know," I admit quietly. "As far as we know, the Hell's Vipers weren't involved with the trafficking scheme, little one. But that doesn't mean they weren't aware of what the other club was doing. They've been running drugs for them. Possibly weapons too."
Catriona's eyes flutter closed on a sad sigh. "Connor, um, he's been selling drugs, I think."
Fifth glances at me.
"I overheard him talking to Rooster about moving product into Houston," she mumbles. "He never confirmed it when I confronted him about it, but I kind of figured that's what they were talking about." Her eyes pop open, focusing on me. "Why are you telling me this, Andreas? What are you asking me to do?"
"Nothing, rabbit," I promise. "We're not asking you to do anything. You don't owe me answers or explanations. You don't have to tell me anything about them or their business. I'm not interested in starting a war with them. Like I told you, the only thing I care about is protecting my people." I tip her chin up with a finger beneath her chin. "In case it's not clear, that includes you, rabbit."
Fifth clears his throat, claiming our attention. "Not to be an asshole here, but it'd help to know what she knows," he says with a shrug. "Might solve a few problems."
"No."
"I'm just saying, she has information we may need."
"You're rich," Catriona says to Fifth, eyeing him shrewdly. "Did you grow up that way?"
He tilts his head, a question in his eyes.
"Answer the question, please," she demands.
"I did," he says.
"Well, I didn't grow up that way. Silver Spoon Falls may be this wonderful town where great things happen, and rich people come to play, but Copper Creek has been dying since I was born," she says. "It's overrun by people willing to do whatever they have to do to get by, and by those eager to take advantage of that desperation to make a quick buck. Snitches are lucky if they get stitches in Copper Creek. Most of the time, they end up in ditches."
I reach for her hand, slipping mine into it.
"It's easy to do the right thing when you have the privilege and the power to do it safely," she finishes quietly, clinging to my hand. "Not all of us are that fortunate. Some of us grew up watching what happens when you speak up without either, and we just want to make it through the day alive."
Fifth is quiet for a minute, processing. And then he nods. "You're right," he says. "I did grow up in a different world than you, and I don't know what it's like to experience those struggles. It's not fair of me to ask you to put yourself at risk just to help make my life easier." He sighs. "But I'm not just asking for me, Catriona."
"Then why are you asking?" she demands.
Fifth looks at me, cocking a brow as if to ask if I'm going to tell her.
"Little one, you worked at your brother's pawnshop," I remind her gently. "You lived among the Vipers for years. When the police come knocking, it's quite possible they'll come with a warrant for your arrest too."
"But I already told you I didn't do anything," she protests.
"I know that," I say. "And the fact that you walked away helps. But if they decide they want to know what you know, they're going to back you into a corner and try to exchange your freedom for knowledge. They'll try to get you to testify against your brother and the Vipers by any means necessary."
"I…" She gapes at me. "Andreas," she whispers, her voice stricken. Tears well in her eyes. "Even if I told them everything I know, it wouldn't be enough to satisfy them. Connor kept me in the dark about all of it. I picked up bits and pieces here and there, but not about anything major. You know more about them than I do!"
"Hey," I murmur, pulling her out of her chair and into my lap. "Hey, it's all right." I wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly to my chest. "We don't even know yet if you're on their radar, little one. That's why Fifth is here now. We're trying to come up with a game plan so we can do everything in our power to keep you out of it, okay?"
"I don't want to go to jail," she mumbles.
"Good because I'm not going to let you go to jail."
I might though because I'm ready to break Fifth's fucking jaw.
"You ready to talk about it?" Fifth asks when Catriona slips into the bathroom fifteen minutes later. He knows exactly what's coming. I think he knew before he even pulled that bullshit.
"You're an asshole," I snap, glaring at him across the table. He intentionally backed her into a corner to see how she'd react to save herself. To see if she'd give up her brother if it meant keeping herself out of jail.