"Hatch may have set up our deal with the Howlers, but he put in charge of the operation," I lied. The truth of the matter was, the most I’d ever done for the operation was to quality control test the product from ti to ti.
Warlock raised an eyebrow. "So you’re the fly in my ointnt."
"No, I’m the key to you gettin’ what you want right here and right now," I said. "Give back my phone and I’ll prove it."
"You must think I’m an idiot," Warlock said.
"No, I think you’re a man who wants to make money and I can make that happen for you."
"Who you gonna call?" Warlock asked, crossing his arms.
"I’m gonna call Sundance directly. Don’t worry, I’ll let you dial, and you can put it on speaker."
I had no idea if this bluff would work. Since telepathy was out of the question, I just had to figure out a way to signal my situation to Sundance without tipping off Warlock but I had an idea.
Warlock turned to Trunk. "Get the boy’s phone."
Trunk brought my phone and Warlock held it to my face to unlock it, then he scrolled down to Sundance’s number and dialed, putting it on speaker.
"Hey, Cash," Sundance said on the first ring. "You okay? Got a call from your dad a while ago sayin’ they were lookin’ for you."
"Yeah, don’t worry about that. This is a business call and I need you to listen to carefully," I said. "I don’t have a lot of ti to talk, so I’m gonna level with you. The Dogs have overcommitted ourselves with this grow operation and since I’m the one running it, I’m making a call to you directly. An interested third party has co in to take over our share, and we’ve agreed. It’s not a big deal. It’ll be just like the arrangent you have with Eddie Chapman and Lando with that guy from London. You understand?"
"Well, I can’t say I’m not disappointed," Sundance said. "I like workin’ with you guys, but so long as our end stays the sa, I don’t see a problem."
I relaxed a little. I always knew Sundance was a hell of an MC president, and a world history aficionado, but he was also apparently, one hell of an improv actor.
"Good, I’ll get you in touch with your new partner and I wish you all the best."
"Alright, I’ll wait for your call," Sundance said, disconnecting the call.
I cocked my head. "See? That’s how the Dogs handle things. No point in getting nasty. Now, it’s as good as done, so there’s no point in keeping here."
"If this is a set up or you’re tryin’ to fuck with , I’m gonna cut that girlfriend of yours to pieces right in front of you," Warlock warned. "I told you, I can get to anyone at any ti."
"I’ve been straight with you this whole ti," I lied. "When you don’t deal in intimidation, all you have is your word. Sundance and his club trust us, if I say we’re makin’ a move, they don’t have a problem following, so long as it doesn’t interfere with them earning. But I’ll tell you one thing, now that I’ve set this new deal in motion, if I don’t get back to my club in one piece, this whole thing’ll blow up."
Warlock studied for a few tense seconds before turning to Trunk. "Bag up Loverboy and the bitch, drive ’em out to the marsh, and drop ’em off. Toss his phone a hundred yards as you’re drivin’ off." Turning back to he said, "Again, if I don’t have a solid deal with the Primal Howlers within forty-eight hours, I’m gonna rain hell down on both o’ your clubs and even your friends in the FBI aren’t gonna be able to identify your bodies."
I glanced at him.
"I told you," Warlock warned. "I’m smarter than my predecessors."
"All I want, is to make peace and for my club to be left alone."
"Get him outta here," Warlock said, and I was driven to a remote area outside of Portland.
Teagan
Booker walked into the great room and sat down across from , Dani, Kim, and Mom. Daisy and Huck had also arrived by then, so Daisy was smooshed right up against , holding my hand. "Sundance just called. Cash reached out."
"Sundance? Why would Cash call him? Is he okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, sweetheart, he was when he called. Club business. Sundance said that he was talking in code, so he must have had eyes and ears on him." Booker looked at Dani. "They dropped him off near the marsh lands, we’re gonna go get him now."
"I’m going with you," I said.
"No way, this could be another ambush for all we know," Booker said. "The last thing I’m gonna do is put you in danger. We’re gonna pick him up and bring him right back here, I promise."
"Then why are you still here, honey?" Dani challenged.
Booker leaned down to kiss her and then headed out, a group of about six other brothers following, including my dad. I flopped back onto the sofa, bursting into tears again, but this ti they were tears of relief.
I ran my thumb across my engagent ring with my left hand as my right continued to stroke Cash’s anchor around my neck, my heart in my throat as the minutes ticked by. When my phone buzzed beside about ten minutes after Booker left, I nearly jumped out of my seat. "Cash?"
"Hey, Turtle."
"Hi," I sobbed out. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, baby, I’m good."
"Is Booker there yet?"
"No. It’s gonna take him a little bit. Just needed to hear your voice."
"Oh my god, I was so worried," I rasped.
"I know, honey, I’m sorry."
"I’m going to hand the phone to your mom, okay?" I said.
"Yeah."
I handed my phone to Dani who gave a thankful smile. "Hey, baby. You’re okay? Fuck, thank god. Okay. Yeah. Dad’s on his way. Right. Yeah, we’ll get the update when you get back here. God, I’m so glad you’re okay. I love you. I’m gonna give the phone back to your girl. Okay, baby. See you soon."
She handed the phone and I said, "Hey."
"Hey, beautiful."
"Hurry ho, jackass," Daisy ordered, loud enough for him to hear.
Cash chuckled. "Tell her I’m workin’ on it."
"He said he’s working on it."
Daisy gave a worried smile and nodded.
"When you get back here, I’m going to fucking chip you," I warned.
"I’m gonna let you," he promised. "I see lights, Turtle, I’m gonna let you go."
"Okay." I swallowed. "Please get back here safe."
"I will, honey. Love you."
"Love you, too."
We rang off and I sagged against Daisy.
"I’m gonna get breakfast going," Dani said, rising to her feet.
"I’ll help," Mom offered, then waved her hand toward us when Daisy and I offered. "No, you girls stay put."
"I could really use sothing to do, Mama," I said. "Kill a little ti."
"You sure?"
I nodded. "Definitely. I’m just gonna check on Razor really quick."
"Okay, sweetie."
I headed down the hall to Hatch’s room where Razor was convalescing and knocked on the door. Katie opened the door and smiled. "Hey."
"Hi. I wanted to check on Razor."
"Co on in. He’s being ornery, which is a good sign."
I walked in and stalled. "Jesus."
"What?" Razor mumbled through his swollen mouth. "You don’t think I’m still hot as fuck?"
"Pleading the fifth on that one, buddy." I sat beside the bed and took his hand. "You okay?"
"I’m good, sweetheart. I’m on so good shit."
"Cash is coming ho."
Razor smiled. "Hatch told . That’s great news."
"I’m really sorry you got beat up because of Gloria the Whoria."
"Yeah, she’s a cunt, but it’s okay." Razor smiled, one tooth missing in the front. "We’re gonna get retribution, T. Don’t worry about it."
"We’re making breakfast. Do you want sothing? Oatal, maybe?" I teased.
"If you don’t make bacon, I’ll be pissed," he growled.
I chuckled. "Bacon it is."
I gave his hand a gentle squeeze and headed into the kitchen to help with breakfast. First up, bacon for Razor.
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