“You hurt my brother,” William said.
“Your brother had a dogfighting ring on my land. One that’s connected to the local animal shelter. Believe me, he struck first.” He was tense, ready to fight.
William hadn’t come alone.
There were seven men at his back, all capable of making this end very badly. Bull wasn’t interested in dying today. He had a woman he wanted to make his own, but he had to keep his focus.
Being prepared to die was what always gave him the edge in these kinds of meetings. Most men weren’t interested in giving their lives for the cause. They had plans to fuck, to eat, to live a long fruitful life, but rarely to die.
He stared at William, unflinching.
The man before him had just as dark a reputation. He was a cruel man. He’d rid his city of the mafia presence, removed the cartel’s power, and kept it all to himself. People spoke the name William Ranford with respect and fear.
Bull wasn’t afraid of him. He knew this kind of play.
What he was curious about though, was how he removed the cartel problem. Out of everything his father set up for the club, the cartel was the one piece of the puzzle he’d never been able to remove. The death of the club wasn’t the risk he was willing to take.
“You see that’s what I hate about younger brothers,” William said with a sigh.
Bull was tempted to look toward Grant. “They are known to do shit without thinking straight.”
Grant didn’t make a move, but everyone at the club knew what he meant. Over the years, since Bull had taken care of Grant, his little brother had been known to act without thinking. It wasn’t a trait Bull was too fond of. In fact, he hated it.
“I have seen Craig. He will make a full recovery,” William said. “This business with the dogs, I don’t like it.”
“Neither do I.”
Bull knew he had William in a corner here. He was a feared and respected leader, but he had also conducted himself fairly in matters like this. Craig had fucked up big time. Carnage was Chaos and Carnage MC’s turf. The unwritten rules were clear, and no one did business without getting confirmation first. Bull hadn’t gotten any of that. By their own laws, Bull could kill Craig for what he did.
“I want to speak with you privately,” William said.
“Not going to fucking happen,” Grant said.
Bull held his hand up. He didn’t need his brother interfering in his stuff right now.
“We’ll talk.” He pointed toward the main gate. It would mean he would have to pass William’s men, but Bull wasn’t afraid. His own men would have his back.
“A brother, I take it,” William said as they were far enough away.
“Let’s just say I know what you mean about cleaning up younger brothers’ messes.”
William laughed. “Do you mind if I smoke?”
“Be my guest.” He hadn’t smoked in years. Didn’t see the benefit of it.
“I keep promising myself I will quit, but then Craig does some shit.” William took a deep draw on his cigarette. “I know about you, Bull. I heard of your reputation. Of what you’ve done to get this club back to its glory.”
Bull remained silent. He didn’t need anyone to tell him what he already knew. His father had fucked up on a grand scale, and he’d been the one to repair the damage.
“I admire that.”
He folded his arms and waited.
“I don’t want any repercussions for what my brother did. I’ve got the details that suggest he was working with the man at the animal shelter. A George something or other.” William held open his jacket. “It’s all in that file. My brother was working on his own. George had some business in the city. The two got together and started talking. He supplied the dogs, and my brother supplied the people who’d pay to see dogs fighting.” From the wrinkle of William’s nose, he didn’t like it.
“Not an animal person?”
“I happen to love animals. It’s why I’m a vegan.”
Bull raised his brow.
“Laugh all you want.”
“Nah, just, a vegan crime boss. I’ve seen a whole lot of shit in my time, but I will grant you, this is new.”
William chuckled. “I’ve killed men for less of an insult.”
“I’m not insulting you. Thank you for this,” Bull said. “Craig will not be harmed by the club, so long as he never steps foot in Carnage again.”
“Good.” William held out his hand.
This was the best way to do business. They would all walk free and clear.
Bull shook his hand. “You’re not going to ask?” William held his hand firm.
“Ask what?” Bull didn’t know what the man was talking about.
“You do your research on me, and I do it on you. We know each other’s lives, and who we fuck. It’s who we are. We don’t conduct meetings without knowing everything.”