He shakes his head. “Kid tried to play hero. We hit up the girls at the Kitty Kat and noticed one of them acting off. Bitch failed her drug test. I told her she was cut loose. Guess that brave motherfucker spotted her in her car selling some shit to another dancer after I was gone. Decided to follow her instead of calling for backup. She led him into a trap. Knew he was tailing her.”
“How is he?”
“Not sure. But one good thing is now we know where them fuckers are hiding. Give me the order, and I’ll get the brothers and roll out.”
I scrub a palm over my face. I’m getting too old for this shit. “I’m getting married in two days.”
“Fuck yeah you are.” Viking grins and shakes my shoulder.
“If they’re smart, they will already be on the move. We’ll discuss it later.” I nod toward the detective headed our way.
“Gentlemen. We’ve got to stop meeting this way.” Detective Masters. The fool who was on Nickel’s case.
“Detective. What can we do for you?”
“Got a call one of your men were shot. Again. Men seem to disappear or die around you. Let’s hope this guy has better luck.”
“You got something to ask me do it already.”
“Who shot the kid?”
“You’d have to ask the Dry Ridge Sinner’s that. Word on the street is they are back in town. Not wearing their colors obviously. But they’re the ones bringing in Cloud Nine again. What are you doing about it?”
Detective Masters lets out a huff. “I know they are, but they operate like ghosts.”
“And yet these phantoms shot my man. One of the fine and outstanding citizens you’re sworn to protect. I’m doing my part to keep these sorry fucks and their drugs out of our town. What about you?”
“We’ll be in touch.”
“I bet we will. I’m getting married this weekend would appreciate it if you got to that whole doing your part business soon. I have out of towners arriving. Nothing to do with tonight. They’re here for the celebration.”
“I appreciate the head’s up. My condolences to your old lady.”
“Just doing my part.”
“Right.” He snorts and continues down the corridor.
“Fucking pansy ass motherfucker,” Viking mutters. “He wouldn’t last two seconds with me.”
“Easy there, tough guy. He’s already up our asses over Nickel’s death and the shit with Grudge’s cabin.”
“I don’t trust him.”
“You think he’s dirty?”
“We’ll see.”
Minutes later Rio is brought out with his arm in a sling, making eyes at the pretty little nurse wheeling him out. “Just a flesh wound.” He smirks. “Be good as new soon enough.”
“Right. Let’s get out of here.”
“See to it he takes his antibiotics,” the nurse instructs.
Rio licks his lips. “Maybe you can come by my place after your shift, momma, and make sure I’m taking proper care of myself.”
Her cheeks glow red.
“Keep it in your pants, prospect,” I growl, and he shrugs. Once we get in the parking lot, I shove him against my cage. “Don’t you ever go off on your own like that again. What you did wasn’t brave it was stupid. You think I need one of my men going off halfcocked and getting shot right before my wedding? Huh, motherfucker.” I squeeze his bad arm and he winces.