Chapter Two
Shades
“We need to find out who the fuck took our money, and then we need to get it back. With interest.”
Ace, our club president, is furious. So pissed off that he’s foaming at the mouth talking about how some assholes broke into our clubhouse and stole from us.
He called church early this morning, and we’ve been sitting in this room, around this fucking table for hours. Spinning our goddamn wheels.
“We know who the fuck took our money,” I tell him and look around the table to see who agrees, who disagrees, and who doesn’t have shit to say. This robbery didn’t feel right. It stinks like a week-old fucking corpse, and I can’t shake the feeling, no matter how hard I try.
“It was Hector and the Kings. We know that much. Don’t we?”
Yeah, my words are accusatory, and I don’t give a shit. There’s no way in hell a small contingent of Hector’s men were able to get in here while we were rescuing Kelsey and McKenna.
Ace nods his agreement. “I’m with you, brother, but we need to be sure. Wild Man, you been able to find anything yet?”
Club secretary and tech genius, Wilder shakes his head and lets out an animalistic grunt. “Not one goddamned thing. Yet. The power was cut, so all the surveillance is out.”
“Fuck,” I practically yell in frustration.
“There’s a backup genny that kicks in after fifteen seconds without power, and I’m sure it took those fuckers more time than that.” Wild Man grins. “Looks like they used one of those cheap scramblers you can buy at the spy shop on Sunset. The footage is wonky but nothing I can’t handle.”
Ace looks from me to Wild Man. “Nothing but this until you have something for me.”
“Got it, boss,” he says without looking away from the monitor.
“In the meantime, what do we do about the lost revenue?”
Leave it to Preacher to worry about the guys and the workers. It’s his strong suit, and the guys are damn lucky to have him looking out for them.
“I got some backup cash,” Ace informs him. “We’d be sitting fucking ducks if we kept all our cash in one spot.”
“Thank fuck,” Preacher growls. “What do you need from us, Ace?”
“What I need more than anything is intel. Find out who’s spending cash they shouldn’t have. Listen at the bars and clubs for anyone talking shit, taking credit for this. Even if it’s some stupid fucking frat boy trying to impress a girl, I want them brought to me. Immediately. Got it?”
Nods go around the table, and once again, I eye each of my brothers carefully. Watching their reactions. I don’t like to think it could be an insider, one of us, but that’s the way life is sometimes.
For all the brotherhood and camaraderie in the service, there were guys I just couldn’t fucking trust. No matter what I did or what they did, good or bad, I just couldn’t trust them.
“You all hear that? Ace is giving us permission to go out and have a good time, but don’t forget your main objective. And be vigilant.”
“Intel is the top priority. If you have to get your dick wet to get some info, do it. Just don’t neglect what the MC needs just to get a piece of ass.”
Ace’s expression is serious. He’s stressed out, he’s pissed as hell, and he needs answers.
“Shades will replenish part of the money. Joaquin, we need a new safe. Go over to Sportsman’s and find one. Have it delivered ASAP.”
I give a short nod at Ace’s instructions. I know it means a trip to the last fucker I want to see right now. “On it.”
Coop frowns. “Where is this cash, and why is he going alone?”
“You don’t trust me?” I ask him, only half-joking.
“Of course, I do. But what if someone follows you? Takes you out? What if this person is compromised or has some fucking side deal with the Kings?”
Coop shakes his head, growls, and smacks a hand on the table. I know his worry stems from his pregnant fiancée, who got kidnapped by Hector and his men. Twice.