Nostrils flaring, I grit my teeth, swallowing down the anger and rage building up inside of me. I need to bide my time. Starting a fight while I’m weak is what they’re expecting.
Grimm studies me a moment more before he nods. “If you need anything, let Preacher know. He’ll make sure you get it.”
Unless it goes against your orders. I give a curt nod, letting him believe the subject is closed as he walks away.
“That wasn’t the most diplomatic way to bring you up to speed, but he was honest.” Preacher sets my plate in front of me.
“And you agree with him?”
“The facts are irrefutable. The delivery was …” He blows air through his teeth, unwilling to bad mouth his president. “Bottom line, I’ll take your anger over your death any day.” He nudges the plate with the fork balanced on the edge closer. “Eat.”
His loyalty dance card is full of Sinners; what does he have left over for me?
Preacher
I let the silence grow between us on the back porch, allowing the nicotine to perk me up before I speak. “Pretty harsh earlier.”
Grimm shrugs. “I want to scare her straight. She seems like the type to push boundaries.”
I inhale the smoke, holding it in my lungs, then I release it. “If you think that won’t push her straight toward it, you’re wrong.”
Grimm tenses. “She say something to you?”
I shake my head. “No, but I know the look of someone who’s plotting a coup when I see it.”
“Queenie will have to suck it up and deal with it until we get this settled. This entire thing stinks like rotting fish. He must’ve been getting something from Bane to deal with him.” The antagonistic tone puts me on edge.
“She’s always been a straight shooter. Her independence is a boon, not a curse.”
Grimm laughs as he exhales smoke. “Are you taking up for your girlfriend?”
“She’s not my girlfriend.”
“Oh, we in old lady territory already?” Grimm asks.
“Ass—”
“You like her.”
“I never said I didn’t,” I counter.
“So what’s the problem? You’re literally stuck together right now,” Grimm points out the obvious.
“You know why.” I ball my hand into a fist as images of golden hair and cold, blue eyes flash in my mind.
“Don’t let that bitch ruin everything for you. Queenie couldn’t be less like your ex-wife if she tried.”
I toss up a hand. “And now you sing her praises.”
“Just stating facts. I know she’s caught in the crossfires of some heavy shit. After all the work Chris has put in for us, I feel like I owe him his daughter’s safety.” Grimm rubs the back of his neck.
“They’ve served us well and kept the police off our scent for years. I’m not sure how viable it’ll be now if eyes latch onto the building.”
“They’ve got the second location that’s farther away. Maybe it’s time for some change?” Grimm suggests. It’s hard to find loyal people who can hold their water. It’d be a shame to sever the relationship because of a technicality.
“Pres. You need to see this, brother.” Aries appears in the doorway, looking pale.
Grimm tosses his cigarette onto the ground and puts it out with the toe of his black boot. I do the same, following them into the clubhouse where all the televisions are tuned to the same channel.