A man walked down the street, swerving side to side, hands in the air, and sending noisy praise to the Lord. To herright, she spotted several shady characters hanging around a doorway, smoking and watching them drive past.
And then Jayden turned into a narrow alley. Within seconds, he’d pulled up beside an overflowing garbage can.
“Keep your helmet on,” he said, killing the engine. “And stay on the bike.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Where are you going?” Panic squeezed Tammy’s chest at the thought of him leaving her there.
“Nowhere.” Jayden set a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I’ll be right here, but these guys are assholes, and if they don’t have the money, we’ll have to make a sharp exit with the goods.”
She nodded. She had zero intention of getting off the Harley or engaging with assholes.
Jayden pulled out his cell, hit a number, and then put it to his ear. “Yeah, I’m here. Don’t keep me waiting.” He hung up, pulled out his gun, released the safety, and then shoved it into the front of his waistband, so it was on view.
A solid metal gate in the wall to her right pulled open with a creak. Two guys appeared. One was dressed all in black, hoody pulled up, shades, and hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans. The other, who had long dreadlocks, wore red NIKE sweats and an oversized blue t-shirt with a faded image of a Bob Marley on the front. A gun swung from his fingers.
“You Denz?” Jayden asked.
“Yeah.”
“Got the cash?”
“If you’ve got the goods.” Denz kind of shrugged then spat on the ground.
“You think I’d drive through this shit hole for no reason? ’Course I got the goods.” Jayden paused. “But show me the cash first.”
“Hudson said three big ones.”
“Yep, that’s what he told me,” Jayden said. “You better have it. You don’t want to piss him off again any time soon, do you? Wasn’t much fucking fun for you last time.”
Denz didn’t answer. Instead, he nodded at the man at hisside. “Get it out.”
A thick envelope was produced from inside the hoody.
“It’s all here.” Denz nodded toward Jayden’s bike. “So, let’s have ’em.”
Jayden took a few steps backward, not taking his attention off Denz. He unlocked the hold and lifted out the box of weapons. “They’re all here, but feel free to check.”
“Yeah, we’ll check.” Denz stepped up and took the box. He placed it on the ground and tore it open.
Nestled in what appeared to be straw was a bunch of handguns. Denz pulled the top one out and held it up. Turning it this way and that, he examined every detail, then dug around as if counting how many were in the box.
“They’re the real deal, top quality. You’re getting a fucking bargain,” Jayden said, impatience lacing his tone. “Now give me the cash, I got other shit to do with my day.”
Denz stood, a nasty smirk crossing his face. “I just bet you do, with that hot bit of ass waiting to suck your cock.” He nodded at Tammy.
“If you want to see the sunset tonight, shut the fuck up.” Jayden pulled his gun. “Give me the damn cash, now.”
“Hey, chill, man.” Denz held the money forward. “Just saying your chick is hot. Ain’t had a bit of white ass for ages. Wanna share?”
“Go fuck yourself.” Jayden snatched the envelope and looked inside. Apparently satisfied, he shoved it into the inside pocket of his cut.
Denz chuckled and nudged his buddy. “You’d do her, right?”
Suddenly, Jayden pulled his weapon and directed it at Denz. “I ain’t fucking around. Shut it or I’ll make you. Ain’t no one around here gonna care about one more dead asshole.”
“Hey.” Denz held up his hands. The smirk didn’t slip,but his eyes flashed as if he’d realized he’d pushed Jayden too far. “We’ve done the deal. All good. I got the guns, you got the payment.”