Page 116 of Ethan's Sky

He turns, leaning against the counter, his arms crossed, his face telling me he’s waiting for me to make sense.

“People have come looking for the truth about Chase’s disappearance. They’ve come looking for me, and the club is going to have to go to war anyway…because of me.”

“This is what you’re worried about?” Santiago waves me off then turns back to the food. “You’re worrying for nothing.”

“How can you say that? The club is going to go to war with the Devil’s Order and it’s all because I killed Chase!” My voice raises along with my frustration.

“Listen to me, Sweetheart. And listen well.” Santiago leans against the counter once more, waving a wooden spoon in my direction. “You are not responsible for what any man does. They make their own choices. Your uncle chose to dispose of the body to ensure your safety. There are crooked men in all walks of life, even some of those who have sworn to serve and protect. You understand?”

I nod, remembering Daddy had said something similar the night Emily and Chase died. He had said we didn’t know who we could trust outside the club.

“Your father, uncle, and Gabe did what needed to be done to keep people from asking the right questions. Without you as a witness to question, and no body, there was no evidence to suggest the club’s involvement or yours. You follow?” Again, I nod, trying to keep up with what he’s telling me.

“The Devil’s Order isn’t after you because some punk ass prospect fucked up a deal and went missing. They’re here because your father was working with the boss to help stop the Devil’s Order from trafficking young women and girls.”

“Wait. What?” His words shock the shit out of me. “What are you talking about?”

“Not too long ago, George learned about a trafficking ring. He knew the man involved in transporting the women and girls was Chase’s brother, a member of the Devil’s Order. He wasn’t sure the guy knew George was your father, but he didn’t want to take any chances. He also didn’t want to involve the club, so he came to Vincenzo for help. You follow?”

I nod.

“Unfortunately, shit went sideways, and your father was murdered.” Santiago runs a hand down his face, recrossing his arms as he continues. “George knew when he turned over the truckload of victims to Vincenzo’s contact, the Devil’s would come after him. What he didn’t want, was for them to come looking for you. So, he…”

“Worked out a deal with Vincenzo to provide protection for me.” I fill in the blanks for him. “But why would he send me to the clubhouse then? Why not send me to Vincenzo?”

He shrugs his shoulders turning back to the food. Placing a lid over the chicken and turning sown the fire to simmer. With his back to me, he says, “I don’t know. Maybe he was looking to keep the club occupied with you while the boss worked on putting an end to the trafficking shit. The boss will fill Gabe in on whatever he and George were doing, but we both know the Devils aren’t about to go up against the Parisi family. Our reach goes too far.”

“No. But the Devils came after me and Jayde today. Which means they’re willing to go to war with the Kings.”

“And because of this, they’ve chosen to start a war withall of us.”

28

ETHAN

We all follow Pres up the stairs and find Vincenzo Parisi sitting on the far couch, his ankle crossed over his knee, one arm sprawled over the back of the seat. He has a glass of what looks to be whiskey in his hand resting on his ankle.

Matteo, his righthand man stands behind him, his hands folded, watching all of us wearily. I don’t blame him. Although the Parisi’s and the Kings have done business together and have been relatively friendly, things are a little tense in the clubhouse. Especially since Pres reached out to Vincenzo after finding out George had called him the night he died, and Vincenzo had yet to respond.

“Vincenzo, I didn’t realize we had a meeting scheduled today.” Gabe greets politely, though his tone gives way to his annoyance at the blatant disrespect Vincenzo has shown by showing up at the clubhouse without warning.

Vincenzo smiles. “I take it you took care of your guest in the basement.”

“How’d you know we had aguest?” Gabe looks pissed but doesn’t react.

“We both know you wouldn’t spill blood in a public place, even if the bastard did stab one of your men. How is he, by the way? I have an excellent surgeon on payroll who makes house calls. If you need her services, I can have her here within minutes.”

Gabe scowls, his arms crossed over his chest. He doesn’t like that Vincenzo knows about the club’s shit. Again, he doesn’t react other than to say, “We have our own Doc. The prospect will live.”

“Good to hear.” Vincenzo sips his drink.

“Why are you here, Vincenzo. Not that I don’t like our visits, but I assume you came here unannounced for a reason. So, what is it?”

“Perhaps we should continue this conversation in your office where it’s a little more…private?” It’s meant to be a question, but his tone doesn’t suggest he’s asking. “I’d also like to have Ghost and Ethan, is it?” He asks, his brow raised as he stares me down. “I believe they would both benefit from the information I’m about to share.”

Gabe grunts. “Anything else you’d like us to do for you? Order food? Pick up your fucking dry cleaning?”

Vincenzo smirks. “I mean no disrespect.” Gabe snorts. Vincenzo stands, waving his glass in front of him. “I only meant since Ghost is George’s family, and Ethanseemsto mean something to his daughter, perhaps they should hear what I have to say as well. George was very specific about who was to know about our arrangement. I only wish to keep my end of the deal. Once you have the information, you can do with it as you see fit.”

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