Page 77 of Ghost

“I know, but it’s okay. Go do what you need to do and hurry back.”

“You know I will.”

I stood and started for the door, and before I walked out, Cricket added, “And be careful.”

“Always.”

I pulled the door closed behind me and headed outside to my bike. I threw my leg over the seat and started the engine, and I was on my way. It was late, and I was thankful the traffic wasn’t bad. I didn’t want anything keeping me from getting to the club before Prez started that meeting.

I could tell by Goose’s voice that something was wrong. I just didn’t know how wrong until I got to the clubhouse. When I pulled up, most of the guys had already arrived. Their bikes lined the front of the building. I parked next to Goose, and then headed inside.

When I walked into the conference room, every eye turned to me. They were already sitting and watched as I made it over to my seat. The usual hum of the guys talking had been replaced by a heavy silence that settled deep in my gut. I looked around the room, hoping for some sign of what was going on, and that’s when I noticed the box sitting on the table.

It was just a plain, ordinary brown box, but it felt anything but ordinary. Prez scanned the room, and once he saw that everyone was present, he stood and said, “We got a message tonight. It was loud and clear, and I feel it needs to be shared.”

“Who’s it from?”

He glanced over at Memphis as he answered, “You’ll know as soon as you see what’s inside.”

Prez reached over and pulled the box close. His face was void of emotion as he pulled the tape back and eased the flaps back. Once it was completely opened, he stepped back and motioned for us to gather closer and look what was inside. I was hesitantbut joined my brothers and stood, leaning forward so I could peek inside.

It took me a moment to register what I was seeing, and bile rose to my throat when it finally hit me—it was a hand. It had been severed at the wrist, and there was a ring on the pinky finger. Memphis stepped back and gasped, “What the fuck!”

“We believe it’s Carmine’s,” Prez replied calmly. “I’m gonna need you to confirm or deny.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“It’s important.”

Memphis let out a frustrated breath, then leaned in for another look. The blood drained from his face as he said, “Yeah, it’s his.”We all stared in horror at the box, unable to fully comprehend what was happening.

“Is this all there was?”

“No.” Prez picked up a piece of paper and offered it to Memphis. “It says, ‘You’re lucky it was just his hand. Cross us again, and it will be your heads.’”

“So, he’s still alive?”

“It’s hard to know for sure,” Prez answered. “But there’s a chance.”

Goose grimaced as he asked, “Anyone else feel like they need to sleep with the light on, ‘cause I certainly do.”

“Yeah, this is pretty fucked up.” I shook my head. “I’m sorry the guy lost his hand and all, but I’ve heard of these guys doing a whole lot worse for a whole lot less.”

“No doubt.”

“What the hell am I supposed to tell Antonia?”

“Nothing,” Prez answered. “We don’t know anything more than we did when you walked in here, so just leave it.”

“The not knowing is killing her.”

“I get that, but this isn’t going to be the thing that sets her mind at ease.”

“So, what happens now?”

“We pray this is the end of it. The last thing we need is a fucking war with these guys, but we need to be prepared in case there’s more to come.” Prez looked out at all the brothers as he ordered, “Stay alert. Stay vigilant. Don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

Prez slammed the gavel on the table and dismissed the meeting. We all dispersed, but the gruesome image of Carmine’s hand would stick with us for days to come.

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