Page 79 of Sweet Pea

“My help? Why the fuck would I help the Feds?”

“Because Wolf is asking for a sit down with you,” Minus said.

“What?”

“He knows you survived the crash and put the word out that he’s willing to negotiate if you’re delivered to him,” Minus said.

“You think he really wants to talk about a truce?” I asked.

“I think if you go to that meeting, you don’t come out alive,” Minus said.

“So, what’s the plan?” I asked.

“Our plan is to give him what he wants,” Agent Davis said. “Or at least, make him think we have. This sit down presents us with a unique opportunity to gain information we’ve so far been unable to.”

“What makes you think I can get him to talk?”

“You and Wolf have history. The way Minus tells it, it sounds like he was a mentor to you, and from what I’ve seen, Wolf has a real hard on for you.”

“Gee, really? What tipped you off, the tire tracks across my face?” I asked.

“We only need to get you in a room long enough to record him admitting to Char’s murder. Once we have that, we can safely extract you and arrest Wolf.”

“And what if Wolf does try to kill me during the meeting?”

“We’re working on making sure that doesn’t happen,” Agent Davis replied.

“Now that I’ve heard your plan, I think you’re the one who’s high on pain meds,” I replied.

“Excuse me?” Agent Davis asked. “I would have thought you’d be the first to want Wolf dealt with.”

“First, I’m not a fucking narc. Second, you could have gotten a lot of people killed with that heart stunt of yours. I’m in this hospital bed thanks in part to you, and I’m supposed to just put my life in your hands so you can get a recording?”

“After months of risking my life, I’d put myself in the perfect position for Wolf to give me the job. When he gave me the order I had to answer quickly and decisively. If I’d hesitated, he would have sniffed me out and Doozer and Trouble would both be worm food. It was the best play I had, and I chose to roll the dice.”

“You rolled the dice with our lives, Agent Dickface. We were ready to go to war with the Spiders over Doozer.”

“You’re already at war and Wolf wants every Saint dead,” Agent Davis said.

“This guy saved my life, Pea,” Doozer said.

“And mine,” Trouble added.

“Look, Agent—”

“Call me Taxi, it’s easier for me to keep my cover straight.”

“Even if I wanted to, do I look like I’m in any kind of condition to help anyone? I can’t even wipe my own fuckin’ ass. You can keep your little plan to yourself. I don’t need to hear anymore,” I said. “Besides, how do I know the Feds aren’t gonna come after us as soon as you’re done with the Spiders?”

“Let me assure you the F.B.I. isn’t interested in your club. We know since Frank Cutter’s death, the Burning Saints have been pursuing legitimate business avenues. We also know that Wolf’s split from the Saints was a result of the club’s direction change. Our investigation is solely focused on the criminal activities of the Gresham Spiders.”

“The federal prosecutor is willing to grant you full federal immunity of all past crimes in exchange for your cooperation in this investigation,” Taxi said.

“And if I say no?”

“Then we won’t be able to protect you should your war with the Spiders put your club in the crosshairs of our investigation.”

“Meaning, the Feds don’t give a shit about us now, but if I don’t cooperate, they’re gonna start caring,” I said.

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