Page 53 of Minus

“And I say you’re lying. You have twenty-four hours to bring it to me or Warthog is dead, and you can look forward to finding pieces of him in your mailbox throughout the year.”

“It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Crush said, smirking.

I went to hand him back the tablet but dropped it on the ground just before it reached his oversized hand.

“Sorry,” I said flatly.

Just as Crush bent to pick up the device, I delivered a headbutt directly to the bridge of his nose. He staggered back a few steps stunned, as blood erupted from his face, spraying the both of us.

“Oh, buddy, I’m so sorry!” I lied. “I guess we both bent down at the same time. Are you okay?”

I moved towards him in mock concern, pretending to lend assistance, trying to avoid the attention of the crowd. I moved in closer, pulled the gun I’d hidden in my waistband, and pressed it against his ribs.

“Don’t you make a fucking move, or I’ll drop you right here, big boy,” I whispered to Crush. “Hey,Roger,” I called out to Viper. “How about we getIrvinghere to the medical tent? I think he may have hurt himself real bad.”

I motioned for everyone to move away from the crowd, towards a small grove of trees behind the bandstand. I stuck with Crush and ordered Viper to grab the bags. Once secluded by a grove of trees, I told Viper to drop the bags, and put some distance between us.

“Call your guy and tell him to let Warthog go, or I swear to God, I’ll put a bullet in each of you. Hell, I’m feeling generous. Let’s make it two apiece.”

“You’re not going to execute us in a public place, with all these witnesses and security around.”

“You’re holding one of my brothers hostage, you threatened my president, and you stole from my club. Believe me when I tell you that I’d cut your throat in front of a judge and a priest for a lot less.”

“You’ll regret spilling blood here today,” Viper said.

“I’ve regretted just about every moment of my life since hearing your fucking name. Why should right now be any different? I’d go to the gas chamber with a smile on my face for the privilege of shooting you in yours.”

“And I’m a dead man anyway, so what the fuck do I have to lose?” Cutter asked with a smile.

“Make the call. Now,” I said.

Viper began to reach into his inside jacket pocket.

“Move slowly and keep your hands where I can see them,” I instructed, and he produced a cell phone and dialed.

“This is Viper. Let the old man go. Yes, I’m fucking sure,” he bellowed into the phone.

“Tell your guy to drop Warthog off at the Corner of Capitol and Virginia, and give his phone to him, so we know he actually gets out safe,” I ordered, and Viper did as he was told.

“Good, now this is how this is gonna go down,” I said. “You’re going to give me your phone, turn around, and exit via the far end of the market. You’re going to make sure Warthog is delivered safely, and you’re going to walk the fuck away from the Burning Saints. You made your move and you failed. You underestimated us, and you won’t get a second shot. If you make one more move in our direction, we’ll know about it and we’ll end you and your fucking club. Do you understand me?”

“Once again, it’s you who doesn’t understand. I’ll walk away for now, and I’ll let your man go, but if you think this is over between us, you’re crazy.” He shifted his gaze to Cutter. “I gave you the three million, and I want your book in return. If it’s not delivered to me, you’re going to be praying the cancer kills you before I do.”

With that, he and a bloodied Crush turned and walked towards the south entrance.

“Let’s get the fuck outta here,” I said to Cutter. Tucking the gun and Viper’s cell phone back into my jeans, we grabbed the bags and briskly walked back to the van where Clutch and Grover were waiting.

“Any problems?” Clutch asked as we entered the van.

“Easy as pie,” I said.

“Glad to hear it. You, took a little longer than—” Clutch did a doubletake. “Is that blood all over you?”

Minus

Ihit thelast number dialed on Viper’s phone and Warthog answered.

“Where are you?” I asked.

---