Page 66 of Beast

“He says he wants to clear it and give it back to the townsfolk.”

“But why your land?”

“It’s prime real estate. Ocean views. Valley views. Town views. That’s why I know it’s a lie.”

“I’m not following.”

“He’s telling the town one thing, but he’s planning something else entirely.”

“Can you prove it? Because if you can, then we need to start spreading the news,” she says so fiercely it makes me want to kiss her again.

“No, it’s only gut instinct, but my gut is usually right.”

“But if that’s true, then the town won’t put up with it.”

“It’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission, little one. Whatever he’s got planned, then I think it will be too late once it’s done.”

“If you’re right, then all you need is the proof, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then you find the proof.”

“Which is more than likely behind those impenetrable walls wrapped around his giant mansion.”

“Can’t you blow them up or something?”

I can’t help but chuckle. I love her spunkiness. “Not if we want to stay out of prison.”

She bites her lips as she considers what I just told her, and damn it’s a distraction. “Then you need to figure out a way inside.”

“Like I said, we want to stay on the right side of the prison bars. And until we figure out a way to do that, then we’ll have to keep deflecting his attack on us in other ways.”

A young woman with two little kids at her side approaches us. I recognize her. She used to date Balls a few years back.

Dressed in a short denim skirt and a tight tank, she looks empathetic as she hands me a crumpled flyer. “I thought you should know.”

I look at the flyer.

Together we will make St. Boniface thrive. Choose not to support criminal organizations that plague this town with their illegal drug trade and violence, and every single one of you will benefit. Enjoy this twenty dollar voucher for groceries from The Super Mart. From me to you. Let’s make St. Boniface the best town in America.

Anger bubbles up from my chest in the form of a growl. The fucker bribed the town to stay away.

Also on the flyer is the wordbikersinside a circle with a line through it. There’s also a picture of the land where the clubhouse stands, minus the clubhouse. In its place is the planned greenspace he’s been promising the town if the Knights leave.Or are run out of town.

The fucker doesn’t mention the club’s name. He’s not going to leave himself open to being sued. But the message is crystal clear.The Knights are the enemy and anyone who supports them will miss out.

“I’m sorry, Beast. Mayor Boney has most people in town convinced they’d be better off if they didn’t support the Knights.”She screws up her nose. “But he can go to hell as far as I’m concerned.”

“Thanks, Tammy.” I hold up the flyer. “I appreciate it.”

“It arrived in the mail yesterday.” Her expression saddens. “It’s a shame, because I think everybody wanted to come.”

Despite the fury taking hold, I give her an appreciative nod. “Go help yourself to some barbeque. This one is on us.”

She walks off as Lars joins us. “What the fuck is going on? Why is no one here?”

I show him the flyer. “One guess.”

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