Page 24 of Johny B

“How’s it going?” he enquires immediately. Cannon had agreed for the guys to stay up in Nevada while the covert operation was in play. Also, it left the chapter with a few extra men if or when shit went down.

“Is Smoke around?” I reply, wanting to make sure that the Prez is in ear shot.

“He’s right here. I’ll put you on speaker.”

“Talk,” Smoke barks, making me aware that he was listening. Ever the abrupt asshole.

“I’m in.” I inform them. “Not sure what it is that’s going on, but Mal wants extra bodies on the job, and by all accounts we’re meeting at an old warehouse out in Yerrington, which is where you thought they were holding up.”

“Do you think Dunne will be there?” Smoke’s voice is full of hope.

“I believe there’s a good chance, especially if something big is going down.”

“Watch your back, JB. Don’t take any unnecessary chances, and don’t forget to keep in touch. Okay?” Mamma Mammoth warns again, making me feel like a teenager about to go off to college, but all the signs are good.

Over the last four weeks I’ve gained Carl, Rory and Nolan’s trust, but more importantly, Mal’s. I’ve been working with them, mainly chauffeuring them around in a black ford pickup, staying in the car while they went about their business, but last week, things changed.

We’d pulled up outside a strip club on the east side of town, and while I was ready to wait for them out in the car, Mal had instructed me to follow them, but to stay at the back, and to watch their backs. I was buzzing. It was a major step closer to getting in with the DVI.

Mal was talking to what looked to be the manager of the joint when things got a little heated. Luckily for me, Carl, Rory and Nolan were too busy eyeing up the pussy. So, when Mal got all up in the guy’s face, and one of his heavy’s made a move towards Mal, I was ready.

Although the heavy was a good six inches taller and wider than me, I didn’t hesitate. The element of surprise is always a bonus, and gave me the upper hand. A swift and powerful kick just above the back of the knee instantly put him off balance, giving me the perfect opportunity to blast a powerful punch to the back of his head. He’d hit the floor like a sack of shit. With another firm kick to the side, he’d rolled onto his back. With my boot pressing firmly on his throat, his eyes bulged, and tears streamed from his eyes, like a chicken-assed pussy. I kept on the pressure until he was rendered unconscious. At that point, I’dasked Mal if he wanted me to finish him, but he shook his head. However, my actions were enough to prove to him that I wasn’t just trustworthy, I was lethal, too.

“I’m meeting up with Mal later tonight,” I offer up the limited information that I have to Mammoth and Smoke.

“How do you know that your cover hasn’t been blown, and you’re not walking into a trap? Mammoth voices his concern. As hard and scary as my brother looks, he’s got a softer side, and can be a bit of a worrier at times.

“Only time will tell,” I reply nonchalantly. “But I don’t think so. These guys aren’t clever or skilful enough to hide it if they had sussed me out. I can read them like an open book.”

“You sure you want to do this?” I’d expected that question to come from Mammoth, but it’s Smoke that’s offering me the chance to cut and run. “It’s not too late to pull out.”

I’m not sure if it’s out of concern for my welfare, that he’s giving me the option, or if it would give him the perfect excuse to keep me away from Scarlett, and send me packing back to Florida. Then again, if I am walking into a trap, Smoke will get his wish of me ending up dead.

“Like fuck I’m going to walk away after the time and effort I’ve put in over the past few weeks,” I huff. “I’m doing this.”

“Then be careful,” Mammoth sighs, reacting to my air of determination. “Report in as soon as it’s safe and don’t take any crazy assed risk trying to impress Dunne. It’s information we need, not heroics.”

“Noted.”

“We need you back in one piece.” Mammoth adds, to which I’m sure Smoke mumbles in the background ‘speak for yourself’. Guess he doesn’t care if I don’t come out of this at all.

“I better go. It’s a thirty-minute drive, and I don’t want to be late.” I offer up a quick goodbye before cutting the call.

I snatch my gun from the dresser and tuck in into the waistband of my jeans, flipping the bottom of my t-shirt to make sure it’s covered. Grabbing a light jacket and my keys, I head out to the car. The buzz of excitement soars through my veins, along with an equal level of apprehension in my gut.

Tonight could go two ways, but I’m hoping it’s not going to end with me face down in a shallow unmarked grave.

A car pulls upalongside mine in a deserted car lot, half a mile from the bar where we normally meet. When I glance over to check out the occupants, I see Rory and Nolan are sat up front, Nolan in the driver seat. The back looks to be empty.

Rory glances over and greets me with a blank expression, while his twin gets out of the car and beckons me over with his hand. I climb out of the car, closing and locking the door behind me.

“Get in,” Nolan gestures to the seat he’s just vacated. “You’re driving.”

I do as he asks while he gets in the seat directly behind me. He leans forward through the small gap between the headrests, which is unnerving, but when the nuzzle of a gun is pressed against my cheek, it takes all my resolve to keep my fears in check. Have they realized who I am? Is this it? The end of me. If it is, I ain’t going out with fear on my face.

“Shit, Nolan.” I turn sideways in my seat so I’m facing him, despite the gun now pointing square in my face. “What the actual fuck?” I keep my voice as calm as possible. “Get that fucking thing out of my face, asshole.”

“Aw shit,” Nolan drops the gun and sits back in his seat. He shoves his hand into the front pocket of his jeans and pulls out atwenty-dollar bill. “Here,” he grits out, handing it to his brother who is looking as smug as hell.

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