Page 42 of Johnny Gun

“Sorry, man. I have you on speaker. The guys have to hear this conversation. I don’t want to be accused of hiding anything.”

“What happened?”

“Johnny Gun and Isolde left in the middle of the night and we don’t know where they went. Sure as fuck, I had no idea they’d planned this. But Deacon’s accusing me of being involved. Before this gets real ugly and I beat the crap out of this jerk, I’m leaving.”

A long, silent pause followed. No one moved or spoke, waiting for Blade.

“Deacon? Can you hear me?”

“Yeah, Blade,” Deacon replied.

“How old is Isolde?”

“Don’t you fucking start on me, Blade,” Deacon warned.

“It’s a simple question with an even simpler answer. How old?”

“Twenty-two.”

“Legally an adult. I have another question.”

“What?”

“What’s happening with the attack?”

Deacon stiffened, as evidently, the question surprised him. “Uh, I don’t know. Nothing’s happened so far, and it’s a good thing because the system didn’t work during the night. We found the problem this morning. A switch was off. I’ll bet you anything it’s Johnny Gun’s work. He wanted the lights off so he could take my daughter. I’ve never trusted that fucking sneak.”

“That’s a bold accusation. Do you have proof?”

“Of course I don’t have proof,” Deacon shouted.

“I understand you’re pissed, but you’re the Dalton prez. Put your anger aside for a moment and focus on what’s coming. The Wolves mean business. Get your men ready. Once it’s over, I’ll help you locate Isolde. Deal?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Deacon muttered.

“Be grateful Isolde left with Johnny.”

Deacon’s face almost turned purple. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

“Not me. Get out of your own way and set your priorities straight. The Wolves are after Isolde, and now she’s out of their reach. In a way, it’s good she left. Is this a hard concept for you to grasp?”

“But why Isolde and not Opal? She’s also pretty and sweet.”

“I don’t have an answer for you. On that thought, why is Opal still in the clubhouse? Get her out of there until this thing blows over. Meanwhile, calm down and get organized. Axel and his men are good fighters. Isolde is safe wherever she is.”

“How the fuck do you know?”

“Because I’ve known Johnny Gun a long time. His behavior is strange, I’ll grant you that, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt until I speak to him. I know for surethathe’d never force Isolde to go with him. When they come back, we’ll find out why they left. Meanwhile, you have urgent business to handle.”

Gomez nudged Trent with his elbow. “Did you catch that bit?” He kept his voice low.

“About our long-haired friend?”

“Yup.” Gomez nodded.

“Blade knows more than he’s letting on.”

“My thoughts exactly. Maybe he’ll give himself away.” Gomez turned his attention to the phone call.

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