Page 29 of Dutch

I pulled over a few blocks down the way and called Rico.

"What's the word, Prez? Is this about the leak?" he questioned.

"No, Makari's shop, the Ink Spot on Main. I need you to do some shadow work. Don't let her out of your sight but keep your distance."

"Got it."

"I need to know she's safe while I figure shit out."

"No problem, I'll be invisible," Rico reassured me.

"I'm serious. The woman has eyes like a hawk and a temper to match."

I disconnected the call, taking a breath at Makari being safe. Still, I wondered who could be leaking information. It couldn't be Saint. He had been my right hand since day one. Nina, the club secretary? She had a mouth, but I didn't think she'd betray the club. I mentally ran through the usual suspects in my head. I felt a headache coming on. There were too many questions and no answers.

As I kicked my bike back into gear, one constant remained present, which was keeping Makari safe. The roar of my Harley bounced off buildings as I sped down the street. Like a throat punch, Makari's expression kept flashing in my mind. She was hurt, and I didn't blame her.

After a short drive, I stopped for gas before pulling up to the club. I threw my leg over my bike and headed up to the door. When I pushed through, I scanned the room out of habit. Saint was perched on a stool at the bar.

"Yo, Saint," I called and strode his way.

"Hey, remember Jahlil mentioned Darian the other night?

"Yeah, what about him?" I asked.

"We know him by Hunter. It turns out he might be more than a dirty cop. He's had interaction with Jahlil's crew."

I snapped my finger. "Fuck. Are you sure that's the same nigga? And if so, why would Jahlil throw his name out to Makari?"

"Good question."

Saint shook his head. "Whatever it is, it can't be good."

"I keep hearing through the grapevine that there's a mole eating at our table," Saint said.

"Anyone on your radar?" I asked.

"Not yet."

I nodded. "Keep digging. I need to know who we're up against because this could change things."

"This leak needs to be plugged, that's for sure, before everything smacks us in the face,"

Saint pointed out.

I looked at the clock. It was only ten in the morning, and most of the crew would not be in until later.

"Yo, round up whoever's here so we can map out a strategy. A crooked cop thrown in the mix changes things."

Within minutes, Saint returned with a few other members. I mentally noted who was present so I would know who to brief later.

"We have a situation. That cop we had our eye on turns out he's in bed with Jahlil."

Murmurs rippled at my analogy. But I held up a hand to silence them.

"It's fucked up, but here's the rub. We move quiet, we move smart. No one outside this room hears about this. Understood?"

The members nodded.

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