Page 34 of Dutch

I turned my attention back to Saint and Trigger. "Let's roll."

"Nigga, I could fit a Mack truck in your nose it’s open so damn wide," Saint joked as we mounted our bikes.

I revved my engine in an attempt to drown him out. "Shut the fuck up. That was Rico's fault." I grinned, knowing they called my bullshit.

We peeled out into the street, weaving through traffic. However, this time, it was more of a joy ride.

At a red light, Saint pulled up next to me. "You need to set up some cameras at her shop or something so you can keep an eye on her."

I nodded. He was right. It was fucking driving me crazy that Makari valued her independence more than her safety. The light turned green, and we were at it again, intimidating the streets of Columbus with our presence.

I plotted my next moves as we rode because, in this world, a fuck up could mean game over. Something I knew all too well, and with Makari, I wasn't willing to take that risk.

Trigger and Saint flanked my sides as we rode down the street. I caught Trigger's eye, and he nodded. I swear these two had my back through hell and high water. Still, there was a mole somewhere, and I had to figure out who it was. I'd been silently testing my guys to see who would give resistance.

As we rounded the corner, we pulled into the lot at the club.

"You know I expected y'all to bail on me back there?" I confessed.

Saint snorted. "Nah, Prez, someone has to keep your lovesick ass in gear."

I scoffed. "Keep talking, and you two will be on diaper duty at the next family picnic."

"Fuck that shit!" Trigger bellowed out, and we laughed.

We killed our engines, and I sat for a moment, still coming down from the adrenaline high I'd been on.

"We need to tighten up the ship. We can't afford any more false calls," I pointed out.

Saint dismounted his bike. "Real talk. I know Rico was telling the truth, and you need to check your lady about leaving."

My jaw clenched. "For one, she didn't know I put a detail on her, and two, she's a grown woman. At the end of the day, she probably went for coffee or something?" I shrugged. "I hear you, though."

"Yeah, whatever," Saint said, in motion to the door with Trigger on his heels."

Because what were my alternatives? Losing Makari like I'd lost… wasn't an option. I'd burn this city down to the ground before I'd let that happen.

Like it or not, Makari had the full force of the Sons of Shadows behind her.

Me:

Ready, big guy.

I tappeda text on my phone and hit send. I'd finished my client, and the shop was now quiet. I'd quickly cleaned after myself and wanted to look at the ledger before Dutch arrived.

I grabbed my bag from behind the counter and pulled it out. "Pull yourself together, girl," I mumbled, blowing out air.

I flipped the leger open and scanned the names, numbers, and columns. "What does any of this mean?" I asked out loud.

I traced an entry as my brother's handwriting triggered me. I knew this thing held answers, but I'd have to read between the lines. I kept reading, drowning out the fact that my phone had buzzed. The bell on the shop rang, and I jumped up and grabbed the ledger, stuffing it into my bag.

"Shit," I hissed as Dutch entered, holding a bag and a carrier with two drinks.

"What's up? You expecting someone else?" he questioned.

"You just startled me." I blew out air.

"I told you about locking doors," Dutch teased, showing me the bag. Despite all my questions for him, his presence always made me feel safe, even though I didn't want to admit it.

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