Page 119 of Boulder's Weight

The pain in his eyes seems real, the regret seeming genuine.

"So what's Benji's endgame?" I ask, signaling the waitress for coffee.

"Complete destruction," Craig says flatly. "Of Kelsey's new life, of the club that's protecting her, of Sally's enemies. It's a three-way deal—Sally provides intelligence on club operations, Andrés provides local muscle and distribution networks, Benji funds it all with what's left of our father's money."

"And what do you want from us?" I ask, cutting to the chase.

"Protection," Craig says without hesitation. "For me, and for Sam. And I want Benji stopped. Permanently."

"You're asking me to kill your brother."

Craig meets my gaze steadily. "He's not my brother anymore. Hasn't been for a long time. The brother I knew died with our mother. This person, whatever he's become... he needs to be stopped. Before more innocent people get hurt."

The waitress brings my coffee, and I take a moment to process Craig's words.

If he's telling the truth, the situation is even more dangerous than we thought.

If he's lying...

"I need proof," I say finally. "Something concrete that shows you're not playing both sides."

Craig nods, as if he expected this. "I can get you into the warehouse. Show you the weapons shipment before it's distributed. Tomorrow night."

"That's a big risk for you."

"I'm already dead if Benji finds out I'm talking to you. Might as well make it count."

I consider the offer.

It's valuable, but could also still be a trap. "I'll discuss it with my Prez. If we agree, I'll contact you. Same number?"

Craig nods, then hesitates, pulling something from his pocket and sliding it across the table.

A flash drive. "This is for Kelsey. Some of Sam's things he couldn't take when he ran—photos of mom, some drawings she did as a kid. Things I saved when Benji was destroying everything that reminded us of her."

I pocket the drive, oddly touched by the gesture. "I'll make sure she gets it."

"Tell her..." Craig pauses, struggling with the words. "Tell her I'm sorry. For not being strong enough to stand up for her when she needed it."

"Tell her yourself," I say. "When this is over."

A sad smile touches his lips. "If I live that long." He stands, throwing some bills on the table. "I'll text you the details for tomorrow. Come alone, or not at all."

I watch him leave, shoulders hunched as if he’s carrying the weight of the world.

When he's gone, Razor and Brick join me at the table.

"Well?" Razor asks, eyes sharp with interest.

"Either he's telling the truth and risking his life to help us," I say, turning the flash drive over in my hand, "or it's the most elaborate trap I've ever seen."

"What do you think?" Brick asks, always direct.

"I think he's telling the truth," I admit. "At least partly. Whether he's strong enough to follow through... that's another question."

Razor nods, processing this. "We should get back to the clubhouse. Amara needs to hear about it."

As we walk to our bikes, I can't shake the sense that we're reaching a turning point.

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