Page 6 of Saving Blood

I jerk my head, and Bolt and I exchange a look. “How much does he owe?” Even though Bolt told me earlier, I want to make sure Juan sweats it out.

“Not that much,” Juan pleads.

I keep my eyes trained on Bolt. “How much?”

“As of today, five grand.”

I hiss out a low whistle. “That’s a lot of fuckin’ money for a punk who can’t pay up. Especially a punk who took advantage of my good will the last time.”

“I’ll get it.” Juan leans forward as far as his taped wrists will allow. “I’ll have it for you tomorrow.”

“You said that the last time. You also said you wouldn’t fall behind again, but . . .” I spread my arms wide. “Here we are.”

“Enough of his bullshit, Boss.” Bolt snatches a Louisville Slugger off the table against the wall filled with an assortment of persuasive devices. He swings it in a large circle, then inches closer and grins, displaying his gold tooth, which only makes him look even more dangerous.

Juan rears back in the chair. “No, no, no, please.”

“Shut your mouth, punk,” Bolt grunts.

“Wait, wait, what if I have valuable information?” Juan’s gaze darts from Bolt to me. “Information that could help you.”

Bolt glares at Juan, then turns to me. “He’s just trying to save his ass.”

“No, really. I’m on the street. I hear everything, and there’s someone trying to hurt you and your business. Someone not happy you offed Rico Sandoval and took over his businesses.”

“Quit with the bullshit.” Bolt raises the bat, and I step between them.

“Important people,” Juan sputters. “Dangerous people who thought they should’ve gotten a piece of Sandoval’s money.”

I glare at Juan. “Spit it out.”

Juan swallows hard as Bolt hovers. A dark shadow on a mission.

“Certain people aren’t happy two gringos came to Tijuana and defeated one of the biggest cartels in Mexico.”

“Old news. That shit’s been circulating since we took out Sandoval.”

“Right, right.” Juan sits up taller. “But in the beginning your enemies were weak. Now, after all these months, they’ve been able to gain strength and followers. People who would like to see you fail. Enemies who would like to see the Royal Bastards dead.”

“Big fuckin’ deal. Is that supposed to scare me? ‘Cause we’ve had rival clubs after our ass since we were back in Cali.”

“No, no, I have a plan.”

I spit out a harsh laugh and turn to Bolt. “You get this? The fucker duct-taped to the chair has a plan.”

“Just listen. I’ll act like I’m on their side, but I’ll report back to you.” Juan’s eyes widen.

“He’s stalling for time, Boss.” Bolt flips the bat from hand to hand. “Let me land a few shots on those skinny kneecaps and see how fast we get results.”

“If you let me walk out of here, I’ll work as a spy. You know, like in the movies.”

“Yeah, I know how the spy thing works; I just don’t think you have anything of value. I also think you’re holding out on us.”

“If I find out some valuable information, maybe you could reduce what I owe.”

I look over my shoulder at Bolt. “Do you believe this fuckin’ guy?” Then I jerk my thumb at Juan. “He’s locked in a soundproof room two seconds from getting his legs smashed, and he’s making deals.”

“Hector Rodriquez,” Juan blurts out.

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