Page 65 of Jobe

“If you tell me bureaucratic bullshit is the reason—”

Tony threw up his hand, silencing the group. “Here’s what I’ve been told. The guns they’re buying? From the military. And not just stolen off of the bases, but actually someone in the military selling them to whoever will pay the highest.”

For the men sitting at the table who had served in the military, they simultaneously reared back, appalled at what Tony had said.

While the others cursed, Jobe tried to choke back his rage. “That’s why the FBI won’t move against Montalvo. They want to figure out who’s selling him military guns.” The room was silent for just a second, before erupting into rounds of cursing once again.

Tony let the men get out their frustrations before adding, “Jack’s on it.” That brought silence, as they turned their attention back to him. “His group’s been asked to infiltrate and find out who’s selling the guns from the inside.”

Gabe and Vinny nodded as Gabe said, “Well, if anyone can ferret out the asshole, Jack’ll be able to.”

Jobe pinned him with a stare. “Yeah, but in the meantime, Montalvo's still after my woman’s place of business.”

“He won’t get her, man,” they all vowed. “Not on our watch.”

* * *

Jazzie and Waldo unpacked the crates inside the storage area that Tito had indicated. Underneath an unoccupied building near his uncle’s grocery, it provided a safe location until the guns could be re-sold.

“You thought any more about doing something to that bitch?” Waldo asked.

“Which one?” Jazzie asked. “We got lots of bitches.”

“Tito’s distraction.”

Jazzie was quiet for a few minutes as they continued to work. “Don’t know. He’s been focused since working on the deal with the F10s, but if they get picky about him not taking care of his business, then we may need to step in.”

Waldo worked silently, willing to let Jazzie work the problem and take the lead.

“I got news. The bitches are moving day after tomorrow. Thought it’d be a good thing, getting Gabby out of Tito’s reach. Now…if the F10s want a clean house then maybe we ought to give it to them,” Jazzie said after a few minutes.

“Tito’ll be pissed,” Waldo warned.

As they finished the work, they covered the crates before moving toward the door, missing the person who had been listening on the other side. Tank, quietly observant as always, slithered out of sight.

“If we do it right, then maybe he won’t have to be,” Jazzie continued.

“Right?”

Jazzie stopped, turning toward Waldo. “Yeah, we kill that white bitch, then hey? Gabby gets in the way and gets it too, then that’s on her.”

Waldo smirked. “Like the way you think, Jaz-man.”

The two walked out of the building and into the dark alley. Jazzie looked over his shoulder before turning back to his companion. “Just takin’ care of business, man. That’s all. Just takin’ care of business.”

* * *

Lying in bed that night, Jobe held Mackenna as the bliss of their love-making lasted long after their bodies cooled.

“Always heard about pregnancy hormones making a woman horny,” he joked, “but you’re amazing.”

Grinning, she pushed back her long hair, damp around her forehead, and asked, “Where’d you hear about pregnancy hormones?”

“Seriously? Between BJ, Matt, Shane, and Tony, I’ve heard plenty about the subject. I’m just waiting for Gabe and Vinny to start in with it.”

She placed her hands on his pecs and gave a slight shove back. “Hmmph. You men sit around and talk about sex with your wives?”

Laughing, Jobe answered, “And what do you and your girlfriends talk about? Never talked about us men?”

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