Page 56 of Paladin's Hell

I raise my chin. “That’s certainly how it worked in Tucson.”

“You’re a Satan’s Devil. Might not have put the patch on your back ourselves, but you’re one of us.”

“Yet there’s that little thing you mention, trust.” I state the fact.

He scoffs. “More that we don’t know you. All we know is you’ve had a cosy time of it babysitting a bitch.”

I bristle at the word he’s using. Jay’s just a kid. Well, not so much nowadays. I lose my focus as I think about how she’s grown and changed. Almost time to move our friendship up to the next level…

I realise I’ve zoned out when his hand crashes down onto the table. “Pay attention, damn you.” He waits for a second while I snap my eyes to him sharply. “You’re with me today, okay?”

My plan to go see Jay, demand she sees me and tells me what the hell’s going on disappears in a flash. I can’t say no to the VP. “Sure,” I reply, trying to inject enthusiasm into my voice.

“My mom’s looking after your girl.” Astutely he gets to the root of my problem. “Might do you both good to have some space. Look, Pal. Reason why I want you with me? You’re a sharp lad. Things you came up with in church? Would welcome your fresh eyes on our security. Our cameras came out of the Ark, and need updating, more maybe, and better placed.” He breaks off, places his hand against his mouth and looks thoughtful. “Fact is, Brother, I’ve been thinking about a new business.” He gives a short laugh. “Fuckin’ stupid idea it’s now turning out to be. Security. When we can’t even mind our own premises.”

“Easy to get complacent and rely on a reputation.” I give him an out.

“Well, it’s just at the idea stage. Whatever you might think, I happen to have taken to you. Like that head on your shoulders. You and I do okay today? Then let’s think about both of us throwing in with Cad and getting a new business off the ground.” He gives me a wink. “Get’s you away from Taser at least.”

Wow. I hadn’t expected that. “Security was a priority in Tucson,” I respond, eagerly. “We were all hot on that shit with the Herreras and others gunning for us. Learned to spot weak points. I’m all up for that. Thanks, VP.” I’m excited. A new opportunity for me. A chance to get in on something from the start. A challenge I could get my teeth into. Part of me had been worried I’d just be a lackey for one of the brothers running the other established businesses.

“Let’s get going, shall we?” Demon puts his paperwork away and stands.

As we go out to the bikes, the VP throws an amused look my way when I start to enthusiastically talk about vantage points and computer monitoring systems.

He’s coming with me to the police station first. It could be moral support or just practical as I don’t yet know my way around. When we get there, I’m pleased to see it’s all been organised as I’m immediately introduced to the club lawyer, a man called Sykes, who’s already there. While Demon waits, glaring at the officers in the reception area, Sykes takes me to a quiet corner and has a few words with me. Then I’m soon called back to go meet with one of the detectives. Initially he seems as suspicious of me as the men in the club.

“Dominic Marsh.”

My government name takes me by surprise. I haven’t been Dom in years. During school and my prospecting days I was just called Marsh, then Paladin over the last two plus something years. It seems an alien handle now as though it belongs to somebody else. I realise even Jay doesn’t know it.

“Yes, sir.” I decide to show respect. The lawyer beside me nods as the detective consults his notes.

“You came up from Tucson two days ago. You ever been to Pueblo before? Got contacts with anyone here?”

“I’ve met some of the MC, the Satan’s Devils before, when they’ve come down to the Tucson chapter, but otherwise, no. I’ve no contacts with anyone in the city.”

“Why did you, what do you call it, transfer?”

I shrug, unable to tell him I’ve come with a girl who needed to get away from a criminal gang in Tucson. “Just wanted a change of scenery. Hellfire had an opening, I jumped at the chance.” Sykes had already coached me.

“Got a dirty record in Arizona?”

“Nah, I’m clean.”

“As you’ll see if you check.” Sykes leans forward. “Mr Marsh has no convictions. Not even a ticket.”

“Hmm.” The detective looks between me and Sykes, then leans back and folds his arms. “Tell me how you found the dead body? Take me through it from the beginning.”

I tell him the truth. No need to hold anything back. “The security footage of Tits Up showed some suspicious activity at the back of the club. I was assigned to go along with Taser…” I break off as the detective raises a brow.

“Jesse Devin,” the lawyer supplies.

I resume at the nod. “We looked around, didn’t find much. A few cigarette butts which could have been left at any time. There was a dumpster. The security camera wouldn’t have been able to cover it, I thought I should have a look inside.”

“Why you? Why not this,” he consults the notes in front of him, “Devin?”

“I’m younger, more athletic. Didn’t think twice about hauling myself up. Didn’t expect to find anything inside.”

---