Page 113 of Red's Peril: Part 1

This is why being a Devil is so important to me. They’re my family, always there to have my back even when the only weapons likely to be used are words, and when that support comes as advice rather than action.

The next day seems to pass slowly. When we convene for church the main discussion circles around what brothers had observed at the casino. Indian had spoken to a few of the security staff and found most had a suitable background, but a few could do with some additional training of how to get the upper hand in a fight.

Titch and Fox had spent a bit of time seeing how money was controlled and had some suggestions for the cash handling, while Keys had focused on the technical side and had a list of locations where he felt more cameras could be situated. His suggestions included inside and out.

Fox offers to put together a rota so a brother is always there on the grounds, after a bit of discussion we agree there should be two for starters, until we’ve got a better idea of the lay of the land.

Keys then mentions he’s started to review the background checks on all the employees.

When we agree who’s going to go back there tonight—Shadow and Cobra volunteering—I tell them that I’ll be going along to have another chat with Jordan Crossman. While the bulk of them accept that as perfectly natural, we’ve already got a few things to discuss with them, Crash gives me the side eye, and Twister’s openly smirking.

I’m like a teenage boy out for his first date as I choose my clothes for the evening, not that there’s much of a choice, and to wear anything but my standard t-shirt, jeans and cut would raise a hell of a lot of raised eyes and questioning. I put the smarter white button down back on the rail and select a black tee which at least doesn’t have holes in it or oil stains.

I trim my short beard making it neat, then ask myself what the fuck am I doing? It’s not a fucking date I’m going on, but a business meeting. And if I do speak to Cheryl again, it will only be to invite her to meet up elsewhere. No fucking need at all to put the aftershave I’m wearing on.

When I ride out with Shadow and Cobra behind me, I realise I’m as nervous as fuck. Me, a badass prez of an outlaw MC. The thought makes me scoff at myself. The sooner I can put Cheryl out of my head the better, I’ve got more things to worry about, and definitely more opportunities for getting my dick wet.

We arrive. I walk past the table where she was based last night, ready just to give her a chin lift until I get the meeting with her boss over with. But she’s not there. I feel a flicker of disappointment, before it dawns on me, she’s not necessarily always at the same table. But a security guard has seen me, and waves me across, so deciding to track her down later, I go over to see him.

As I’m expected, I’m led to the stairs and this time there’s nothing to impede my progress up the stairs. Instead the man working security is quite deferential, tipping me a respectful nod.

“I’d like to see your written proposals. And costings for the cameras,” Crossman says after I’ve finished speaking. “But I’ve got to say, I’m impressed with the Devils so far.”

I stand at the large glass window overlooking the casino.I still can’t see her.I try to bring back my attention to the matter in hand. “I’m glad you’re happy with us.” I respond politely.Can I ask him where she is?Fuck, she might have had the night off.It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him for her schedule but I stop myself in time. Why would the fucking casino owner know which of his staff are going to be here at any time?

When I’m able to take my leave of him I descend to the casino floor. There I wander around, but don’t find the woman I’m seeking. I walk around again just in case she left for a moment for a bathroom break, but finally I reach the conclusion that she isn’t here tonight.

I’m surprised at my level of disappointment, and the frustrated anger it draws up inside. I try to console myself by promising to return the next night.

But Saturday she’s not there either.

When I arrive back at the compound, I’ve one target in mind. And if Keys has gone to bed already, I’ll drag him back down. It’s eating away inside me.Had my appearance upset her so much she jacked in her job?Though the more sensible side of me reasons, she might work part time, and has had these two days off.

Nevertheless, I’m at the end of my tether and want answers now.

“Keys!” I bark, thankful to see him standing at the bar. “A word.”

“Prez?”

“My office now.” I’m so worked up politeness is beyond me. What makes me even madder is that I can’t understand why.

After fifteen years I’ve found her. If she’s taken lengths not to see me again, why should it fucking matter? But the reasonable side of me seems to be drowning in the part of me that never wanted to let her go in the first place, and now she’s returned, I want to hold on to her. I’m not even sure why.

I’m a logical man, and I’m acting illogically, and even that makes me mad. She’s unsettled my equilibrium by reappearing, and I want her back. If she leaves again, it will be my choice, not hers.

“What can I do for you?” Keys enters and closes the door.

“I want you to hack into the casino’s databases and find out when a croupier named Cheryl is working next.”

Momentarily he looks at me as if I’ve gone totally mad. Then some sort of penny drops as his mouth opens in an O of understanding.

“And you know her…?” he prompts.

I wave my hands dismissively. “From way back.”

“Right,” he says, all business like. “Got any more details about her? Like her family name?”

Just like her number, I hadn’t asked. When I shake my head, Keys frowns.

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