Page 62 of Red's Peril: Part 1

Keys is frowning. I know our security cameras had picked the gang up, but he couldn’t get brothers there in time to help. They’d sprung Rope and Cuff as soon as they’d arrived to start their patrols for the night.

“We’re lucky they didn’t get violent,” the VP states, his brow furrowed.

“Think they’re declaring war?”

Brick looks at Twister but shakes his head. “Ten men were the whole fuckin’ gang. That’s not enough to take us on.”

“Apart from the kids they use to throw bricks and shit,” Crash points out.

I think about the problem for a moment, sensing the brothers are out for blood, as am I for the issues they’re causing us. I just want to do it smart. “We just want them off our patch.” I tap my fingers on the table as I think. While we charge peanuts to protect the businesses compared to the gang’s extortion, we don’t want to lose the income nor the reputation. Our side of Vegas is getting a good rep due to our protection. “They’re greedy, untrained, but I don’t think we should underestimate them.”

Their idea of violence is arson, filling windows with bullets, or damaging vehicles. It’s Brick’s view they’re all bluster, and we’d slaughter them in a fight. He could be right. We’re a team, a family, we fight for each other. The gang members are more likely to run than take a bullet for one another. That’s his theory, but I’m not sure I want to stake my life on it.

Titch settles back and crosses his arms. “We’re damaging them. Our business is expanding. The sex shop owner was telling me the other day he’s been recommending us.”

“Yeah,” Cobra says. “That’s how the tattoo parlour came to hear about us.”

Brick taps his fingers against the table. “Who are they expecting—” A fit of coughing interrupts him. It seems to go on forever. His face reddens, and Twister opens a bottle of water and passes it his way.

None of us say anything, though more than one glance is exchanged. At first, we put it down to the flu, but Prez didn’t fully recover, and for the past year has been steadily worsening. We’ve learned, though, sympathy or probing is not taken kindly. I make a mental note to talk to Rosa later. Maybe she can get him to see someone. I see Cobra taking out a pack of smokes, catch his eye and shake my head at him. With a look toward the prez, Cobra nods, and puts away his cigarettes.

Having managed to get himself under control, Brick continues what he was saying. “Who are they expecting to talk to?” Now the flush has gone from his face, I notice how pale he’s looking.

“You,” Cuff states.

Brick snorts. “Fuck that. Ringo’s not going to get the top man.” Ringo being the gang’s leader, and I agree with Brick’s assessment. We can’t give in to them or let them believe their leader carries the same weight as our prez.

“Send them a fuckin’ prospect.” Joker laughs, and there are a few sniggers at his suggestion.

“You want me to go?” Rainman asks, shooting Joker a look.

Prez thinks for a moment. “He won’t be happy without an officer, so yeah, you go. Take Red, Cobra, Rope and Cuff with you.”

“Prez,” I start, then pause, having to wait for him to finish coughing again. “I don’t like this. I’m not so sure they just want to talk. What if we’re heading into an ambush?”

“Nah, Red,” Brick says patiently. “If they wanted a fight, they wouldn’t have let Rope and Cuff go free. I know these boys. They can bully the innocent but would run from an actual fight. They wouldn’t want to take any of us on.”

But it won’t be him that’s staking his life on it, and I kind of like mine.

“Prez is right,” Rainman states. “We pushed them out of the area pretty easily. They’re strong against civilians but won’t take on the likes of us.”

I don’t agree, but who am I to argue with the VP and prez?

Crash catches my eye. “Want me and Twist to go to provide cover?” Turning his head, he shows his question is for the prez.

“Would put my mind at ease,” I admit.

Indian leans forward. “I don’t trust those assholes.” I raise my chin to him, liking that we’re on the same page.

Brick grimaces, then capitulates. “If it will make you feel easier, put snipers in place.”

A few hours later, I’m riding behind Rainman, heading to the rendezvous, wondering if I’m wrong to give any heed to this impending sense of doom. Sure, Brick’s view of the gang is that they’re kids, but kids grow up and become men. Prez thinks these are just some upstarts making noises, seeing how far they can push before we shove them back.

I hope he’s right. But in case he’s not, I’m tooled up, and won’t be lowering my guard.

Our orders? Make Ringo know he hasn’t a chance at getting us to give up ground. To achieve that, all Brick thinks we need to do is show up and flex our muscles.

Thanks to the sergeant-at-arms though, we’ve a backup plan in case they come to talk with guns instead of their mouths.

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