Page 65 of Undone

“Vasyl.”

“Son of a bitch!” He growled in rage.

“We need more men. Send word to Vancouver. I’m handling things here.”

“Smith—don’t make the men regret the vote they took that put that patch on your chest.”

“What are you implying?” I spoke low and deadly.

“Creed’s had a colored past. But a war with a Cartel and rival Club are moving us into unchartered territory.”

“I didn’t want this. It started with Duke and Dev and it’ll end with me. I’m shutting down the Felons. It’s the only way.”

“How are you gonna take down the most powerful Cartel in Northern Mexico?”

“We’re gonna make alliances of our own.”

“You got those kinds of connections?”

“I do, brotha.”

“Favors always come with a price.”

“I know.”

I ended the call and sat back in my worn leather chair. My finger hovered over the name of the man I needed to call. We were best friends but competitive as fuck with each other a lifetime ago and swore to each other as we parted ways—that if we ever needed one of us to get the other’s back—no questions would be asked.”

“Lucas?” He answered with a sardonic drawl, “Did you butt-dial me?”

“Fuck you.”

“Nice. You haven’t changed.”

“Not one bit. How would you like to expand your territory? I’m jacking shipments from The Vega Cartel, but have no interest in moving it.”

“What kind of product?”

“Women and drugs, mostly.”

“Are the women willing?”

“Who the hell knows? They’re drugged and barely breathing when they reach shore.”

“It’s not going to be easy. If I move in—the Chinese in LA won’t like it.”

“I thought Roque Salvatore, was the baddest mafioso in Chicago? Have you gone soft?”

He was quiet for a few seconds. “I’m not the same man you knew… I’ve done things… to survive.”

“Haven’t we all. Are you in?”

“Yes. Do you need more men?”

“I do. Send the meanest mother-fuckers you have.”

“I’ll personally come. It’s been too long anyway. A move like this requires a face-to-face.”

“Agreed.”

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