Page 58 of Unveiled Wounds

“Friends invite each other for a cup of coffee. I’d poison yours,” Sabre said.

There was a barking laugh through the phone, and it made me wonder if Krait had finally forked his tongue cosmetically. “Duly noted. If I wasn’t such a good neighbor, I could have had your territory and your women by now.”

“If we’re playing these games, you’d have to double-cross El Sombra Roja. Last time I checked, he could wipe you off the face of the Earth, and we wouldn’t need coffee.” Sabre was fucking pissed, and I’d rather enjoyed that comeback.

“The only reason he hasn’t burned your clubhouse to the ground is because of those women. Do they have gold-plated pussies or somethin’?”

“Did you ask El Sombra Roja that?” You would have never known Sabre was shaking with rage. His voice was even, and there was no hint of emotion, but I watched him close his eyes. He wanted to reach through the phone and strangle Krait. I’d be right behind him.

“Fuck, no. I want to live.”

Krait was more scared of El Sombra Roja than us, and while I understood it, I wanted him to feel my wrath for even thinking of the women as just pussy.

“You didn’t acknowledge the gift he sent you. There’s been two SUVs tracking your women. El Sombra Roja didn’t like that you let his women be so…how did he phrase it? Oh, so unguarded. He’s only now appreciated your efforts, but you still have a long way to go before he approves.”

“They have a father. I don’t need his approval.” Sabre mouthedwhat the fuckat me.

“Their father is only alive because he’s still useful. It’s like that man has nine lives, but eventually, time runs out. It always does.”

Krait was talking in riddles, and I just wanted this to be over. If he wouldn’t give us anything concrete, then this was a waste of time.

“We don’t have any beef, but you should have removed the Lopez Cartel off of our southern border.” Sabre’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“You’ve forgotten how to play this game.” Krait laughed again. “Or Daddy held your hand a little too tight.” There was a beat before he continued, “The world has changed since the Shield were runners. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and if you let them eat at your table, then there’s nothing left for you.” A rattling sound came through the phone.

“You’d eat a bigger piece if you didn’t have direct competition,” Sabre said, shrugging his shoulders, making a faceat me. He knew as well as I did, this was a typical conversation with the Knights.

“Diego doesn’t understand why his customers disappear every month.” Krait laughed. “Clients buy one round from him, realize it’s cut with baby formula, and never return. They’re not my competition.”

“You’re stealing his clients, which is why you didn’t burn the warehouse.”

“There’s no honor among thieves.” The hissing was prominent. “I’ll turn a blind eye if that warehouse suddenly disappears, but I want the client list as my payment. Cyph should be able to unlock it. You know he was almost a Knight?”

“No. I don’t have to remind you why he isn’t.” Sabre would never trade a favor that could get Cyph arrested.

“Burn. We need to get together more often. This was fun.”

“The warehouse is disappearing, so you’re going to have to find another way to build your clientele, unless Diego is stupid enough to leave paperwork lying around.”

“Their shipments arrive on the tenth of every month. Bring me whatever they have in stock, and I might consider us even. If those shipments come with a list, we’ll be friends again. You don’t have enough favors to cross me.” Krait laughed hysterically. “El Sombra Roja finds you lacking. You only survive because of those women, but the bounties have hit the waves, and you’re going to have every lowlife and professional trying to get a glimpse.” There was a click, and the phone went black with the disconnected call.

“Motherfucker.”

I couldn’t have agreed more.

***

The prospect closed the door as the other brothers took their seats after breakfast.

“Was my uncle his normal snake-like self?” Cyph directed at Sabre.

“Delightful as always.” Sabre’s attention didn’t leave Cyph. “You need to be careful. He didn’t mention bringing you back into the fold, but he asked for a favor only you can complete.”

“Should be fun.” Cyph opened a new energy drink and took a swig.

“I told him no.” Sabre made sure Cyph was paying attention to him. “My father made you a deal when you prospected, and I have no intentions of breaking that. Krait can go fuck himself.” Cyph just shrugged it off, waiting with the rest of the brothers for the news.

“Wait a fucking minute.” Wreck slammed his hand on the table. “How did you not know Alejandro Rodríguez is El Sombra Roja when you found the tracker in Flo’s emails?”

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