Page 93 of Unveiled Wounds

“Prez, Diego sent his number one henchman to the party.” Wreck was breathing heavy. “I recognized him because he has a scar running down the side of his face.” He paused, taking a few deep breaths. “Twig and I have him detained.” Wreck must have hit the man because the next thing we heard was, “Yeah, motherfucker. Your ass got handed to you.”

“Now, this is some good porn,” Pretty laughed.

“We can use him to lure Diego out into the open,” I said. We wouldn’t get anywhere if we didn’t rein them back in. “I’m a scummy cartel lord who can’t get over a couple of women. Where would I go?”

“No…” Sabre whined. “Diego wasn’t planning on keeping Gerry around for work. He’s going to use him to draw us out of the clubhouse.”

“Where would he take him? The hotel has too many cameras.” This was the first time Pretty had actually said something useful.

“Cyph, start with the clubhouse and search out. Before we chase Diego, we need to know that he’s not here watching us.”

“Yeah, Prez. I’m on it.” We heard him pop open the tab of an energy drink.

“I don’t understand. If the goal was for us to save Gerry, why would he attack us on our home turf?” Op asked, and I hadn’t realized that was the same thing plaguing me.

“Even if we went running to Gerry’s defense, not all of us would leave.” This was the first time Dead had said something. “I haven’t left the clubhouse since the lockdown started.”

“Unless he thinks the brothers who went to jail are going to step up as some sort of payback.” How was still bitter about the holding cell.

“Yeah, but I was with you guys, and there’s no fucking way I would volunteer to save Gerry’s ass.” Slate had a point.

“You’re also older than fuck and took a stupid knife wound protecting Pumpkin.” I couldn’t hold in my laughter, causing the rest of the brothers to let loose for a minute.

“Your Old Lady is going to kill you in your sleep one day, and I’m going to die laughing at your expense. I still threw down when it mattered.”

“Yeah, Slate. You did well…for an old man.” Sabre started the laughter again.

“Fuckers. I’m turning your women against you.” No one believed Slate. He was just blowing off steam.

“I checked our surroundings, but they’re clear. The SUVs are still on fire, but nothing’s heading our way. I can check the highway, but that seems too easy.” Cyph clicked away happily.

“These are cartel fucks. They don’t live by the same honor code we do.”How does Wreck know so much about the cartel?

“Highway’s clear. There are no parked or hidden cars I can see, but I’m using the highway patrol cameras. There are blind spots.”

“I don’t want to chase Diego if we don’t know where we’re going, but this has to end.” Sabre’s phone rang. “It’s an unknown number. Local,” he said.

Sabre must have pulled out his earpiece and placed it near the phone because a thick accident came in, loud and clear.

“I no longer have to do my own dirty work. It’s how men like me remain in power. You wouldn’t understand.”

Sabre laughed, the sound cold as ice. I had only heard it a few times, and it still sent a shiver down my spine. “The Iron Shieldis still standing. Why don’t you show yourself? We’ll end this like men instead of the little bitch you are.”

“I’ve got something, or should I say, someone, you need.”

“You can keep Gerry.” I wasn’t the only one who chuckled at that.

“He’s no good to me missing a hand.” Aww, fuck. I wasn’t looking forward to being in the room when the women found out. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.

“I have someone you may want back.”

“Luto del Alba, Prez,” Wreck supplied.

“Did you hear that, fuckface? I have your right-hand henchman.” Sabre laughed. “You want him back? You show up at my gates.” He let the line go dead. “Alright, do we think he’s actually coming?” Sabre asked the rest of us.

“Yes,” Wreck responded. “The henchman is worth a pretty penny on the black market. We’d have to search, but there’s someone willing to pay. Cartels make enemies.”

“Anyone else?” No one said anything directly, but there was indistinct chatter as the brothers talked amongst themselves into the earpieces.

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