Page 23 of Untouchable

I take the paper and read over it, though I can’t comprehend a single thing. Because all I can think about is Striker’s fucking brick of cocaine sitting in the back of my shop. I nod and hand the warrant back to them, a cold sweat breaking out over my entire body.

“Of course, I understand.”

“You boys can just wait out front while we search; we’ll try to be quick so you can get back to business.” I walk out first, and Ghost follows silently behind me, shuffling a deck of cards in his hands as the K-9s are let out of the SUVs. Vinny comes out from the back a minute later, and since everyone else hasn’t made it in yet, I send out a group text to inform them they now have the day off. Ghost lights up a cigarette as he continues shuffling the cards, looking completely unbothered, which pisses me off, but I’m nowhere near in the right headspace to speak to him about it.

“Blackjack?” He holds the cards out, and I scowl at him.

“Are you serious right now?”

“It’s going to be fine, boss. Let’s play. Get your mind cleared out a little bit.” He turns around and starts dealing cards on the hood of an old beat-up Altima I’m dreading getting into.

Bodine

Just drove by the shop to pick up a tow, wtf is going on?

Me

Someone left an anonymous tip that there were “illegal substances” on the property

Bodine

You thinking it’s Striker?

Me

Had to be. Either him or his goon.

Bodine

Fuck. What are you going to do?

Me

Ghost seems to think playing blackjack will solve all of my problems.

Bodine

Interesting method??

Me

I’m going to deal with it.

Bodine

Call if you need backup.

We play cards until I’m sure I’ll be tapping tables in my sleep, when finally, Williams and Thomas start heading our way. I’m bracing myself for the worst when I notice the K-9 officers who came with them are already packing up and getting in their cars to leave.

“We’re really sorry about all of this, boys.” I fight to keep the look of confusion off my face, knowing it will only raise suspicion.

I nod. “You’re just doing your jobs, we understand.”

“Do you have any idea why someone would make such a bold accusation against your shop, Ace?”

Boy, do I ever.

I scoff, trying to keep the subject light—well, as light as being accused of possessing drugs can be. “Someone with a grudge got bored?”

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