Page 27 of Steel

“Any other updates on what went down with the Sinners last night?” I look around the room.

Legacy leans forward, raking his dark-blond hair off his forehead. “The contractor called first thing this morning.We’re looking at thirty thousand to fix the hole they blew in the wall between the VIP room and the bathrooms.”

“Fucking hell.” I tip my head back and scratch my jaw, itching to grab another cigarette. “See if you can get him down to twenty and then get started. And figure out a way to do it without closing the doors. Sapphire Rise is one of the few businesses on the Strip that’s still floating after Zane had the city enforce their new building regulations.”

Rick Zane owns half the casinos in Las Vegas, and he’s made it his mission to push the Twisted Kings off the Strip to advance his interests. It’s been going on for a while now, but lately, his attempts are getting more aggressive.

“Kansas said one of the strippers broke a finger in the scuffle. She wants us to pay for it.”

“If it’ll keep her quiet, make it happen.” I might not like it, but it’s easier than her making a fuss about her lack of health insurance. “Mayhem, when’s the next shipment coming in?”

“Next week. But Victor’s now saying we’re going to have to meet ’em halfway.”

“Why?”

“The Road Rebels have been running into issues on the New Mexico and Arizona border. The furthest they’ll take it is Santa Fe. They said they don’t have the backup if shit goes sideways. If we want it, we’re going to have to go get it.”

I don’t like my guys transporting shipments across state lines, which is why we usually meet the Road Rebels out in Pahrump and pay them transport fees.

“We need the shipment,” Legacy cuts in. “Cash has been running low since we lost the guns we had coming from up north.”

“Understood. Mayhem, take backup and meet ’em in Santa Fe.” I glance at Havoc. “Get him whatever he needs to be ready for whatever Victor is worried about. We can’t risk losing this shipment too.”

Havoc nods, and I turn back to Mayhem.

“Tell The Road Rebels we’re only paying a third of the transport fee for the trouble, and get it done.”

“Want me to join them?” Soul asks.

I shake my head. “I need you here while we figure out who sent Tempe to the clubhouse last night. If you can search her house for anything they might have left behind, we might find something that leads us to them.”

“Doubt we will if they’re good.”

“Then let’s hope they aren’t.” Because that would mean Tempe isn’t leaving anytime soon.

“So what’s the deal then? You’re keeping her here until we figure this out?” Soul smirks, baiting me.

“Not much of a choice.” I nod. “Except tonight, I need a couple of prospects to take her to work. She’s got a shift at the bar.”

“You’re holding her hostage but letting her go to work?”

“It’s the only way to see if the guys from last night will show their faces.”

“So she’s bait.” Havoc shakes his head, and it’s clear he doesn’t like the idea. “Don’t you think you're taking this a little too far, Prez?”

“Is there such a thing?” I pull out another cigarette and light it, mentally restarting the clock once more for quitting. “Helix was working against us for eight years under our fucking noses. I'm not taking that chance again.”

“And what if she’s just like dear old dad?” Soul asks.

We’re usually in agreement, and I don’t like that my second-in-command is questioning this.

“Then I’ll deal with it. But she’s not walking out of here until I know she won’t be dragging more shit back to our doorstep.”

“Who says her being here won’t do just that?”

Taking a long drag, I look around the table, reading my men. They’re split, and I don’t blame them. I don’t dogray areas, and that’s what Tempe is. An unknown.

But this is my call, and I’m making it. She’s the daughter of the man who nearly ripped my club apart, and I’m keeping her close until I know for sure she’s not just like him.

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