Page 108 of Jagger's Remorse
"Learning what?"
"That you were nothing like your father. That you smiled at strangers. Helped that homeless vet buy coffee. Tutored freshmen for free." I trace her jaw with bloody fingers. "That killing Miguel would destroy something good in the world."
"But you did it anyway."
"I did my job. But I couldn't... I couldn't take you too. Couldn't extinguish that light."
"So you let it burn until it became this." She gestures weakly at herself. "Until it became something that could burn you back."
"Best decision I ever made."
"Worst decision," she corrects. "For both of us."
"No. Because all of it led here. To this. To us."
Doc returns with his list. Three pages of medical supplies.
I hand it to Poncho. "Get everything. Don't care what it costs, or who you have to get it from. You still know that guy on the black market?"
"On it, and yeah." He pauses. "But, uh, Jagger? The way you moved out there... I've never seen anything like it."
"Touch what's mine, and you will again."
He nods, understanding, and heads out.
My phone buzzes.
It’s an unknown number.
I almost ignore it.
Then remember the last unknown call brought Eduardo into our lives.
"Yeah?"
"Jagger Morales." The voice is young, cocky. "Heard you got our message tonight."
"Who is this?"
"Name's Rico. Three Devils. Well, what's left of us." He laughs. "You killed our president. We injured six of yours. Still not even, but it's a start."
"What do you want?"
"Your head. Your bitch's head. Your whole fuckin’ club burning." His voice hardens. "But first, we want you to know something."
"What?"
"We're not alone anymore. Sombra's backing us. Full support. Men, money, product. You fucked with the wrong people."
"Big words from someone who needed traitors to open the door."
"Those prospects? Just the beginning. We've got eyes everywhere. People you trust. People close to you." He pauses for effect. "Maybe even people sharing your bed."
I look at Scarlett, who's watching me with sharp eyes despite the blood loss.
"Bullshit."
"Maybe. Maybe not. Guess you'll find out." He pauses. "Tell the princess I said hi. Tell her she bleeds pretty. Tell her we'll make her bleed prettier next time."
