Page 112 of Jagger's Remorse

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"Holy shit."

"Yeah."

I pick at the food—soup, bread, things easy on a system that's been shut down.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand.

Eduardo.

Of course.

"Don't answer it," Jagger says.

"Have to."

"Scarlett—"

I'm already swiping to accept. "Tío."

"Ah,mija. You're awake. Good." His voice is silk over steel. "I heard about the attack. Very disappointing."

"We handled it."

"Did you? Because from what I hear, six of your people were injured. Security was compromised. This does not inspire confidence."

I bite back my first response, choose my words carefully. "The situation is under control. The perpetrators have been dealt with."

"Some of them. But the Three Devils still breathe. Sombra still moves against our interests." A pause. "Perhaps I was wrong to trust the Iron Veins with our operations."

"What do you want?"

"Proof that my investment wasn't wasted. The Mendoza family owes us a shipment. Three hundred kilos of uncut heroin. They've been... reluctant to pay."

"Send your soldiers."

"I'm sending you. And you'll take two of your new biker brothers. Not your lover—others. Show me the Iron Veins can follow your lead."

"I'm injured?—"

"Leaders lead through pain,mija. Or they're replaced." His voice goes cold. "You have forty-eight hours. Don't disappoint me again."

The line goes dead.

"Fuck," I breathe.

"You're not going," Jagger states.

"I don't have a choice."

"You can barely stand?—"

"Then I'll sit while I negotiate." I meet his eyes. "You know what happens if I refuse."

He does. We both do.

Eduardo doesn't give second chances.

"Who will you take?"

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