Page 115 of Jagger's Remorse
Hope flares in his eyes. "There's a warehouse in Redding. Industrial district. Building 47. They move product through there twice a week."
"Security?"
"Ten, maybe fifteen men. They think they're untouchable since partnering with Three Devils."
"They're wrong." I sheathe my knife. "You have twenty-four hours to clear any of your people from that area. After that, anyone there is fair game."
"That's... that's it?"
"No. You owe us an extra fifty kilos for the inconvenience. Delivered within the month."
"Fifty—that's?—"
"More than fair, considering the alternative is your head in a box to Eduardo." I turn to leave, pause at the door. "Oh, and Hector? If this is a setup, if you've warned them we're coming? I'll let Eduardo get creative with your death. Understand?"
He nods frantically.
Outside, Poncho whistles low. "That was cold-blooded."
"That was nothing."
"You believe him?" Mouse asks. "About Sombra taking the shipment?"
"Yeah. He was too scared to lie." I mount my bike carefully. "But Eduardo already knew."
"What?"
"This was never about retrieving product. It was about seeing if I could lead. If you two would follow." I start the engine. "Congratulations, you passed."
"We passed?" Poncho sounds incredulous. "What kind of fucked up test?—"
"The kind Eduardo specializes in." I pull out my phone, dial Eduardo. He answers on the first ring.
"Report."
"Sombra has the shipment. Warehouse in Redding. We can retrieve it, but I'll need more men."
"Or," his voice carries amusement, "you could accept the loss and punish the Mendozas for failing to protect what was ours."
And there it is. Therealtest.
"The Mendozas are small-time. Killing them gains us nothing." I keep my voice steady. "But hitting Sombra sends a message. Shows them Iron Veins protects Sinaloa interests."
"Interesting choice. And what of young Hector?"
"Owes us fifty extra kilos for the inconvenience. He'll pay. Fear is excellent motivation."
"Indeed it is." I can hear his smile. "But collection requires consequences. Someone must bleed for this failure."
"Who did you have in mind?"
"I hear one of your bikers has been skimming. Blade, I believe?"
My blood chills. Of course he knows. Eduardo always knows.
"If there's a thief in our ranks, I'll handle it."
"See that you do. Personally. I want proof of death."
