Page 26 of Justyce
“They’ve always been respectful, punctual and never once fucked us around. Plus, we’ve built a solid business relationship with the Brothers.”
I catch Acheron scratching his chin, his family ring glistening in the moonlight. “I was wondering the same thing, actually.”
“It’s settled then. We follow your lead and roll with the punches,” Arrow voices.
“Let’s.” My foot slams down on the accelerator, throwing us harshly to the back of our seats. There’s always an ulterior motive when it comes to my father, and I’m about to find out exactly what that is.
Nothing looks out of order when we pull up at the abandoned warehouse. Acheron leans forward slowly unbuckling his seatbelt before turning toward me. His features are drawn tight, a permanent scowl painted on his face, which I’m certain mirrors mine.
“Are we late or something?” Arrow asks , leaning forward and resting his inked arms over the back of our seats.
That feeling that something just isn’t right settles even stronger in the pit of my stomach, that bile twirling sickness, and as sure as the ink embedded in my flesh I know my father has set me up.
Acheron reaches for his gun but I shake my head telling him no. “Wait in the car, I’ll draw them out.”
“Fuck that we’re supposed to protect each other,” Arrow snaps.
Angling my head to meet his cognac eyes, I tell him, “Exactly what I’m fucking doing. Stay in the car until I say otherwise. That’s an order.”
I reach for the door and send the boys a look they know all too well:don’t fucking test me.They don’t look pleased with my order but make no movement to disobey me.
Lifting my hands up in an I come in peace kind of stance, I call out into the cool night air, “Rodriguez, we need to talk.”
I see the spark in the distance. Knowing it’s too late to get out of the way, I feel the slug slice through my upper bicep. My lip curls up in pain. It stings like a bitch even though it’s superficial.
I hear Acheron and Arrow cursing as the truck doors opening. I hold my hand up, signaling them to stay back.
“You’ve been fucking shot!” Acheron seethes.
“And I’m still alive,” I placate. “Rodriguez, get your ass out here. I’m not playing anymore.”
Lights flicker on and the four amigos stroll out of the shadows, guns in hand.
“Weapons down, we didn’t come here to fight, brothers,” I instruct.
“Not what we heard,brother,”Rodriguez’ brotherDominic hisses. His blue eyes glaze over and I can tell he’s jonesing for a fight.
The four of them stalk over, dressed in black from head to toe with their black leather cuts on. Rodriguez turns away from me boorishly, allowing me to see the snake coming out of a vacant eyed skull on the back of his jacket with smoke billowing around as if being charmed. I swear that fucking patch winks at me when Rodriguez turns back to face me, a grin on his face.
“I gathered. Hence why we came unarmed. There’s a mutual threat between us and I’m certain it’s none of us.” I pause, then ask more curious than pissed off, “Why did you shoot?” If the bullet wound was more than superficial I dare say I wouldn’t be so calm.
Rodriguez steps forward, pushing his brothers behind him. Dark whiskey eyes meet my pair head on in challenge.
Leveling him with a return stare, I cross my arms over my black dress shirt, disregarding the twinge in my bleeding bicep as I wait for him to speak.
Rodriguez is an ominous fuck. The tattoos down the left side of his face only enhance the dangerous vibe he likes to throw off. He’s sizing me up, testing the water; however, the slight tug of his lip affirms my suspicion.
Rodriguez chuckles low and dark. “Your father is weak as piss. I should have pegged it, Homes.”
The angry emanation ricocheting off my back tells me that Acheron and Arrow are about at their threshold of shutting their mouths.
“That he is. Draconis wanted us to get the drop then slaughter you all,” I say comfortably, and maybe a little too easy.
Dominic, Carlos, and Miguel draw their weapons. Rodriguez turns around and slaps Dominic across the face. “Put those fucking things away. If he wanted to kill us, we’d be dead.” He shakes his head as if exhausted and tired of the theatrics. “Continue, Justyce.”
Authority oozes from his every pore, and it’s the exact reason why I’ve always respected Rodriguez and his brothers. I’m playing with Hades and his fiery depths of hell with what I’m about to do, but it feels right. For once.
“When I questioned him, I sensed he was anticipating my refusal when he told me you were a means to an end, that one of you is a rat.” Carlos snarls and I quirk an eyebrow impatiently, indicting I’m not finished.
