Page 39 of Restless
“I don’t wanna hear it, Brooks. Johnnie the VP. Let him handle it.”
“You’re still the club president, Outlaw,” Brooks said. “He wanted you to know that, uh, a few mon…er,weeksago, uh B-Bash made contact.”
The name turned over in Christopher’s head. It took him a moment, but he realized who Brooks referred to. “Cee Cee’s oldest?”
“One and the same.”
Christopher rubbed his eyes. “So?”
“Uh, he would like to sit down with us and d-d-discuss the Scorched Devils.”
Christopher tried, and failed, to connect the dots between the Scorpions and the Devils. As far as he remembered the Gnomes were the Devils’ problem. Something wasn’t adding up, but his brain was too tired and crowded with worry to figure out what. Or, for that matter,care.
“Why Bash wantin’ to talk to us rather than to Derby, since he brought the Devils to us?”
“We intend to find that out, Outlaw.”
“Does Bash want a stake in Dweller territory?”
“I-I’m not sure. J-Johnnie wants to iron out a peace agreement similar to what we have with the Gnomes, since Bash is a sworn enemy, he thought it best I inform you.”
Megan turned on her side.
“Bash thought it best?”
“No, Outlaw. Johnnie.”
“Yeah,” Christopher agreed, only half comprehending the conversation.
“Johnnie has everything under control.” Brooks cleared his throat. “There’s quite a history between your father and grandfather.”
News to Christopher. He’d always been told his grandfather hated him because Cee Cee stole Christopher’s ma and raped her. It was also the reason Logan hated Christopher. His birth brought such shame to the sweet, kind, and gentle Patricia.
“Cee Cee Caldwell controlled Logan Donovan with money and threats.”
It figured. No matter the reason, the information didn’t surprise Christopher. Both Cee Cee and Logan were dirty motherfuckers.
“Apparently, er, Bash is afraid of you.”
Christopher snickered.
“You killed Cee Cee.”
If motherfuckers knew, they knew, but it wasn’t shit Christopher broadcast. The knowledge could endanger Megan. Motherfuckers needed to shut the fuck up about that. “Accordin’ to who?”
“Er, word around town. Whether it’s accurate doesn’t matter. Bash believes it and it gives the Dwellers the u-upperh-hand.”
Vaguely, Christopher wondered why Brooks tripped over his words. “Why you tellin’…why are you tellin’ me this now? You need me to meet with Bash?”
“Not at all. As long as Bash is aware that you know what’s going on, he’ll stay in line and keep to the bargain.”
Megan was so fucking restless. Christopher wished he could climb beside her. He leaned forward. “Baby, you fine.” He squinted, vaguely recalling he’d worked hard to speak correctly. “Stop movin’ so much.”
“Christopher?”
“I’m here, Megan.”
“Is everything okay?” Brooks asked.
