Page 100 of Sinful
"Four hours to start and finish a war," Fenrir mutters.
"Four hours is plenty if we do it right." Runes looks at me. "This is Texas. Shotgun Saints territory. Your Prez should lead the main assault."
My stomach drops.
"Phantom? You want Phantom there?"
"It's his territory. His state. Makes sense he'd lead his men." Runes's jaw tightens. "Unless that's a problem."
The tension in the room spikes.
Everyone knows about the bad blood between Runes and Phantom. Twenty-year-old grudge that's never healed. Something about a deal gone wrong, trust betrayed, money or territory or both.
"It's not a problem," I say carefully. "But you two will have to work together. Put your shit aside."
"I can be professional," Runes says coldly.
"Can you?" Fenrir's voice is gentle but pointed. "Because this is bigger than old grudges. We need to trust each other or people die."
"I know what's at stake." Runes looks at me. "Call your Prez. Get him there with fifteen men when the time comes, minimum. Armed and ready. We coordinate the final plan when we arrive in Texas."
"When do you want to be in Texas?" Damon asks.
“One week.” Runes says. “We’ll have our main operations at Sharp Shooters Ranch and reconvene there.”
I make the call from outside.
Fuck, I need privacy for this.
Phantom answers on the third ring. "Bravos. Tell me you've got good news."
"Define good."
"Define bad."
I take a breath. "In a week the Raiders of Valhalla and some Reapers Rejects will be at the ranch."
Silence.
Long, dangerous silence.
"Are…" Phantom says slowly, "you telling me Runes is going to be on my fucking property?"
"Yes. This will end Los Coyotes once and for all. All three clubs, synchronized assault."
"And Runes agreed to this."
"Yes, but it's either work together or die separately."
More silence. I can hear him thinking, weighing options, calculating risks.
"How many men do I need to bring to this attack?" he asks finally.
"Fifteen. Maybe twenty. Armed for war."
"When?"
"One week from today. We hit them at dawn. Main compound south of San Antonio—Los Coyotes' operational hub."
