Page 21 of Property of Riptide
“That’s because Texas is the gateway to Hell,” Rio teases.
“Isn’t that the damn truth,” I agree. As we walk into his personal office and he shuts the door behind me, he locks it. “What’s this about, Rio?”
“Got a call from Slayer, Rip. He asked me to bring you into the office and have you call him behind doors. He doesn’t want the men to hear what he has to say until after he’s spoken with you.”
“That doesn’t sound promising,” I mumble underneath my breath. Slayer would call me directly if it was something he could share within hearing distance of others. “Did he give you any clues as to what’s going on?”
“None, but that could be because Issy was standing there with me when I accepted the call,” Rio admits.
“Alright, well let’s call him and see what’s happened,” I say, lifting my phone and calling him. It rings three times before I hear the line connect.
“Riptide, you missed all the fun, brother,” Slayer says in the way of a greeting.
“Is that right? Wanna fill me in on what that was or am I supposed to sit here and play twenty questions with you?” Rio cups his mouth to hide his laughter, finding my lack of patience with my VP funny as hell. I flip him off and put the phone on speaker. I don’t wanna be the only one who has to deal with this insolent bullshit.
“We managed to capture us a few mice scuttling around the clubhouse property, trying to find themselves an opening,” Slayer informs me.
Now he has my undivided attention. “Dragons?” I ask, my blood roaring in my veins.
“Closely connected. Parents of one of our female critters,” he tells me, erring on the side of caution by using code words instead of using names. Considering we only have one old lady in our club, I know exactly who tried to invade my club. “They didn’t even have the decency to use the doorbell. They just crawled on through the gates as if they were invited.”
“Now isn’t that a damn shame,” I whistle. “Got them trapped? We can’t have them getting loose, don’t want their droppings spread around.”
“They’re playing in the mousetrap with the other unwanted vermin,” Slayer proclaims, which has Rio leaning back in his chair and shaking his head.
He knows that’s a euphemism for them being shut in the catacombs with the rest of the bones from those who crossed us. Those will soon be seeing our incinerator, but we’ve been busy and they’re safe for now so we haven’t rushed to dispose of them. Nobody will ever think to look underneath the heavyweight slab hidden beneath a tombstone to find our secret entrance to the underground crypt—it was purposefully designed to be the keeper of our enemies while they wait until I’m ready to put an end to them.
If it was ever unearthed, it could land us behind bars for life.
We all know the risks we take when we put on our patch and accepted our roles in the Kings, but that doesn’t mean we won’tfight tooth and nail to keep ourselves topside and breathing fresh air. I hum as I digest the fact that we have the two people who’ve harmed Zoey the most and a mirthful smile spreads across my cheeks.
“Keep them alive until I get back to inspect them. They may be just the species I’ve been looking for, but I’ll need to dissect them before I know for sure,” I continue, keeping up with the jargon, knowing Slayer will get my meaning and act accordingly.
“It’d be my pleasure,” Slayer says, a little too enthusiastically. Like I give a shit if they’re worse for the wear by the time we make it back to Canton. “Mind if I start the dissection process?”
“Go for it, just make sure they’re still functional when I get back,” I order.
“Of course,” he replies. “But the boys and I have been curious about how their minds work. Wouldn’t mind digging in there and starting the scientific experiment for you.”
“Keep me updated. Make sure you record all of their squealing, Slayer.” Glancing up I notice Rio has broken into the bottles that hold his good liquor. My cousin is just as blood thirsty as I am when it comes to someone who’s hurt one of our own.
“Will do, catch you later, Rip,” Slayer says, disconnecting the call.
“You going to tell Zoey?” Rio asks.
“I’m gonna tell Indiana and leave that up to him. I’ll advise him to wait until it’s time to head back before telling her. This is the first time I’ve seen her relax and let her guard down. I’ve heard more laughter and have seen more smiles from her since we’vebeen here than I have since we rescued her from those Onyx pussies.”
“That’s what I would do as well if it were me in Indiana’s place,” he admits.
“Thanks for the use of your office, cousin. For now, let’s keep this between the two of us. I’ll catch Indiana tomorrow and tell him about my call with Slayer.”
“Anytime and I’ve got your back, Rip. Always have and always will. Let me know if you need back up when you talk with him.”
“I will but I think I’ve got it. I know you have shit that you and Issy are taking care of in the morning. The sendoff is in just a couple of days,” I remind him.
“Yeah. I’m sure Issy is going to have me running around doing all the last minute shit,” he sighs. “Let’s go rejoin the party, I have a feeling it’s the last time we’re going to hear that laughter you’re so fond of until after Gage’s final ride. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how you gravitate to Van either.” I roll my eyes and wave him off. I’m not sure what’s going to happen between the two of us, but if I have my way, she’ll be in my bed and with my patch on her back before the year ends. For now, I’m going to keep those thoughts close to the chest because I don’t need him to rag me about it.
I carry little G to the car for Van and put him in his seat, keeping my hand at the back of his head so it doesn’t slam against the side of his seat when I place him in it. I step back and watch herstrap him in. I don’t know what I’m doing and I couldn’t live with myself if he were hurt because I did it wrong.
