Page 91 of Redemption

“They fired him because he’s dating my daughter.”

“Are you sure it’s because of us?” VP asks. “We have a good relationship with them.”

His nostrils flare as he runs a hand over his face. “They questioned his loyalty and shit. Clearly, they don’t understand we’d back anyone working with my daughter’s boyfriend. I want them to know they made a bad fucking decision.”

“I know he’s important to Ashley, but we can’t risk ourselves just to spite them,” Jennings says.

Brock holds a hand up. “Actually, we have a shit ton of leverage if we need to use it. I’ve kept records of all the shit they called on us to do for them. Besides, we’re the reason Julian’s been getting all the good press lately. If we stop, it’s only a matter of time until they show just how inept they are.”

“He took a bullet for Ashley. And he’d take one for any of our women and children. He’s earned a bit of loyalty from us, especially after helping save our asses with the ATF, don’t you think? On top of that, he gave us her ex to take care of.”

“What does Lex think about this?” VP asks. “Anyone talk to her?”

Ky chuckles even though he doesn’t find any humor in the question. “She won’t step foot in here again.”

“She told Grayson to tell Ashley. She knew Ashley would tell me. I think that tells us what we’re looking for.”

“Or she wanted him to tell his girlfriend because she’s his girlfriend,” Beckett suggests.

Ty looks around the room. “Does anyone in here really think she’d oppose this?”

“But do we side with a woman who refuses to have anything to do with us anymore?” Leo asks. “I love her like everyone else, but she’s not here. She’s not part of us anymore.”

“She’s my daughter, asshole. She’ll forever be part of us,” VP growls.

“She’d threaten us with something we know shecoulddo, but we all know shewouldn’tdo,” Phoenix says. “Well, probably wouldn’t. She’s a little unpredictable these days.”

Shep looks around. “I back the motion to tell Julian to go fuck himself. He’s gotten a little too high and mighty for his own good anyway. Did you guys see that shit about cracking down on the lowlifes in Griffin’s Beach?”

“But not us, obviously. Because he needs us,” TK says with a roll of his eyes. “Do we tell him?”

“I vote we tell Julian and Travis that Diesel’s our liaison they need to work with. Then he can tell them to shove whatever they have up their asses,” VP says.

Shrugging, Jennings smirks. “Works for me.”

And the change keeps coming.

Chapter 32

Griffin’s Beach

Colt

Skipping steps on the front porch, Colt pounds his fist on Lex’s door. His heart races, and he needs to talk to her. To tell her what’s going on before she hears it elsewhere. He owes her that much.

It opens, and Lex stares with wide eyes. “What’s wrong? Are the kids okay?”

“They’re fine,” he says. “They’re still with Mom. We had an emergency meeting. Can I talk to you?”

“Actually-”

He pushes past her into the house and starts pacing. “They want me in Black Valley.”

“When?”

“I… well, I don’t know, actually. But there’s a plan, and I said no. But I got overruled.”

“Then you have to go,” she says and shrugs.

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