She stretched, and her muscles ached like she’d slept hard, immobile through the night. Reaching for the clothes she’d worn yesterday and folded on the nightstand, she changed out of the makeshift pajamas and stood in front of the mirror on the dresser. Her hair was a mess, and she didn’t have a clip, so she brushed it quickly with her fingers and tied it in a knot.
As presentable as she could get, she hurried downstairs, planning on leaving a note of thanks for Shane, since she doubted he would be up. But halfway down the stairs, the most incredible aroma hit her square in the face, and she clamped her mouth shut to keep from drooling as she followed her nose to the kitchen.
Shane wasn’t just awake; he was fully dressed in a bright blue jogging suit and freshly showered, his hair still damp. And he was placing food on the kitchen table – a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs, strips of bacon and sausage links, and French toast with cream and fresh berries. He stood by the coffeemaker, pouring two steaming mugs, and he gave her a winning smile. “Surprise.”
“Uh, yeah,” was all she could say. Her stomach rumbled, and she shook her head. “I was going to thank you for everything so far. I certainly didn’t expect a gourmet breakfast.” She laughed nervously. “If I keep eating like this, I’m going to need a new wardrobe.”
He chuckled, handing her the coffee and sitting down. “Live life to the fullest, I say. And as long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter what you look like. Besides,” he said, pausing to sip his coffee, “you have the metabolism and body type most people covet. You can eat anything and not gain a pound, and if you put on an ounce, it’s at the curves.”
Krishna blushed and dove into the food. She didn’t have a lot of time, but she definitely wanted to enjoy Shane’s cooking. “I don’t know how to repay you for all this, especially since Brett’s talking about the possibility of my staying with you for a few more days.”
“It’s not an imposition. I’m telling you, it’s just nice to have company. And you aren’t intimidated by all this.” He motioned to the house around them. “Or trying to get your hands on my money. It’s usually one extreme or the other.”
Krishna thought how lonely that must be, and she understood why he would do so much for the people who didn’t abuse that kindness. Like Brett. “Well, I do appreciate it, and I’m going to find a way to show that,” she promised, cleaning her plate. “I hate to eat and run…”
“It’s fine. You have a day job, school, and probably other things to take care of.” He smiled. “Just don’t be a stranger, and watch your back. Call me later and let me know if you’re coming back tonight or whatever, okay?”
He walked her to the door and stood there until she pulled out of the garage. Then, he disappeared behind the garage door rolling back down, and she was headed down the road. It was later than she’d hoped, and she barely had time to shower and change before leaving again. She rushed into the working classroom a minute before class started and caught her breath as the teacher started talking.
She couldn’t concentrate as much as she would have liked, but, luckily, today’s lesson was on diagnosing transmission issues, something she knew like the back of her hand. She wished she’d gotten Brett to give up the goods. It might have avoided the nightmare and the insomnia, and it might have given her a little reassurance today. As it was, she worried about both Brett and Alex. There were a few others that could be in danger, she knew, but those two men actively disobeyed Pop’s mandates, and that put them directly in the line of fire.
She needed the day to fly by, so she could get the update from Brett and stop letting her concerns get the best of her. But the clock seemed to stand still, and Krishna was antsy by the time class finally released. She jotted down the reading assignment and test date, before rushing out. She was supposed to go about business as usual, but how could she with so much left to the unknown?
She turned toward home but then remembered Brett telling her to find a public place. Pressing her lips into a tight line and feeling very much alone, she passed her complex in favor of the coffee shop three blocks away. She could study there and wait for someone to contact her with some sort of news that would at least end the frustration of not knowing what to think.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Alex hefted the backpack and threw it on his back. He checked the placement of the gun at the small of his back, tucked into the tight waist of his jeans securely. He wasn’t going to face Pop unarmed, knowing the boss had multiple guns stored around his office. And he’d have to draw before Pop could grab the one he kept under the desk for easy access.
The backpack was for show. When he entered the office, he had every intention of making sure Pop’s instant reaction was to believe Alex was in compliance, ready to make the trip to Juarez. He was going to hear out the details of the trip as if he was prepared to leave the office and ride straight to the border. The element of surprise was his best friend.
His nerves put a lump in his throat, and he only hoped Pop interpreted that as anxiety about making this run. He took a deep breath to re-infuse his confidence and left his apartment, taking one last look around. There was always a possibility he wouldn’t be back. But he had to stay positive and believe in himself if he had any chance of success.
Climbing on his bike, he revved the engine and let it rumble beneath him for a few minutes. The power of it surged through him, and he smiled as he put it in gear and eased out of the parking space. He didn’t hurry; he was a little early, and he would take his time, making sure he didn’t let his anger make him irrational. He needed clarity of thought so he could make seamless, instant decisions in the heat of the moment.
He texted Brett when he arrived at the clubhouse, getting a response that things were starting up quickly out at the lake and that the turnout was good. Headcount told him that at least most of the gang was there, and that increased Alex’s hope for success.
He adjusted the straps of the backpack so it rested evenly on both shoulders and still gave him ready access to the pistol at his back. The moment he had an opening, he was going to draw it and turn the tables on Pop. Walking slowly, he checked the garage and entire outdoor area for signs of others being around. There were a few bikes parked, including Pop’s, and a couple of cars, but most of those were typically parked here, brothers of his that had nowhere else to keep them.
There was no one around and as he entered the main building and strode through the gathering area, he found it deserted. He slipped past the closed door to Pop’s office, checking the other rooms to make sure none of the guys were still sleeping with random women after a long night. They all proved empty, too, and Alex let go of a pocket of air he hadn’t known he was holding.
Brett had done an excellent job of clearing out the place. If there were any stragglers, they weren’t going to interfere. Squaring his shoulders, Alex drew up every wrong Pop had caused anyone to suffer recently. It gave him the courage and the determination to move forward, and he checked the watch he rarely wore once more. He was right on time.
He knocked softly but didn’t wait for an invitation to come in. That wasn’t the kind of relationship he’d ever really had with the big guy, and to act otherwise would have Pop on guard from the start. He stepped inside and shut the door, wearing a grim expression, and Pop looked almost as solemn for a moment.
But eyeing Alex carefully and apparently deciding he had a well trained, humbled subordinate facing him, he broke into an ear to ear grin. “I see you’re ready to hit the road,” he said by way of welcome.
Alex just gave a curt nod. “Tell me what I’m doing.”
Pop pulled out a manila envelope that was obviously stuffed with cash, and Alex wondered how much. He also produced a small piece of paper with a name and address, handing it to Alex. “Go to the Tropo Loco Cabana, a couple of blocks outside of downtown. Ask for Esteban. He should make a quick exchange. Make sure he shows you how much it weighs before you take it. There should be ten pounds.”
It was a large carry, and Alex knew he
wouldn’t get across the border without being stopped, especially with the short amount of time he’d be in Mexico. He’d be caught and hauled off to prison for the rest of his life, and that was if he even made it back to the border. “How much chance is there that this dealer’s being watched for trafficking?”
Pop shrugged. “No more than usual.” But he said it too casually. Alex could read between the lines by now. It wouldn’t be the authorities he needed to worry about in Juarez. It would be rivals. He looked at the envelope of money and thought about the amount of dope. It didn’t add up; this was a new guy, trying to get in the game, and the guys who claimed the territory were looking for any way to take him down. That meant the carrier would be the first target.
Alex was being set up.
There was no longer any question, but he had to keep playing the game. “Do I have a cover?”
Pop pulled out another, smaller envelope. “There’s some extra cash here. Buy some silver and bring it back.” If Alex could find a way to hide ten pounds of narcotics, a search would turn up the jewelry, and he’d pass the border search. But he’d never make it there, and the extra cash – as well as the drugs – would be a payoff for the rival dealers for taking care of him.
Hesitating just long enough to show reluctance, Alex reached for the two bags, but Pop put his hands on them, holding them back. “You know what happens if you disappear, or if you don’t make this run, right?”
His anger was real and fresh, and Alex used it. “When I come back, and I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me, I want the threats against Krishna to end. Am I clear?”
“Crystal,” Pop said in a light tone. He pushed the envelopes forward, and Alex braced to make his move.
He leaned forward, taking them in one hand, and he slid the right strap of his backpack from his shoulder, as if he was going to stuff them inside. Instead, he dropped the bag and the money and drew the pistol quickly, pointing it at Pop. Immediately, Pop started to slip a hand under the desk, and with deadly calm, Alex told him, “I want your hands in the air, or I will shoot, Pop. Think hard. I have excellent aim. You know that.”
Slowly, Pop’s hands came up, empty. But there was no fear in his eyes, just calculation, and Alex stayed focused, assuring he could work through any manipulative shit Pop threw his way. “You’re killing yourself and your little girlfriend with this stunt, Alex. You’re the one who should think before you act.”
“No, Pop. You’re done.”
“How do you figure that?” he asked with a cocky laugh. “I’m untouchable, Alex. You kill me, I’ve already got people who’ll come for my killer. And, then, they’ll go for the girl and anyone who might possibly have known about this or helped you in any way.”
“That’s why I’m not here to kill you.” That succeeded in confusing Pop, and Alex smiled slyly. “You heard me right. I don’t want anyone dead, Pop. You gave me a second chance once. I’m willing to give you one. But you’ll get that chance on my terms, just like I had to get it on yours.”
Pop clearly didn’t like that, and his eyes sparked with the first sign of anger. “What makes you think you can lay down a law on me? This is my club, and it runs by my rules.”
“Not anymore.” Alex kept his tone even and calm, despite the adrenaline rushing through his system. This was the turning point, and things could go two different ways. “Here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going together to the lake party. You’re going to publicly admit to everyone there your abuse of power, and you’re going to verbally negate the terms of every signed contract you’re holding with prospects. Then, you’re going to step down as leader. From there, it’s going to be up to a vote as to whether or not we can trust you to stay with the Ashes. You’ll call off the hit on Krishna, and you’ll give me the names and numbers of every contract killer you work with, as well as every dealer you use. We’re getting out of the drug running business for good, Pop, and you will have no power over anyone in this club, ever again.”
“You’ve lost your mind,” he laughed, but Alex could see the fear in his eyes that almost overshadowed his plotting nature. “You’re playing with fire, and you’re too young and stupid to keep it in the pit.”
Alex cocked the gun, preparing to shoot. “I’m not playing with anything. I’m dead serious. If you want to leave this office without being tucked into a body bag, you’ll do everything I tell you. I’m not the only one tired of being under your thumb, Pop. There was a time when I cared about you, but you’ve changed, and you aren’t worthy of that anymore.” He motioned to the phone. “I want you to call your hitman and end the contract. And if you do anything else, I’ll pull the trigger.”
Now, he had Pop shaking. His hand trembled as he reached for the phone, and Alex caught his slight of hand as he swept toward the bottom of the desk, going for his own gun. Alex wasted no time firing a warning shot toward the phone, the bullet burying itself in the wood just inches from the device, and Pop rolled back from the desk with his hands in the air. “What the hell are you doing?” he cried. “Are you nuts?”
Alex shook his head. “I warned you, Pop. Don’t underestimate me. Make. The. Call.”
Moving so slowly it was maddening, Pop pulled forward, hands clearly in sight, and reached for the phone. He hit a button, and a moment later, he said, “Call everything off…no, permanently. Yep.” He hung up and pushed the phone toward Alex with a repulsive look on his face. “Are you happy?”
Alex smirked. “It’s a start. Now, stand up, keep your hands up, and come with me.” He ushered Pop into one of the guest rooms, where there was no way he could grab a weapon or come at Alex and catch him off guard. With the gun still trained on him and one eye on the big guy, he texted Brett, asking for someone with a car to come pick them up.
He was halfway there. He just had to keep control, and he was home free. In a couple of hours, life was going to tilt and turn upside down, and the flipside was going to be amazing.
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
“Don’t make me regret putting the gun away,” Alex muttered in Pop’s ear. “I can pull it back out anytime.” Brett had borrowed Chewy’s Beetle, and he and Pop were crushed in the back seat while Brett drove. They’d just pulled into the parking area at the lake, and Brett pulled his seat forward so they could crawl out.
Brett had a gun in hand, assuring Pop didn’t pull any funny business as he struggled, and Alex hopped out, ready to go. They marched Pop down to the group below, and Brett let out a whistle that pierced Alex’s ears and made Pop cover his, calling everyone to attention.
Alex stepped forward and addressed everyone with a slightly elevated volume, but he refused to yell. He wanted rapt attention, wanted his brothers straining to hear him so he knew they were listening. “Guys, there are a lot of changes we’ve been going through as a club, and the Ashes are resilient. But sometimes, even we can be smothered if we aren’t getting the leadership we need. Over the last few months, we’ve been driven deeper into the ground by some very poor decisions made without the group’s input.” He looked around, seeing everything from nods of agreement to confusion to suspicion and the start of anger. “Pop has something to say, and I want everyone to hear it out without interruption.”
He was asking a lot, especially since so many of his brothers didn’t like him anymore. Of course, without Pop’s influence, that could easily change.
With a glare that could kill, Pop leveled his gaze first on Alex and then at the collection of the Ashes in front of him. His voice was gravelly as he said, “Fine. I changed the rules. I doubled the fee without telling anyone, and I started holding threats over heads of some of my veterans to get them to make runs again.” He glanced at Alex again and added, “I’ve been drawing money out of the club’s take, too. And, apparently, I’m stepping down and giving up my leadership.”
Noise exploded from the group, some of it protests and some cheers. Alex held up his hand to regain control. It took a moment for them to quiet down, and Alex let them all have
their moment, waiting for complete silence. “We have a lot of work to do to save the Ashes, guys, but the first thing we have to deal with is deciding what to do with Pop. He was good to most of us for some time, but he turned his back on all of us and wronged us all in some way, directly or indirectly. It’s up to all of us to decide if he stays or goes.”
This time, it was a low rumbling that greeted him, mutterings of opinions, and he turned to Pop. “It’s up to them now. I’m not voting.” He looked at Brett, who was the epitome of victory in his posture and the broad grin on his face. “Hey, you got this from here?”
He nodded, looking confused. “Yeah, I’ll set up a discussion meeting and then a vote. And I’ll make sure I let you know when. Where are you going?” He quietly pulled out his own pistol, obviously concerned that Pop would either go after Alex or try to run.
Alex just winked at him. “I’ve got other business to tend to.”
Perking up, Brett nodded. “I’ll make a quick phone call.”
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
With a lump in her throat, Krishna took her luggage out of the top of her closet and placed the two bags on her bed. She wasn’t even sure what to pack. She didn’t know how long she was supposed to stay at Shane’s, and she didn’t know right now if she’d ever be able to come back to her apartment. She couldn’t take everything, so what were the essentials?
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