by K. J. Dahlen
~* * * *~
Bane watched carefully as the two Vincinti men joined the other group who sat with Deke and some of his other men. He thought about the information he’d shared with the other two, then he thought about the information he’d kept back. He had learned a long time ago not to share fully, everything he knew. In this case, he didn’t think the information he kept back would help anyone.
There was something else The Priest was known for; he kept his anonymity by leaving no witnesses behind to identify him. His victims didn’t live long after he was finished with them and their bodies were never found.
If he had any emotions at all, he would almost feel sorry for this young woman, Sawyer. If The Priest were after her, she wouldn’t escape his reach. In Bane’s business very few had ever earned his respect. The Priest was one of those who did. The other two were now dead, by the Priest’s hands, in fact. Both had been the best hitmen in the business too. Yet, the Priest had got to them and found out what he was hired to find, then they both disappeared.
Bane knew by experience, this interrogator had taken them out. So, his explanation to the Vincinti men about the interrogator not being a hitman may have been misleading.
He shrugged. He didn’t really care about any of it. If The Priest was coming for her though, it wouldn’t matter what the MC did to protect her or even if the Family tried to protect here. The Priest would get to her, period.
CHAPTER FOUR
Deke sat alone at one of the tables and waited for dawn to break. It’d been a late night but with everything that went on, the club had been busy until the wee hours. As much as he wanted to be sleeping right now, there was too much happening no one wanted to talk about and if he wasn’t careful, it was going to erupt all over the place.
He certainly wasn’t comfortable with Bane and Michael sticking around and while he didn’t mind Leon and Calderone being here, there was something behind their visit that needed to come out into the open. He had a sense for these things and he’d known the men for a couple of years now. There were just too many secrets and Deke didn’t like secrets.
He was about to get another cup of coffee when Leon joined him. Deke motioned by lifting his cup to ask if he wanted one and Leon nodded.
Deke came back to the table with two cups of hot coffee. He knew better than to ask the other man his business but he had to know. “Is everything all right? Is there something I need to know to protect my club?”
Leon shrugged. “Normally, I would ignore your questions as you have no right to ask, but in this case, I think you should know what could be coming.”
Deke swallowed hard. “And…normally I wouldn’t ask, but so much has happened and I don’t think it’s done yet.”
“You are correct in your assumptions. This isn’t over yet,” Leon concurred. “I can’t tell you everything but I can tell you this much. It seems someone close to us, the Family I mean, has betrayed us. Max Bordeaux was supposed to be a representative for us here in New York. His job was to keep the interest up and support us in a way benefitting both him and us. We found out, he not only had his own businesses going but a sideline as well. When we found out, he’d been neglecting the business he did for us because of his obsession with a woman, we stepped in. We told him time and time again, over the years to give up his obsession with Jolene but he refused to do so.” Leon shrugged. “Max paid us lip service the whole time and we never knew why until lately that is.” He shot a look over to Deke and studied him for a moment before nodding absently.
Deke waited patiently for the other man to continue. He knew the Vincinti men were good at heart as far as it could go, but they were Mob and you didn’t trifle with men such as them.
His patience paid off a couple of minutes later. “As the head of the East Coast Family what I’m about to tell you must stay between the two of us.”
Deke nodded.
“When Max won his position he was entrusted with a very old relic. It had been carved from a very special piece of wood a long time ago when the Family first formed. Italian in origin, of course. Whoever holds this piece of the relic is very powerful within our ranks, he answers to only myself and the Council…” Leon paused then went on, “Apparently, Max has misplaced this piece of history. We couldn’t find it at his home or his office.”
Deke’s mouth went dry. “What are you saying?”
Leon stared hard at Deke as if he contemplated telling him more. “We also found evidence that Max hired someone well versed in the art of interrogations. A man known for getting whatever information he’s hired to retrieve.” He leaned forward closer to him and lowered his voice as he finished, “This man is even more dangerous that the one you have parked right over there.”
Deke sat up slowly. The grip on his coffee cup tightened and the ceramic finally broke. Swearing, he brushed the cold liquid away from him. Glaring at Leon, he asked, “So now on top of everything else, we have another hitman coming after one of them?” He was referring to Jolene or her children.
Leon nodded slightly. “He has accepted payment for his services and we have no way to contact him to call him off.” He shrugged. “Even if we could make contact, we aren’t sure he would simply walk away.”
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“Because the piece of our history is still lost. We need to retrieve it and The Priest may be the only way to get it back. Jolene’s memory may be gone forever, but her daughter may have seen something. She may know where the piece is and not realize she knows it.”
“And you’d like it back,” Deke concluded. He understood the rules of the old Mob. The Family kept tradition above all else.
Leon hesitated, then nodded in agreement. “Yes, I cannot lie, we need the piece back.” He shifted in his seat. “But I’m hoping not at the expense of either of the women.”
“So what are you going to do about this?”
Leon shrugged. “I will do what I must to get the piece back.”
Deke stiffened as the other man’s words sank in. He glared at Leon. “I know violence is a way of life for most but we don’t condone it when it’s used against innocent people. Neither of these women have any reason to fear retribution from us and we will protect them, even against you and yours.”
Leon sat back and nodded. “I know of your convictions Deke. I respect them as well. We also don’t condone violence in this situation either. I’m hoping I won’t have to use it, but I must do whatever it take to get the piece back. The Council will ask for blood when they learn of this.”
Deke felt his hands curl into fists. “Who is this guy you’re so worried about, anyway?”
“He’s known as The Priest. Bane confirmed for me the rumors I’ve heard about the man. No one seems to know that much about him other than the fact he’s very good at his job. He’s never been photographed, so no one knows what he looks like. But he is the number one man to go to when you need to find out something. He’s broken the best. He’s never missed a deadline and he is the top of the line. Bane agreed while he’s the best assassin in the world, The Priest is the best at finding out a person’s secrets. He doesn’t stop until he’s completed his job. Which is why even if we called him off, he probably wouldn’t stop.”
“What was he paid to find out, do you know?”
“We think he’s been paid to find out what happened to the relic Jolene took from Max. One of my men found Max’s books and there is a notation in it about the piece going missing thirteen years ago. It also stated that Jolene was brought to his home along with her daughter who was nine at the time. If she was with her mother, she might be the one The Priest will be after. Since Jolene’s memories have been wiped clean due to her accident, it’s possible Max thought the girl might know where her mother hid the relic.” Leon tapped his temple. “I know how Max thinks, he called in this man because he was desperate to find the Hand. He would never have been able to explain its disappearance, not to me or the Council.”
“So, what are you going to
do?”
“I’m going to explain to the women what the piece means and simply ask them if they know where it is and if so, will they return it.”
“That simple, huh?” Deke had to ask as he raised his brows.
“Despite what you think you know about the Family, we are not monsters,” Leon chided. “I am a business man and I do not like to use violence against innocent women.”
Deke nodded. “I can accept that if you can accept this…” He glared at him. “…Calico has just found his family again, after a very long time. You know what that feels like, yourself. He isn’t likely to want to give up either of his women again. Those two women have been through enough. Enough pain and suffering to last both of them a lifetime. Please give them peace.”
Leon got to his feet. “I understand what you’re saying and it is my hope that we can resolve this matter quickly and quietly. It is time to put the past where it belongs and begin again, with a clean slate.”
“Please use my office to tell them whatever it is they need to know,” Deke offered. “I know you don’t want the whole club to know your business.”
Leon nodded. “Thank you for understanding. I will do everything I can to protect your people through this transition.”
“As long as you understand that I will protect what is mine, my family, my club and my people, and that does include Jolene and her children.”
“You are an honorable man I would expect no less from you.” Leon gave him a nod then smiled. “You know, you are quite unlike everything I’ve ever heard of in a motorcycle club. I expected something quite different when I first came here.”
“Oh? What did you expect?” Deke raised a brow.
Leon chuckled. “My first thought was illegal drugs and guns, followed by sluts and whores everywhere but that’s not what I found. You and your people are all about families and businesses. Cassie’s Redemption House is a wonderful thing for people who just need a helping hand. Yes, you run a strip club but it’s a decent place to go to. The garage and motorcycle shop are completely legitimate.” Leon paused then added, “When we got Peaches back after so many years on the streets, I was very worried about her. I didn’t know what she’d been through or what she’d seen in her young life. I thought she was merely playing a part for the money and the glory but she wasn’t. As I watched her those first few weeks, I realized something. I realized that under Cassie’s wing she had become the young woman she was meant to be. Cassie not only protected my granddaughter she raised her to be a fine young woman. Then when she met Iceman, I watched her even harder. I kept waiting for her to screw up but she never did. She’d been herself the whole time. I knew Iceman could have changed her but instead, she changed him. He could have gotten her into drugs and all kinds of trouble but he didn’t.”
Deke was floored by these revelations from this man. He sat stunned into silence.
Leon sat down again. “I watched the Sinner’s MC very carefully. I learned about their everyday activities and I saw for myself that for the most part, they were decent men and women. You still have your odd man that does something stupid once in a while, but they know how to come together and stand up for one another. Dominic told me when he first met Mountain…Mountain told him that your clubs were not dissimilar to what the Family was, in the fact that they both stood for something and if they needed to, they would stand together against foes. As long as the cause was just. The more I saw of your club the more I began to believe that.” He shrugged. “The Family I belong to has been around a long time. We’ve had our battles to win as well. Not all of them have been to our credit but today, I’d like to think we’re more than a bunch of thugs ruling the streets with violence and threats.”
Deke remained silent, as he felt respected by this man. He didn’t intend to allow the Family to roll over them, but he needed to consider also how a break between him and them would affect Peaches and in turn, Cassie herself. He couldn’t allow anything to hurt those two women, not while he still breathed. He turned to stare down the hall as he heard a door open.
Calico and Jolene came into the room. Soon, they were joined by Sawyer and Jordan.
Deke turned to Leon. “Best get this over with. Like I said, you can use my office to let them know what’s going on. May I offer a suggestion?”
Leon paused, then he nodded.
“Tell them the truth. If you want this relic back, then be honest with them. Give them the option of giving it back, rather than threatening them if they don’t. Jolene has lived too long under the threats from Max and I don’t think you want to get on Calico’s bad side. From what I know of the man, he’s ruthless against those who piss him off.”
Leon raised a brow.
Deke knew this man thought that others were not a credible threat to him or his outfit, but he felt obligated to try to avoid trouble for his club and family.
Leon got to his feet and held out his hand.
Deke shook it.
“I’d like to see this ended as swiftly with as little disruption as possible but I will not lie to them. Until the piece is restored to us, there could be a problem. The Council was very upset the piece is missing. The fact Max lied to them all this time is not acceptable, to them or to me.”
Deke watched as he walked over to the table and spoke to the family. They all got to their feet and followed him down the hall. When the door closed behind them,
Gator joined Deke and asked, “Is that something we should worry about?”
“Maybe.” Deke looked over at his Vice President and longtime friend. “Get some of the men on lookout.”
“And what are they looking out for?”
“Hopefully nothing, but there could be someone after either Jolene or Sawyer.” Deke took a swig of his now cold coffee and grimaced. “I’m praying Leon can find his answers before this escalates into a situation we don’t want or need. But if it does, we need to contain Calico. His temper won’t help and it might get someone killed.”
Gator sucked in a deep breath. “What’s coming?”
“Max lost a piece of the Family’s history. Leon believes Jolene took it to protect her and her family. The problem lies with all this, is it may have happened thirteen years ago and Jolene can’t remember yesterday. Max hired a man called ‘The Priest’ to recover the piece.” He shrugged. “It could be Jolene or Sawyer he’s coming after. Sawyer was apparently with her mother the day she took the piece.”
“The Priest?” Gator gasped as all the color drained from his face. “Are you sure?”
Deke stared at his friend. “You’ve heard of the man?”
Gator nodded. “I think everyone has heard of him, if he is a man. More like a demon for sure. Most pray to never meet him. He’s ruthless and he doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.”
“That’s why I want the men on alert. He may not know where the women are just yet, but he will find them.”
“I’ll let the boys know we are on alert,” Gator agreed.
“Just have them watching and report any strangers in the area,” Deke warned. “We want to keep this low key for now. We have to give Leon time to do this his way but we don’t have to give this Priest time to get in and out of here.”
Gator nodded and got to his feet. “I’ll get the men out there.” He took a step away before turning back to Deke. “I’m glad I’m not you in this situation.”
“And why is that?” Deke raised his head up.
Gator grinned but his eyes told another story. “Because it will fall on your shoulders if something goes wrong and one of Calico’s women goes missing. He is not going to be understanding if that happens. I have seen this guy take on a whole room full of bikers just for an insult.”
“No he won’t be happy and I wouldn’t blame him one bit. He’s going to go ballistic and take half the club with him.” Deke shook his head. “We have to convince him that the best way is to let us handle this and not go off halfcocked.”
Gator snorted. “Yeah, tell all those g
uys he’s beaten down over the years.”
Deke watched him walk away and prayed Leon could get the piece back before shit hit the fan. Calico will not be understanding. He’ll be out for blood.
CHAPTER FIVE
Leon sat down and stared at the group of people in front of him. He needed them to understand what and who he was in order to get the information he needed. He swung his eyes around and met everyone’s gaze as he explained, “You all know I am the head of a very important part of American history. The Family began in New York and when it began, violence was a method of insuring things got done. As we spread out and became stronger, territories were established and five very strong factions were formed. To commemorate the five families coming together under one umbrella, a symbol was made. Five hands made of a special dark wood to recall the original Black Hand of Italy. There are only those five black hands, given out to the five top branches of the family. Each person given one of the hands has the ultimate honor of protecting it. With his own life if necessary.”
“What does this have to do with us?” Calico asked.
“I’m getting to that point.” He paused and looked over at Jolene and Sawyer. “Max was given one of the original hands when he became the head of the New York division. He swore to guard it with his life.” He paused then gazed at Jolene. “When we searched his safe and home we couldn’t find the Black Hand. My people looked everywhere. We did find the stand the hand belonged in and we found a fingerprint on the base of the stand. The fingerprint belongs to you, Jolene.”
“Me?” Jolene looked stunned. “Are you sure? I mean why would my fingerprint be on the stand? I’ve never seen this Hand.” She shuddered. “The few days I knew Max I didn’t even like him, he scared me.”
Sawyer reached out and ran her hand up and down her mother’s arms. “Max has bothered her for years. Is it possible that at some time she touched the stand and it meant nothing?”