Page 9 of Gypsy Angel

“Yes. None of them would have a reason to drive from Arkansas to California. They all work in Krieger’s factories or one of his other businesses around town. Krieger knows he can’t assume power outside of Forrest City.” Diesel answered, scratching her head.

“Unless he went into politics. What factories do they have in Forrest City?” Ernest ‘Jacko’ Blackburn asked, crossing his arms across his chest as he stared at Diesel intently.

“One was a meat packing plant. They slaughter the animals and then do all the other stuff they do to get them ready for packaging. Some go to the local deli and others to the grocery stores. The other one is a clothing factory. They mostly take cotton and make the yarn and fabric that goes out to the stores. A lot of the stuff is going for stores on the east coast, not the west coast. He also has a few real estate offices, grocery stores and stuff like that.” Diesel advised Jacko.

Viper watched as Jacko stared at Diesel before looking over at Diesel who looked at Jacko in confusion. “They have money, right? You just said he’s running for local office. What’s to stop them from coming out this way to try and expand their business. If the son is wanting to take the business further…”

“Oh my god!” Diesel said out loud when Jacko’s point hit home.

“So, what if Diesel got married. I mean granted it would just be on paper, but if one of her family members or this Krieger dude did come out this way, legally there’s isn’t shit they can do. Gypsy law doesn’t supersede society law.” Rameriez pointed out, shrugging as she caught on to what was being said.

“Who in the hell am I going to tie myself to for any amount of time, Alexis Rameriez? You said yourself I don’t keep a steady boyfriend. Just a fuck buddy now and then.” Diesel pointed out, hands on her hips as she glared at her friend for her suggestion.

“I’ll do it.” Sammy ‘Joker’ Jones spoke up, winking at Diesel. “We’ve already got a great friendship going. I’ll take one for the team.”

Viper laughed, shaking his head he looked over at Joker. “You’ll take one for the team? That sounds like it would be a hardship for you. What’s going to happen if your team or Marcus’s team is called up at the same time? The fact you’re still active doesn’t fit well for this situation. No, offense man, but you’re the last person who should ‘volunteer tribute’.”

“That was kind of harsh there, Viper.” Highlander said, glaring at the man his brother calls a friend.

“It needs to be. That woman right there is in danger. Because of that, the rest of these women are in danger too. I know how you two are with your wives and that includes these women. But, Lt., what are you going to do if both your teams are deployed? If this Krieger guy knew she was alive now, that would be the time for him to strike. You two could be in a radio silent situation, mid-jump or heaven forbid, in the middle of a damn gun fight and there’s not a damn thing either one of you can do.” Viper reiterated, making his point to Highlander and Marcus who both turned to look at each other once Viper was finished.

“He’s got a point, babe. While Diez and Joker have history, they are just friends. Can’t even really call them fuck buddies anymore since he hooked up with the skank he’s with now.” Pratt fake gagged, glaring at Joker. “Seriously, you’ll take one for the team. How the hell is that going to work dude? You have a girlfriend now!”

EIGHT

Diesel couldn’t help but stare at Viper in wonderment. At the same time, she wanted to fucking kick Rameriez’s teeth in for her suggestion. Why the fuck did Joker decide he wanted to do the whole marriage thing? Did he honestly think that would work out with him having the skank he does for a girlfriend? Granted the bitch was fucking around on him, or did he not care and thought he’d have them both on the side? Yeah, fuck that bullshit.

Diesel stood there, before slowly walking backwards to the wall near where she was standing and slid down the wall to her haunches. No one noticed her retreat back out of the fray. This isn’t what she had expected. While she knew her friends would have her back, she wasn’t expecting them to argue over what should happen to her. Did she make a mistake? Maybe she could just walk out. Not like they were truly paying attention to her right now.

“Hey! Breathe!” Viper’s soft demanding voice broke through her musings.

He was squatting down in front of her, talking to her like she was a skittish animal. Hell, maybe right now she was. Diesel looked up at Viper at his demand and had to roll her eyes when he winked at her.

“I’m fine. I just didn’t expect everyone to start fighting about what to do. I just didn’t want them caught off guard.” Diesel said quietly.

“I’m sorry, Diez. None of us meant for that to happen. You’re such a huge part of our family, we just want you to be safe. We can’t lose you!” Pratt said with force in her voice, squatting down next to Viper.

“I don’t know, what to do. I seriously thought about getting on my bike and just disappearing, but I knew if I did, you guys would hunt me down and I wouldn’t have a choice then but to tell you guys everything and risk you all hating me.”

“We’d never hate you, Diesel. We’d be hurt you didn’t trust us, but we’d never hate you.” Raso piped up from behind Pratt.

“Okay, so, well the Viper dude is correct. Joker wouldn’t be a good candidate since one he’s got a skank, even if she’s cheating on him every chance she gets, none of the other guys on Highlander’s team could do the deed because they are like brothers to her, and we don’t do the kissing cousin thing here. So…why doesn’t she just hook up with the Viper dude. He’s no longer active duty, he and his guys stay stateside and well, she’s already banged him silly, if the way she walked into the office earlier this morning was any indication, they definitely have that going for them if they need to make an appearance…”

“Um Ramz, take a breath for a second and have a drink. You literally said way too much shit in a short amount of time.” York shook her head before looking over at Diesel. “But she has a point. I mean, it’d be on paper only. Not like you have to truly act like a married couple unless we get any hits on your family or this Krieger guy in town. Is there a way to find out any of his other known associates?”

“Already on it. I sent Oz a text. He happens to be stateside currently and he’s getting what information he can for us. But I have to agree with Ramz and York. You and Viper have a chemistry that you and Joker don’t really have, Diez.” Taz walked towards the small group, squatting down on the other side of Viper. “It’ll just be until we catch them and find your daughter. Then, if things aren’t heated more and you two want to kill each other, easy peasy nice and cheesy y’all sign the dotted line and file for divorce.”

Diesel looked back over at Viper, stared into his eyes. “You don’t have to do this. I know they are trying to push…”

“If it keeps you safe, I’ll do it. You’ll have the protection of my guys as my ole lady and since these ladies are your family, by extension, they will have their protection as well, especially when their men are deployed.” Viper conceded, shrugging as he looked back at Diesel.

“I never wanted to get hitched. Isn’t there another way?” Diesel asked, looking at Pratt and the others who came nearby.

“Are we forgetting the fact the man bought an entire town in Colona, Colorado and was having his right hand lacky run the city as a drug operation. The man is getting his hands in some serious pie here.” York reminded the group of the operation they handled several months ago.

“She’s right. Cheryl, I know you didn’t, but if Viper is willing, we need to take this route. Otherwise, it’s witness protection for you.” Captain Irby huffed out, downing the rest of her drink. “You guys took some serious hits in that operation. I know you girls are tough as hell and can give any man a run for his money, but I want Diesel protected at all costs and if this is the way to make sure, then so be it. Viper, welcome to our crazy family, even if it is temporary.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Viper smiled politely at the captain before turning back to Diesel and winked.

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