Page 35 of Doubling Down

“It doesn’t make up for those we lost,” Jesse said.

“Maybe not,” Eric responded. “But I have faith that you'll figure out how to help the families of those affected.”

“I’ll do my best.” Jesse smiled. “I don’t suppose you're looking for a career change?”

Eric barked out a laugh as Remi growled.

“I’m pretty happy with my job right now,” Eric told him. “I’ll let you know if anything changes.”

Jesse nodded. “I appreciate everything you did.”

“It was my pleasure.” Eric nodded at Remi. It was time to end this. He pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed Dane.

“’Lo?”

“You still have eyes on him?”

“He’s currently standing outside the coffee shop,” Dane reported. “He walks by once every hour.”

Looking for Ezra? Well Collins would never lay eyes on Eric’s boy again. “Keep an eye on him. I’m on my way.”

“Got it.” Dane disconnected.

Eric glanced over his shoulder one last time. Remi and Jesse had their heads bent over the desk, going over paperwork. Eric wasn’t worried about not seeing Jesse again. He had plans to take not only Ezra to the club but his brother as well.

Last night had given Eric a glimpse of what a future with Ezra could consist of. Was it too soon to be madly and deeply in love with Ezra? Maybe. And Eric wasn’t there yet but the chance was alive.

He could have a family that he hadn’t known he wanted. A life worth working hard for. A partner, a child, a strong relationship with his brother, his friends by his side, and a job that he loved.

There was just a little business that needed to be taken care of first.

In the elevator Eric pulled the badge from under his button-down shirt. He was no longer hiding who he was. He was just stepping out of the elevator when his phone rang.

“Dane?”

“Something’s going on,” Dane yelled. “Collins received a phone call and went nuts. He started a riot in the casino. It’s pure chaos and I lost him.”

“Fuck! Call Remi. He’s with Jesse in the office. I'll try to find Collins.”

“He was by the coffee shop. Check there first.”

Eric slipped his phone into his pocket as he raced toward the opposite side of the casino floor. He knew that Dom was working at the shop and Ezra would be upset if anything happened to his friend.

He dodged frantic patrons of the casino as he ran. Dane hadn’t been joking when he’d said there was a riot. Eric hoped that Jesse had a plan because this had not been what they expected.

Eric had no idea what had gone wrong, but he needed to figure it out quick. He could see the front of the coffee shop and a few customers gathered around the windows, watching the craziness.

“Dom!” Eric shouted as he sprinted inside.

“Here.”

Eric turned toward the counter. Dom stood holding a white towel against his face. Red coated Don’s hands and was soaking into the towel.

“What happened? Are you okay?” Eric asked.

Dom removed the towel from his face, revealing a busted nose. “Joey Collins happened. He ran inside. Demanded to know where Ezra was. When I wouldn’t tell him, he hit me and ran through the door.” Dom pointed behind him.

Eric cupped Dom’s face to check the injury.

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