Page 22 of Turmoil's Target

A flickering neon sign above the door reads "Sinner’s Saloon."

How fitting.

I cut the engine and exchange a glance with Jolt.

His jaw is tight, eyes hard.

I know that look.

He’s steeling himself, same as me.

We climb out, the night air hot and heavy against my skin.

This far from the city, the stars stretch on forever, a million pinpricks of light in the inky sky.

I take a breath, trying to settle the adrenaline already pumping through my veins.

As we approach the bar, I catch a glimpse of our reflections in the dingy windows.

Just two guys out for a drink, dressed down in jeans and plain t-shirts.

No cuts, no flashy jewelry screaming outlaw biker.

Damon is right, it’s best to keep a low profile out here.

Let’s face it, we never know who might be watching.

Jolt reaches for the door, but I grab his arm, my voice low. “Keep your eyes open in there. I want to know if you see anyone paying close attention to our conversation.”

He nods curtly. “Bet.”

The stench of stale beer and cheap cigarettes hits me like a wall as we step inside, some old country tune twanging from the jukebox.

It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim light, hazy with smoke.

I scan the room, clocking the exits, the drunks hunched over the bar, the cluster of guys shooting pool in the back.

And there, tucked away in a dark corner booth are Damon and Dixon.

Our Prez looks up, meeting my gaze.

He doesn’t smile, doesn’t nod.

He just watches, his expression unreadable, as we weave our way through the tables.

My pulse picks up as we slide into the cracked vinyl seats across from them.

Time to get down to business.

Damon leans forward, elbows on the sticky table.

His steely eyes bore into mine, cutting right through the bullshit.

His gravelly voice is barely louder than a whisper, but I can feel the intensity radiating off him. “What have you found out?”

I lick my suddenly dry lips, choosing my words carefully.

“We’re still in the beginning stages,” I begin, keeping my own voice low. “But I made a connection with Seraphina at a club last week.”

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