Page 24 of Turmoil's Target

How we were looking for new ways to funnel cash, clean the dirty money pouring in from our illicit business deals.

Car washes would be the perfect front.

Easy to hide extra income, cook the books.

“Thought we were gonna get those permits,” I say, a sinking feeling in my gut. “Use ‘em ourselves.”

Dixon exhales deeply, suddenly looking twice his age. “Well, we didn’t. Looks like Sally beat us to the punch.”

Fuck.

Shit is just getting messier.

If Sally gets those car washes up and running, it’ll mean she’s fucking with another stream of revenue the club had planned.

More resources to come after us with.

“So,” I say, struggling to keep my voice steady. “Did the club manage to get any of the permits? Or did she nab them all?”

Dixon shakes his head grimly. “Nah. She bypassed the hoops we had to jump through somehow. I don’t even know if it’ll be worth it to open up any fuckin’ car washes anymore.”

“Fuck,” I curse under my breath, slamming a fist against the sticky tabletop. “This woman isn’t gonna stop, is she?”

Damon leans forward, his steely eyes boring into mine. “No, she won’t. And it’s up to us to put an end to her scheming before she buries us.”

His words settle like lead in my bones.

The weight of this responsibility, of going toe-to-toe with a ruthless criminal matriarch, threatens to suffocate me.

As damming as it is, I know we’re going to make it through.

Jolt, silent until now, clears his throat. “You think she’s gonna make other moves?” he asks, voice tight with tension. “Beyond just messing with our money?”

I watch as Damon and Dixon exchange a loaded glance.

An unspoken conversation passes between them, heavy with dark implications.

Finally, Damon gives a curt nod. “Without a doubt. Bleeding us dry financially is just the beginning.”

“She’ll come at us from every angle,” Dixon adds, jaw clenched. “Won’t stop until she’s ground us into dust under her designer heels.”

My mind spins, trying to anticipate what other vicious plays Sally might have up her sleeve.

Extortion? Blackmail? Outright violence?

With a woman as calculating and ruthless as her, the possibilities are endless.

Across from me, Damon leans back, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Whatever her next move is, we need to be ready. Stay sharp and keep digging.”

His gaze drills into me and Jolt, unwavering. “You two are our eyes and ears. Make your way inside her inner circle. We’re countin’ on you both.”

I swallow hard, mouth suddenly bone dry.

I force myself to nod, meeting his stare head-on. “We won’t let you down, Prez.”

Beside me, Jolt echoes the vow. “We’ll do whatever it takes.”

Damon pushes to his feet, signaling the end of our meeting. “We’ll reconvene next week. Different time, different location. I’ll send you the details.”

---