Page 91 of Spike

“You made thematch,” Clutch said. “It was your fight. So don’t get all pissy just becauseyou lost.”

Edison jammed afinger in my face. “You cost me a lot of money tonight, and I’m not gonnaforget that.”

“You’ll forgetabout it or I’ll fuckin’ make you forget.” Clutch took a step towards Edisonand was met by his bodyguard. “Unless you’re about to ask me to dance, I’d backthe fuck up, big boy.”

The bodyguardstayed in place, opening his jacket to reveal a holstered pistol.

Clutch’s face litup. “Oh, shit. Is that a Colt 1911 with the white pearl grips?”

“Yeah,” the guardgrunted.

“Whoa, can I seethat?” Clutch asked, taking a step forward, and cold cocking him in the jaw.The bodyguard flew backward toward Ropes who took him to the ground anddisarmed him, tossing the gun to Clutch.

Clutch grabbedEdison and pressed the gun against his forehead. “Make a move and I give thisplace a badly needed paint job,” he called out to the bodyguard.

“Do what he says,”Edison instructed.

With the bodyguardnow subdued, Clutch turned his attention back to Eddison. “You were warned notto fuck around with us, but you didn’t listen, did you?”

Edison’s jawtightened.

“We agreed to afair fight, for the winner’s purse, and Spike knocked your guy’s dick in thefucking dirt. Now, instead of asking us how we’d like payment, you’re trying tostiff us.”

“Spike owed me.This fight was his payment. We’re even now.”

“The hell we are,”I said. “You owe me ninety grand.”

“Plus twentypercent extra as a penalty for fucking with the Burning Saints. That’s onehundred and eight thousand in cash, tonight.”

“Fuck you,” Edisonreplied. “This is my place, and we play by my rules.”

“Okay. If that’sthe way you wanna play it. This ishisgun,” Clutch said, motioning tothe guard, “Shooting you inyourfoot.”

Clutch fired around straight down. The .45 caliber bullet tearing a hole through Edison’sright foot, sending him to the floor, screaming.

“Now, you’re gonnagive my fighter what you owe him, or I’ll do the other foot. Or maybe I’llblast a body part you care even more about,” Clutch said, pointing the gun atEdison’s crotch.

“I have themoney,” he panted between agonized groans.

“Where?” Clutchasked.

“There’s a… s…safeis in my office. Down…t…town.”

“On your feet, bigboy,” Clutch ordered the bodyguard. “You’re gonna carry your boss out to ourvan,” he said, before turning his attention back to Edison. “And then you’regonna take Ropes to your office, where you will pay him in full. Once that’staken care of, he’ll drop you off at the emergency room. Any further fuckingaround on your part will result in your immediate death. Plain and simple. Gotit?”

Edison nodded.

Clutch turned toRopes. “I’m gonna call in a couple guys to back you up. I’ll have them meet youat the van.”

“What aboutMinus?” Ropes asked. “He’s not gonna be happy about this.”

“Under fuckingstatement of the year,” Clutch replied. “Just try to get pegleg here to the vanwithout Minus seeing you and I’ll take care of the kid.”

CHAPTERNINETEEN

Trixie

Imade amad dash for my car, tears making it hardto see as I did. I slid into the driver’s seat and started the engine, callingGemma as I pulled out of the parking garage.

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