Page 65 of Taming the Demon

“I can get technical if you want, babe. Or just take my word for it. We’ll be able to see where she is at all times. You might not want to hear this part, but if there’s a chance she’s working with Fitz, we’ll know.”

“Why would she…”

Mara’s voice dropped off. At this point, nothing would surprise her. So why even bother asking?

“At any rate, we’ll know where she is,” Darrow said. “Even if it’s to keep an eye on her and protect her.”

Mara looked at the little tracking device and shook her head. These outlaws could drink whiskey like water, fight for fun, commit murder like normal people would commit to putting on sunglasses when it was sunny out. And yet with all that meanness and evil violence, there was this other side, led by Darrow. This technology side, needed to survive in a world that demanded to be modern even though the club held tight to its roots.

“I need some coffee,” Cyrus said as he walked toward the bar.

Maggie was already a step ahead, pouring a cup for the president ofSOFRAW.

“Ah, fuck,” Monte suddenly announced. “Prez, we have a problem again.”

All eyes moved to the security cameras. Drix and Stu at the gates, which were open to allow Macy to leave. She left as visitors showed up.

“You know, this is getting to be a pain in my fucking ass,” Cyrus growled. “I used to dread seeing Chief Dick showing up like this. But now…”

Tension entered the clubhouse. The Russian mafia had showed up again. Cyrus made a fist and punched the bar.

He looked at Maggie.“Skip the coffee and give me a shot of whiskey.”

This time, Damien arrived with just one vehicle. His custom black car with no labels or markers anywhere. He even opened the backdoor himself.

“This feels weird,Prez,” Slade said to Cyrus.

“It does,” Cyrus said. “Everyone keep alert.”

Darrow and Linc each stood near Cyrus, ready to attack if something were to happen.

Damien showed his hands right away. “Easy, my friends. Easy. No violence needed for this meeting. What’s done is done, no?”

For good measure, Damien lifted his suit jacket and did a spin, showing no weapons. Of course, everyone knew that was total bullshit. A guy like Damien never traveled without packing. The guy probably had at least two guns and three knives hidden on him somewhere.

“Our common problem lingers, Cyrus,” Damien said.

“No problem for you,” Cyrus said. “This is our issue. We’ve already said that. I’m sorry about your rat, but that’s all I can offer.”

“I’ll never have the enjoyment of killing someone who turned on me,” Damien said.

“Hey, brother, shit happens,” Linc said. “No need to cause issues here.”

“I like that choice of words,” Damien said. “No need to cause issues…” Damien nodded. “Funny you say that. I brought you something. A gift.”

“We’re whiskey drinkers around here, Damien,” Cyrus said. “Save your vodka for your own crew.”

“Ah, yes. No vodka this time! I promise.”

Damien walked back to his car. Linc and Darrow looked at each and they both nodded. Their cue to draw their weapons just in case Damien had something insane up his sleeve. He turnedtoward the outlaws, holding a black box. He carried it with two hands. A smile on his face.

“A gift,” Damien said. “No vodka. Something else.”

“I’ll open it,” Darrow said. “Just in case.”

“Fuck that,” Virus growled. “You have a baby on the way, brother. I’m opening it. I’m an enforcer. This should be my job.”

They all looked at Cyrus and he nodded.

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