Page 100 of Knights Game

“You look like shit,”Asher greets me, as I climb out the car.

Looks like shit barely describes my current state. In the last two days I’ve had less than four hours of sleep; I am running on empty.

“Everything set up?”

“Heard I missed quite the party.” He looks down at his phone, reading a message. As always, Asher is immaculately presented, even though he’s been working flat-out trying to get the warehouse ready for the Russian shipment.

“Hmm,” I reply without biting.

“Do we know what’s in these containers?” he asks, falling into step behind me as we cross into the now completely organised warehouse.

It’s still a piece of shit, with a lot more work to do, but the broken windows have been replaced, the space has been deep cleaned, painted and looks like the start of a successful partnership.

“No. I’m assuming with the Sokolov’s ties it will be guns.” I know full well it’s guns. “I’ve agreed that we will unload and transport to warehouses in the city.”

He nods. “Lorries will arrive at 11:30, that gives us enough time to unload and reload onto the transport and be on the road before 1 p.m. It looks great,” I say, taking in the space. Forklifts move around, and shelving has been constructed that runs floor to ceiling, allowing a range of boxes to be stored there. James has pulled off that fucking miracle, I can’t believe how good it looks. “Tunnels?”

“Not needed for today. Where’s Rome?” he asks, and I glance at my watch: 7:05. Roman Rook being late is unheard of. “He’ll be here, I’d murder for a coffee.”

“Let me show you our new office.”

He leads me through the empty warehouse, the smell of chemicals and paint fumes making my stomach queasy. People in Black Logistics coveralls move around in preparation for the delivery.

“Security cameras at every entry point, sensors throughout, there is no part of the warehouse and tunnels that isn’t covered.” He drops the freshly poured coffee and leans over me wiggling the mouse on the computer that I’m sitting in front of. The flat-screen TVs on the wall come to life. “We now have 24-hour security, the feed will be monitored 24/7, and you can view everything from anywhere once we get you connected.”

He selects a camera that shows the road leading up to the warehouse. Where a white sports car trails up the track towards the front. “Roman?” Asher asks.

I raise my eyebrows. “In a Porsche?”

He grins and I lean forward. “Expecting anyone else?”

“Nope.” I stand as Black pulls out a walkie talkie.

“We have unplanned company.” He reaches a hand into his jacket and pulls out a gun, loading it.

I follow suit, walking back out the front door and six other men wearing dark security overalls with the Black Logistics logo fall into step.

The Porsche pulls up to where we all stand, the dirt road a muddy slushy mess from all the rain. Mud spatters the crisp white paintwork, and I step back.

It idles for a second before the window rolls down.

“Hello, Cousin,” Levi says.

I roll my eyes. “Fuck’s sake,” I mutter. The passenger door opens, and Duchess climbs out, her white trouser suit clinging to her body.

“Not exactly dressed for the docks there, Duchess,” Asher says, grinning.

She walks around the car and stops in front of us. Large Ray-Ban glasses hide her eyes.

“What do we owe the pleasure?” I kiss her cheeks as Levi climbs out.

“Heard you were receiving a shipment, the Covenant asked me to check on the status,” Levi lies.

“And Isabella, being the active Covenant member, thought she’d join, did she?” Black asks, smelling the bullshit.

A diesel engine can be heard in the distance and Levi checks his watch. “Perfect timing.” He clucks and grabs Isabella's hand before stepping around us into the warehouse.

“Quite the operation, Cousin. Looks great,” he says. “Interesting that we couldn’t find any paperwork that linked to the sale of this though. Not through Covenant channels anyway.”

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