Page 28 of Knights Game

“A bit more context would be helpful.”

“Layla.”

“Layla? We’re moving onto the next phase of the plan, and you’re asking about some woman? Get your head in the game.” He shakes his head.

“It’s in the game, but I want to know more about her parents’ car crash.”

“Then I suggest you ask her because I can’t find jack shit,” he pauses, giving me awhat the fuck is wrong with you look“like I told you yesterday, and last week, and the week before.”

“Don’t you find that strange?”

“I find many things strange, including your obsession with this girl. What am I missing here?” He pauses from typing on his phone and studies me.

Thankful for the interruption of my phone vibrating, I look down at the unknown number. I’m not ready to admit what Layla is starting to be to me. I answer it.

“Luca.”

“And this is?”

“Asher.”

“What can I do for you, Black?” I look out the window at the passing scenery of London as our driver takes Roman and me back to my club in South Kensington.

“I want in,” he says, and I glance across to Roman.

Interesting.

“You voted, I know,” I say, not changing my tone. Roman watches me intently then goes back to his phone, starting to get the other moving parts in place.

Minus the warehouse that we are still failing to secure.

“Come on, Knight, the Blacks and Westons have had an alliance for as long as I remember. I know that you’ve got more cooking, and I want in.”

“I’m not sure what you mean, my sole purpose is to protect the Covenant and my family’s operations. Besides, your alliance is with the Westons not the Knights.”

“I thought you’d say that.” I can imagine him smirking at the other end of the phone. “Something has been brought to my attention that I think you’ll be interested in.”

“Is that so?” I put the phone on speaker so that Rome can hear.

“A burnt-out Audi Q7 was picked up by the Metropolitan Police last night on some property I own up by Thameside.”

Rome’s eyes widen, and he mouths Thameside.

The Audi Q7 is an interesting hook, but it’s not the thing that will help. The property though, that’s another angle.

Once we set up operations at Thameside, we are going to need local property that can act as a hub. Does Black have the solution to our problem?

“Meet me tomorrow at Juju’s, 9 p.m.” I hang up and slide the phone back in my pocket and glance out the window, my mind going a thousand miles an hour.

“Do you trust him?” Roman asks.

“Do you?” I reply, tapping the door, watching the sky, the clouds menacing and dark.

“Yes.”

“Hmm.” I trust very few people.

“Talk, Knight,” Roman demands, and I finally stop staring out at the passing London shapes.