Page 99 of Manic

The words hang in the air.

I fight to keep my face neutral, but my mind is racing.

Another prospect for the club?

It could work out well, give us an inside man.

But it's a hell of a risk.

I catch Fenrir's eye, seeing my own uncertainty mirrored there.

Whatever we decide, it's going to change everything.

The game just got a whole lot more complicated.

Fenrir's eyes narrow as he considers Rio's ballsy request.

The tension in the room is palpable, and I can practically hear the gears turning in Fenrir's head.

After what feels like an eternity, he finally speaks.

"I'll need to talk to the Prez about that," Fenrir says, his voice carefully neutral.

I can't help but shake my head slightly.

The balls on this fucker.

Here he is, tied up in a basement after getting caught dealing on our turf, and he's asking to join the club?

Part of me wants to laugh, but another part... well, I can't help but admire his nerve.

"You understand what you're asking, right?" I find myself saying, leaning forward to catch Rio's eye. "This isn't just some gang you can join for protection. We're a brotherhood. When you’re in, you’re in… and if you’re out, it means you’re six feet under."

Rio nods, his face set in determination. "I get it. And I'm ready for whatever that means."

I exchange a glance with Fenrir, seeing the same mix of skepticism and intrigue I'm feeling reflected in his eyes.

Having a prospect with insider knowledge of the Patriot's operation could be invaluable.

But bringing in an outsider, especially under these circumstances, is risky as hell.

"If—and that's a big if—this happens," Fenrir says slowly, "you'd be starting at the very bottom. Prospect status. No guarantees."

"I understand," Rio says quickly. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe."

I can't help but picture how this might play out.

Rio as a prospect, learning our ways, proving himself.

It could work out in our favor, give us an edge we desperately need against the Patriot.

But if he's playing us...

"Tor," Fenrir's voice cuts through my thoughts. "What's your take on this?"

I take a deep breath, weighing my words carefully.

"It's a risk," I say finally. "But one that could pay off big time if he's legit."

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