Page 30 of Strider's Misstep

Data shakes his head. “No, well, it is, but tickets were sold out way back. It’s not something we can just turn up and enter.”

“We might not be able to get inside, but StoryTeller will be going with Sheri, remember?” Buzz states, clearly getting to the point he was trying to make before Shout interrupted him. He slaps his hand down as though making a point. “We get StoryTeller on side and bring him up to date.” He glances at Data. “You got photos of Aster so he knows who to watch out for?”

As Data nods, I’m trying to process everything in my head. I don’t like this at all. If my woman is in danger, it’s me who should be there to protect her. But from what my information expert says, none of us will be able to attend the event except for StoryTeller. At least we’ll have one man inside. While I don’t like leaving anything to chance, it’s likely her ex will come up against the same problem, and also be unable to gain entry. While Jasmine’s in the resort at the event, she’s probably safe.

But I don’t like unknowns and not knowing the odds.

“I’m going to speak to Chaz,” I decide and state. “We can then brief StoryTeller.” I point to my right. “Buzz, get with Data and find out all you can about the resort when the signing is taking place. See where any weak points are. And Data?” I address the man himself. “Can you see whether Mayhem can check on Aster’s whereabouts, and whether we can predict whether he’s planning on visiting Texas?”

“Sure thing, Prez,” both he and Buzz answer together.

“We’ll meet back here tomorrow.” I bang the gavel, then as the other brothers stand and leave, I beckon my officers should stay with me.

Once the room is empty, apart from Buzz, Shotgun, Tequila and myself, I go to collect my phone held in the box outside the door. Once I return, I pull up a number, click it onto speakerphone, then put it on the table in front of me.

The ringing tone sounds a couple of times, then it’s answered.

“Strider, Brother, how’s it hanging?”

I sigh and get straight down to business. “Got a problem, Chaz.”

“Anything I can do to help, you got it, Brother.” He doesn’t even let me explain before pledging to help. Not unexpected, I’d do the same in return. As would the presidents of the other Wretched Soulz charters.

It takes about ten minutes to fill him in, having to make time for his intelligent questions and a couple of inputs from Shotgun and Buzz. Tequila mainly stays quiet, listening. Then, Chaz takes a moment to think for himself.

When he speaks, he adds some clarity I hadn’t considered. “Got a woman of my own now, as you know, Brother. So maybe I’m more up to speed on this keeping an ol’ lady happy stuff.” He chuckles softly. “Mind you, with Queenie, she’d have my balls if I upset her.”

This is a very different Chaz from the one I’d spoken to a few months back. It’s not so much that his old lady has tamed him, but perhaps made him appreciate some softness in his life. Though soft isn’t a word you’d extend to Helo. My lips curve as I admit I’d think seriously before crossing her.

Chaz continues, “If I thought it would help, I’d instruct StoryTeller to get the contact details from his ol’ lady and risk her wrath. But have you considered that if Jasmine’s as savvy as you describe her, she’ll probably have a burner phone that we might not be able to trace? And if it’s a contract, who knows what name it would be purchased under. You said Data hadn’t been able to find a bank account.”

Well, I’ll be fucked. He’s right. Pulling my hair back, I hold it for a moment before letting it loose.

He hasn’t finished. “She’s still staying off the radar. If Mayhem can’t find her, it’s likely no one can. I think you’ve got the rights of it when you say she’ll only be in danger when she appears in public at that Dallas event. StoryTeller will be there with her. I’ll bring him up to speed so he knows what to look for.”

“But will StoryTeller be enough?” I drop in. “I’m not doubting his capabilities, but who knows what he’ll be up against.”

Chaz is quiet for a moment. “You said all the tickets are sold, and there’s no legitimate way in?” I give an affirmative grunt, towhich he chuckles softly. “You reckon Ms. J Frobisher would be able to have another assistant there? Or, if not, one who replaces Sheri?”

I breathe out. “I’ll pick one of my men.”

“Nah, I was thinking another female,” he interjects fast.

“All I’ve got here are sweet butts?—”

He bellows with laughter this time. “Who I’m thinking of will be as good, if not better, than any brother and definitely tops any club girl. If Queenie’s willing to do it, then Jasmine will be covered for sure.”

A startled laugh barks out of me. “You think Helo would help?”

“I think there’s more question of how I’d stop her once she knows the facts. My Queenie does tend to get bored. Only one issue, she wouldn’t be able to be there until the day of the signing as she’s got a drop-off for me to do first. But that’s when the public will be attending, so hopefully, StoryTeller can cover her himself until then.”

“We’ll be staying close by?—”

“As will I and some of my brothers. Not leaving my Queenie exposed without backup.”

All I can do is thank him profusely. We chat about arrangements for a while, then end the call.

There’s a risk Barclay Aster will get to her before we do, but it’s one I’ll have to live with for now. Chaz had agreed that Sheri will check in daily and if there’s a time when Jasmine doesn’t answer her phone, she’ll sound the alarm.

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