Page 69 of Chubs

“What’s the plan for all of them?”

“I’m not sure yet. Originally, I just wanted to have them come up missing to mess with the others’ heads and to take their numbers down. Now, I’m thinking of alerting the other families to their whereabouts and letting them take care of it.”

“They’d slaughter each of them immediately. Is that something you’re okay living with?” Les asks the same question I’ve been trying to answer for myself.

“Our other option is to alert law enforcement, but they’d just turn them loose if they don’t have warrants or pending charges,” I say with a sigh.

“Not if we left evidence of their crimes,” Les suggests.

I need to think on this because his idea has merit. It’s not as if there isn’t evidence to be found either. Some of these guys have been very careless, and that’s something we can use against them.

“Let’s get to work on that plan. I collected phones and computers whenever I could, so we’ve got a good start already. We’ll head back to our room and start pouring through their sordid little lives.”

At times like these, I wish I had Rex’s help. He’s not only tech-savvy but incredibly intelligent too. He has a knack for knowing what tiny little tidbits of information can lead to and where to look for more. More than once since leaving Denver, I’ve wanted to contact him for his help. This whole ordeal would be going much smoother and quicker with it, but I can’t ask him to choose between me and the club. After the hours I know he’s put in looking for me, Rex may not be willing to help anyway. I’ve burnt that bridge, and I can’t blame him if he outright hates me.

“You work in finance, so you dig in that area. I’ll sort through the other stuff and make notes. We can go over everything together later,” I say.

Les nods and picks up the first laptop. It’s password protected, but Les clicks “forgot password,” and the cell phone I’m holding pings. I reset the password, read it off to Les, and he gets to work.

It takes the better part of two days to work through the electronics, but eventually, patterns emerge. Who was in charge of what and who they answered to. Who is in charge of the money, weapons, sex workers, and so forth. Which capo each guy works for, and their duties. We get a wealth of information, but not nearly as much or as fast as Rex would have. I now have a greater appreciation for my old club member and his love of energy drinks.

“Let’s label everything and call it a night. After going through all their dirty dealings, I need a long, hot fucking shower and several drinks. Strong drinks,” Les mutters as he shuts a laptop and pushes it away.

“I need food.”

“That goes without saying. I’ll go buy food and booze before the shower while you finish up here,” Les states before standing.

“Sounds good. Don’t go skimpy on the food and remember desserts too.”

Les leaves, and I start sticking notes on the various electronics. Who they belong to, and the basics of what’s on them. When I’m finished, I stack them in a tote and take a quick shower.

An hour later and Les still hasn’t returned. I’m growing concerned, but I’m not panicked yet. Two hours later, panic is setting in. After three hours, I know Les isn’t going to return. Have I gotten my little brother killed?

Me: Dinner?

A few minutes later, I received a text back.

Les: Sounds good. Antonio’s in an hour?

Me: See you then.

I immediately gather my weapons and slide my backpack over my shoulders. Within a few minutes, I’m walking away from the hotel. Stopping behind it only long enough to insert a new SIM card into my phone and toss the old one in a dumpster.

I walk several blocks until I reach the parking lot where we left the old Harley we’d bought the day Aria and Mom left town. Paid cash to a guy that advertised it on Craigslist. I knew the day might come it could be useful. Pulling on the full-face helmet, I sit astride and fire it up.

Riding back to the hotel, I carefully case the area. Not seeing anything or anyone out of place, I return to my room. Moving the electronics into a duffle bag, I gather other items that I don’t want to leave behind. Changing clothes first, then returning to the bike, I strap down the duffle bag and slide everything else into the saddlebags.

Knowing that Antonio’s is a setup but needing to know by who, I ride toward that part of town. Leaving the bike behind a bar, I search for a way to view Antonio’s without being seen. Since the pizzeria has a small parking lot behind it with a back entrance for its customers to use, I surveil the surrounding area. Whoever is waiting for me to show, they’ll be coming and going from the back entrance, not the front. It’s what I would do.

The key to not being noticed is to act normal. Most people go through their daily routines without really noticing their surroundings, so don’t have your head on a swivel. Blend in clothing-wise by wearing neutral colors, and don’t draw attention to yourself by showing nervous energy. Hold your phone like you’re taking a call or texting because that’s a normal, everyday thing in today’s world. I employ all of these techniques while walking the neighborhood.

Knowing the changes I’ve made to my appearance since leaving Denver works in my favor too. Having lost a noticeable amount of weight along with the short dyed hair and no scruff, there’s little resemblance to Adriano Zanetti or Chubs. Taking it a step further, I consciously alter how I walk.

It takes several minutes, but I eventually find a place to observe Antonio’s back lot. In the yard of an older home is an extremely large lilac bush. Having had one in our yard while growing up, I know they’re not difficult to get inside. Not seeing anyone around, I push my way into the center of the bush. I break down some inside limbs to create enough space to sit or stand comfortably. Pulling out small but powerful binoculars, I scan the lot while knowing I’m completely concealed.

I watch as my car drives past, and I don’t need the binoculars to recognize the two men sitting in the front seat. The two Feds from Denver have somehow mustered up enough brain cells to locate and grab Les.

The car parks, and the men exit it. They enter the building but return a few minutes later. After speaking together, they take up positions to keep the car and door of the restaurant in view. I hunker down and wait.

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