Page 18 of Bad Like Me

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Crow

Ghoul and Wilyhooked their biceps under my arms and lifted me to my feet. “We’re going to get her, brother. Sit tight and we’ll handle it,” Ghoul assured me and wrapped his arm around my waist, letting me go when I waved my hands in the air.

“No!” A sharp tone rattled up my windpipe as I clutched the note Diablo found taped to my door. I’d passed right by it because I was in too much of a hurry to get to Ray. It was from The Dogs and they had the audacity to sign it:

Bastards,

You took our money and torched our fucking warehouse, so we took this sweet ass. She’s just the first of many. Bodies will continue to disappear until we get our money. Bring what we’re owed plus 50K to the rendezvous point tonight at 1800 hours, and we’ll call it square.

P.S. I would hurry. Monster isn’t known for his patience in matters such as this. You’ll be lucky if this dumb bitch lives to see daylight again. Who knows, she might if she’s a good little girl.

With love,

Dogs of Chaos

“I’m going to fucking kill every last one of those fuckers!” I swore, getting to my feet, and Wily stood between the door and me.

“Crow, we have to form a plan,” he slowly articulated, walking toward me, his palms swatting at the air as he took another step closer, trying to calm me down.

“Alright, what’s the fucking plan?” I insisted, punching a nearby support beam of the house, my knuckles crunched against the wood, and blood spattered the adjacent wall.

“Call the rest of the guys,” Ghoul instructed Diablo and Wily, “Tell them we’re on our way and to be at the clubhouse. Mandatory. No excuses.”

“You got it, boss,” Diablo quickly replied, pressing his fingers to the keypad of his burner phone.

* * *

“Flashman,what kind of explosives do you have at your place?” Wily eyed him, getting right to the point as soon as he called the meeting to order.

“I have enough shit to light their asses up like it’s the Fourth of July.” His lips spread into a wide grin, and he shoved a cigar between them.

“Sac and I will get all the counterfeit bills, and we’re going to stuff them into one of the hot vehicles Diablo picked up a few weeks ago. A 2020 ‘Vette should cover fifty thou and then some, right?”

Diablo nodded his head.

“Right. So, we stuff the bags of cash in the backseat, and you line the bottom of that fucker with as much shit as your little heart desires, Flash.”

“Fucking, right.” Ghoul nodded in agreement, glancing over to me. “We don’t kill a damn one of them until we tail them back to Crow’s nurse.”

“I want that part. I’m going to make them regret the day they ever fucked with the Royal Bastards,” I spoke for the first time since we reached the clubhouse.

“’Course, brother. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Spider, you and Sleeper stay back in case we need back up. Oh, and get a hold of Heavy, fill him in on the details.” Ghoul made sure everyone had an assignment, not giving anyone time to get a word in edgewise. “Sledge, you’re with Diablo and Flash.” He pointed his finger toward their end of the table. “Wily, you’re with Crow and me.” Unmistakable rage bounded from his words, and he pounded his fists against the table.

“All in agreement?” Wily sounded off, always remembering to keep things official.

“Aye,” we all yelled in unison.

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