Page 152 of Collect the Pieces

“Does that guy have his own personality?” Hustler asks.

“Yes,” I answer in a dry tone. “Being so stupid-rich that he picks up hobbies like babies pick up seashells.”

Rooster rolls his head to the side and gives me the questioning eyebrow/eye roll combo.

“What?” I shrug. “It’s true.”

“Weird comparison, but okay,” Z says.

“He goes to Vegas all the time,” Rooster says. “I’ll ask him what the security situation is at those events.”

“Iknowwhat it’s like.” Wrath circles a finger in the air. “Those fights are on pay-per-view, you know.”

“Yeah, that’s not the same,” Murphy says. “Some of those so-called pro fighters are gutter rats. Griff might not get a warm welcome as an outsider. They don’t air all the squabbles that go on backstage between the fighters and their entourages.”

I pull back and stare at Murphy. “Look at Jolly Green with the big words today.”

“Fuck off.” Murphy laughs and punches my shoulder.

“Exactly.” Wrath nods like he’s happy someone’s finally getting his point. “We should be there to make sure no one fucks with him.”

“The odds will be so against him, the payoff could be huge. If he pulls it off,” Teller says, practically salivating at the thought of a major influx of cash. He turns to Rock. “We could take a portion of club funds.”

“You want to bet club funds on afight?” Rock asks with a raised eyebrow, clearly not sold on the idea.

Teller dials back his enthusiasm. “Let’s see what Wrath finds out. Obviously, I’d ask for a vote. I wouldn’t touch club funds for something like that without approval. And I wouldn’t risk more than we can afford to lose.”

Rock scowls at him. “I know that.”

“I’m in.” I raise my hand like someone’s taking attendance. Margot said she wanted to travel. Maybe our first trip together will be Vegas.

“Let’s get a date and more information first,” Rooster says. “But I’ll probably go too.”

“If Remy’s going, I assume he’ll need someone to watch the bar,” Dex says. “I’ll do that for him.”

“I wouldn’t mind seeing Vegas,” Grinder says with a casual shrug. “And I’d like to support the kid after everything he’s done for me.”

“Good.” Wrath slaps the table. “That’s all I wanted. See if there’s interest and if Teller thinks it’s worth an investment.”

“Wait a minute.” I hold up my finger. “Is this why you greeted me with a choke hold?” I swivel my head between Rock and Z. “Is attacking us his new way of saying hello from now until Vegas?”

“I told you.” Wrath grins, pure evil. “Situational awareness.”

“Oh, it’sonmotherfucker,” I promise.

“All right.” Rock slaps the table, signaling the conversation’s over. “This could be interesting.” He nods toward Wrath. “Thanks for bringing it to the table.”

But Wrath’s distracted with his phone lighting up. He scowls at the screen. “Let me take this,” he mutters, already pushing away from the table.

Rock stands and dismisses everyone.

Rooster and I stop in the living room.

“Vegas, huh. It’s been a while.” Rooster slaps my chest. “You remember our first long ride? Boone and his buddies taking us through Nevada? Supposed to be this epic scenic three-day ride?—”

“And my balls went numb on day one?”

Rooster barks out a laugh. “Well, yeah. Same. But when we reached that town with?—”

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