Page 45 of Three Little Words

“When somebody wants out, we vote. And it has to be pretty close to unanimous.”

“Dak, please.” I leaned forward a little. “Bryan’s in a real bad place. He’s doing cocaine. He needs to get himself back together before he can do this. Right now, he’s a liability. To you, to the whole club. If you let him out, his sister can help him get some better.”

“His sister. Bryn, right? She used to come around with him sometimes. Real hot piece of ass.” Dak leaned back in his chair, studying me.

I didn’t like how he talked about Bryn.

But right now, I wasn’t going to argue it.

I just wanted him to agree.

“Listen, Benny.” He sighed. “I know what’s going on with Bryan.”

“You do?”

“Of course I do. I know everything that happens with my club. I know who’s on drugs, who’s going bankrupt, who’s pissed off what drug dealers. I know. And believe me—when somebody does something as stupid as skim a little money from my club, I know it.”

My heart sank.

I didn’t want to let Bryn down.

Dak looked at me for a moment. He sighed, shaking his head. “Listen. I’ll look into it. Know what Bryan’s been up to, and I’ll see what I can do. No promises, but I’ll try.”

That was enough.

I nodded. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll, uh. Let him know.”

“Tell him to keep his head down and stay the hell away from The Depot.”

“I will.”

Dak nodded. “And just so you know. This is because we’re friends. Because our dads were friends. They went way back. I’m hoping we can be friends for a long time, too.”

“I’d like that.” I smiled. “I owe you, Dak.”

“Goddamn right, you do.” He stood up, patting my shoulder. “C’mon. We gotta have a drink.”

I laughed. “I can have one with you, but I gotta drive. And work.”

“God, you’re no fun.” Dak led me back out to the bar.

Jazz was already waiting with two shots of whiskey.

Dak and I knocked them back. He threw his glass on the floor when it was empty.

I did the same.

“C’mere, brother.” He pulled me into a hug, slapping my back. “I’ll get in touch. Okay?”

“Sounds good.” I nodded. “I’ll see you soon, Dak.”

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