Page 35 of Cutter

“Human trafficking,” Barron added.

Blade blew out a breath, and all three fell silent. Cutter could only imagine what his friends were thinking about, probably visualizing the possibility of a loved one in the hands of such cruel men. Emily’s face flashed in his mind. He shook the image away. It was too horrible to entertain.

“I’ll accept the invitation. Guys get drunk, say things they regret or forget when sober. I want to be close enough to hear it all.” Cutter scratched his neck. Emily wasn’t going to be happy when he told her about the party. But the opportunity to learn critical information was too good to pass up. “Who’s coming with me?”

“I’ll be there.” Barron smiled. “I’m bringing a date, but she won’t distract me from watching your six. I guarantee.”

“A date?” Blade and Cutter asked at the same time.

“No…way,” Cutter said.

“Hey, guys. I have my charms,” Barron protested. “I’m cool. Chicks find me attractive.”

“Can’t imagine.” Blade laughed. “How did you find her?”

“Who is she?” Cutter continued.

“You’re not going to believe it when I tell you.”

“Stop fucking around, Barron,” Blade demanded.

Barron smiled. “Yoanni. Emily’s friend.”

Cutter jumped out of his recliner and stomped over to Barron’s. Clasping the armrests, he got into his friend’s face. “Do you think this is funny?”

“Not one bit.” Frowning, he glared back. “What’s your beef?”

“She’s Emily’s friend.”

“Yeah, so?” Barron barked. “She’s pretty and spunky. When you and Nails were having it out, Yoanni and I talked. I told her I’d like to see her again, and she gave me her number. And before you go nuts, it was voluntary. I didn’t force her or threaten her.”

Stepping back from his friend, Cutter wiped his damp forehead. He’d broken into a cold sweat. “Look, man, you can’t bring Yoanni to the party. Choose anyone but her.”

“I don’t get you,” Barron growled. “What’s your objection to Yoanni? She’s a nice girl.”

“Sure, she’s a nice girl, but you’re not thinking,” Cutter said. “I had one fucked-up hell of a time explaining to Emily why she can’t be seen with me in public or show her face at the Dirt Road. The blond wig was a ridiculous disguise. Anyone could’ve recognized her as a Garden City police detective. That would’ve killed the investigation, not to mention the Chaos could’ve linked us together and put the club in danger. As it is, too many of us are aware of the investigation. We need to play our cards close to the vest. And if you bring Yoanni…”

“Cutter, I’d never betray you,” Barron exclaimed. “You’re my brother. I hope you know that.”

“That’s not what he means,” Blade said softly. “I get his point. Yoanni is Captain Weaver’s secretary. The hop from her to Emily is very short.”

“But I already invited her,” Barron moaned.

“What time is the party?” Cutter asked.

“Any time after nine,” Barron replied.

“Take her to dinner. Go to Savannah, someplace far from here. Yoanni wouldn’t enjoy a party with a bunch of drunken bikers anyway. Besides, she knows what’s going on. Tell her the truth and promise to make it up to her,” Cutter said. “I’mkeeping Emily informed. When I speak to her later, I’ll ask her to explain the change in plans to Yoanni.”

“I like her a lot,” Barron growled. “I don’t care what you say. I’m going to see her again. There’s something special about Yoanni. I haven’t felt this way in a long time.”

“What the fuck? Did I tell you to stop seeing her?”

Barron stared back. “No. But?—”

“Look, man. Until this thing is over, we have to be extra careful. For their safety as well as ours.”

“Yeah, the Oquendo men are in a different league,” Blade said.

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