Page 55 of Sypher

I wasn’t stupid.

I could see the writing on the wall. Although both sides were united in their opposition to a common enemy, their internal conflict allowed the enemy to prevail, while they focused on fighting each other rather than their mutual adversary.

With tensions escalating and a bloody war in the underworld looming, something had to change before everyone got themselves killed by refusing to cooperate and compromise. The impending war impacted everyone, and the desire for ultimate survival created a high-stakes competition among all participants.

The funny thing about war—there were no winners.

Someone always got hurt.

“Hey, kid.” Storm’s greeting ripped me from my thoughts, causing such a sudden jerk that I almost lost my balance and fell out of my chair. Having quickly regained my composure, I lifted my gaze to meet Storm’s as he shook his head, a gesture that spoke volumes. “You okay there?”

“Yeah.” I plastered on a fake smile. “What’s up?”

“Here,” he said, throwing a thumb drive on my desk. Picking it up, I glance back at Storm when he added, “Sypher gave me that. There’s information on there about Delany, her family andother shit. Go through it and verify everything. Leave no stone unturned. Montana wants everything verified fast, before the next shoe drops. Got me?”

“Yeah, I got you.”

“Good,” the man groaned. “Now for the other thing. As your sponsor, I expect total fucking honesty. I ask you a question, you better tell me the fucking truth. You lie to me and you’re out. No second chances. I don’t have time to hold your hand, so you better be damn sure this is what you want, because I will not go easy on you. My sponsor didn’t go easy on me, and I won’t either. I’m not here to coddle you. You either comply and do everything the club asks of you or you’re out. My job is to answer questions, listen, and guide you when shit piles up, but other than that, what you do next is all on you. However, if you fucking make me look bad, that’s a reflection of me, and I will not tolerate that. Got me?”

“I understand.”

“Good.” Storm nodded then smiled, extending his hand toward me. “On a personal note. I’m really happy for you, kid. I know you won’t disappoint me or the club. Congratulations on your internship. You’ve earned it.”

Standing, I shook the man’s hand. “Thank you, Storm.”

“Well, I need to head home. Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency, and what I mean by that is—”

“Unless I’m dying in a street somewhere or the club is under attack.”

“I’m gonna like sponsoring you, kid.” Storm grinned before walking out the door adding, “Don’t work too late. Life’s too short as it is.”

Sitting back down, I looked at the thumb drive in my hand and got to work.

No time like the present.

Chapter Twenty-One

Pippen

May 11, 2024, Soulless Sinners’ Clubhouse,

My heart hammered in my chest, a frantic drumbeat that mirrored the tremor in my hands, while I sat frozen, staring blankly at the computer screen. Every nerve ending tingled, a jolt of pure terror arcing through my veins as I grappled with the weight of my past mistakes, the sound of my own racing heartbeat deafening in my ears. There was no justification, explanation or pardon for the disrespectful and unacceptable way I addressed him that day—my behavior was inexcusable. Overwhelmed by my own fears, I reacted by dismissing him in a way that completely disregarded his importance to me. My fears clouded my judgment and silenced my reason. I let my agony dictate my actions, ignoring every rational thought and ultimately causing pain to the man who selflessly sought to safeguard me—his gentle concern lost amidst the cacophony of my inner turmoil.

I knew that now.

In spite of my request, his investigation into the Trick Pony led to an unexpected discovery. A truth I had never known about, and as a consequence of his curious spirit, his important find overshadowed the very significance of my past trauma. The pain I had been enduring lost all meaning, reduced to nothingness while I was consumed by a terrifying new fear that originated deep within my soul.

I had a daughter.

Without Danny’s deep-seated need to learn everything, I would have lived the rest of my life never knowing the truth. As it was, I rarely thought of my time at the Trick Pony. The horror of what happened, what I did, was too much to reconcile within myself. So, I filed it away, refusing to ever think on it again. Now, I didn’t have that luxury because somewhere out there was a little two-year-old girl named Danika Avery Sharp, who resembled me in every way.

I didn’t know where she was, who she was with, or if she was scared, but she was out there, and I was going to find her.

Gathering my keys, I got up, left my office, and walked out of the clubhouse because there was only one fucking person on the planet who knew where to find her. Even if I had to beg and plead, grovel at his feet for forgiveness, he was going to help me find my daughter.

The door was open when I stepped off the elevator, almost as if he knew I would come. That’s when I realized he put an alarm on the file to notify him when I opened it. He was proficient at everything he did, leaving nothing to chance. Entering the apartment, he stood on the other side of the room, looking right at me, his thick muscular arms crossed over his chest. He said nothing as I closed the door behind me, waiting for me to make the first move, to say something, anything.

Only I couldn’t.

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