Page 74 of Property of Spike

“Are you sure about that?” Chuck presses, his voice lowering a notch, like he’s trying to sound all confidential. “There’s a lot going on, Spike. I just... I don’t want you or your family caught in the middle of it.”

I roll my eyes, unable to stop the small smirk that tugs at my lips. This is the oldest trick in the book. Play the concerned citizen. Make it seem like you’re trying to protect the other guy’s family.

“Chuck, I appreciate the concern, but you and I both know you don’t give a shit about my family.” I let the words hang in the air, cold and clear. “If you’re really trying to warn me, saveit. You don’t have to act like you care. It’s not gonna get you anywhere. And it sure as fuck isn’t gonna get you near Riley and Asher.”

Chuck’s silence stretches out. Then, almost like he’s swallowing back something, he responds. “I just don’t want to see Riley or my son hurt, Spike. You know how dangerous things can get. I’m not asking for your trust. I’m just trying to make sure everyone’s safe.”

I lean forward now, dropping my feet off the desk, my voice low and measured. “Listen, Chuck. I know how dangerous things can get. And as for my family? They’re under my protection, not yours. My compound’s locked down, and unless you’ve got a warrant or something with more bite than your typical warning, I don’t think you’ve got a leg to stand on.”

Chuck doesn’t reply right away. I can hear him shifting on the other end, probably trying to figure out his next move. But I’m already ten steps ahead.

“Just know,” Chuck says, his voice hardening, “I’m trying to be civil here, Spike. You don’t want to push me too far. I’m trying to help you avoid a situation where things go south. And you know damn well I’m capable of making that happen.”

I laugh, the sound bitter and low. “Help me, Chuck? You’ve always been a snake in the grass. You’ve never been there to help anyone. If you’re really concerned about Riley and Asher, do me a favor and stay the fuck away. They’re Shadows now. Which means they’re mine. You’ve touched Riley for the last fucking time.”

The line goes silent, but I know Chuck is still there. I can feel the tension crackling through the phone.

“I’m done here,” Chuck mutters. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before,” I say, cutting him off. “You can raid my compound all you want, Chuck. Just know I’ll be here, waiting for you. You want to play games? Bring it.”

I hang up before he can say anything else, staring at the phone in my hand.

“Protocols already active, Prez,” Tank says, stepping up to my side. “We’re ready if they make a move.”

“Good,” I grunt, my jaw tightening. “If Chuck thinks he’s gonna walk in here and take my woman and child, he’s sorely mistaken. Get the word out to the other chapters. Tell them to cooperate if they get raided. Bones, I need you to move quickly to get this place searched and cleaned for bugs. I need everything back to normal before the feds show up. Everyone else, contact any loved ones. Let them know you’ll be out of contact for a few days. I want everyone in my bunker in three hours. Security needs to be changed every five hours. This compound is officially locked down.”

***

Bones finishes the sweep in under twenty-four hours. And he doesn’t find a damn thing.

Which only pisses me off more.

What the hell is Max playing at?

“Everything clear?” I ask Tank.

“They can tear this place apart, and they won’t find a thing,” he says. “Foster made sure every transaction tied to our banks is labeled for legit business.”

“If they dig deep enough, they’ll find unaccounted money,” I mutter.

“I went all the way back to when you took over as President,” Foster says, stepping into my office, a wide-awake newborn in his arms. “There’s nothing for them to find. And I made sureSkip’s records are locked down tight.” He smirks. “Now, Riley said to bring you this little guy while she warms up a bottle. She’s unthawing some milk from the freezer.”

“Oh! Can I feed him?” Skip asks, practically bouncing into the room behind Foster.

“No, you fucking can’t,” I growl, taking my son. “If he’s not nursing, then I’m feeding him. Now, what the hell do you want?”

“That baby’s first word is gonna be ‘fuck,’” Maverick comments from the doorway.

“What is this, a goddamn party?” I ask, scowling. “Don’t you all have shit to do?”

“We’re on lockdown, brother,” Skip reminds me. “All work is on hold. But Max’s prospects are handling grunt work at the Underworld, so at least that place is still running.”

“Fuck,” Maverick mutters as realization slams into both of us.

“No way,” I say.

“What am I missing?” Skip asks, looking between us.

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