Page 41 of Vito

One day it's gonna bite you in the ass

Later, brother

I put my phone in my pocket and enjoy my bourbon, secretly watching Eden. A figure blocks my view and my fingers tighten on the glass as Lixin approaches my table.

I never show it, but I can't stand the pompous, elitist prick. I'm surprised he's here now; he usually only deems the criminal faction's head worthy of his time.

If the Chamber didn't exist, Lixin would be the type of asshole I killed just to prove a point because he's a dick. But if I spilled his blood without excessive due cause—and maybe even then—I'd re-start the war with the Triads that had taken too many people.

"May I?" Lixin points at the chair.

Swallowing my dislike of him, I give him a tight smile.

"Well done on helping the Saints with the Mambo Posse problem." He adjusts the pleat of his pants as he sits.

I tilt my head, regarding him. Lixin talking to me,andgiving out compliments like he's handing out Hallo-fucking-ween candy? He wants something. If he's coming to me, it's likely weapon-related.

"What are you looking for, Lixin?"

He relaxes in his chair and rests his ankle on his opposite knee. "Always so straight to the point."

"My time is valuable."

It is, but my comment is also a veiled insult to mean that his time isn't.

His mouth thins, telling me he got the message, but he doesn't react. Which means he wants something big.

"I need something hard to procure."

"Contraband is the Saints' territory." I sip my drink with an impassive expression. Inside, I'm laughing my ass off that I'm pissing him off and not falling to heel like a good little soldier.

"It's weapons-related," he says stiffly but visibly calms his annoyance and anger. I don't show it, but I'm interested as hell in whatever he's after if he's keeping this interaction cordial and not calling me on my bullshit. "I understand you have an in with Adamus Jones."

Well, fuck me sideways.

Jones is a dark figure. No one knows who he really is or where he spends his time, but he pops up periodically, anddarktales are always associated with his name. He's also a bit insane when it comes to making things go boom.

"I'm interested in what he's rumored to have gotten his hands on."

I run my finger along the rim of my tumbler. "The stolen shipment of ShadowStrike X9."

An assault rifle with a night laser scope that does nine hundred rounds per minute on full auto. It's a serious weapon. Jones allegedly intercepted a few hundred that were supposed to go to an underground outfit in North Africa with white supremacy leanings, making enemies out of them. Jones didn't give a shit, though; he's in it for the money, not making friends.

I want to ask what Lixin needs the weapons for, but that isn't how this works. "Jones has been unreachable lately. And those guns are likely gone by now."

He shrugs. "That's the opener. What I really want is the InfernoCore MK-IV."

An explosive device system that's rumored Jones himself created. One that is mega-powerful, precise as fuck, with cutting-edge technology.

"You preparing for war, Lixin?"

"One always needs to be prepared."

My brows furrow. "Are you having trouble with the Lopez Cartel?"

Drugs are the biggest revenue source for the Triads. This is Lopez territory cartel-wise, and who the Triads and Fire Clan worked with for the drugs they pushed.

"Can you get me in contact with Adamus Jones or not?" he snaps.

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