Page 4 of Toxic

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything,” I replied, sitting up a bit straighter.

“This isn’t technically considered club business,” he cautioned.

“So?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “What do you need, Lock?”

“A…friend…called. She has another friend who needs some help with her ranch. Something about losing some ranch hands and her grandfather being attacked.”

“A…friend?” I asked, a smile forming. “Does this friend happen to be a lawyer? With a sister? A sister who lives here with-”

“It’s Keely,” he barked, scowling at me.

“Knew it,” I said with a shit-eating grin. “Just say that next time.”

“I was trying to avoid…” He rubbed his temple. “She’s at the hospital with her grandfather and has no one to take care of the animals for the next couple of days. Would you be able to head out to Red Rock and give her a hand?”

Frowning, I shrugged. “Yeah, no problem.”

“Take Butcher with you. Keely said this lady seems to think someone is out to get her. That they beat the shit out of her grandfather. Until I get to the bottom of it, I don’t want you going out there alone.”

I chuckled. “No problem on my end, but Butcher’s going to be pissed.”

“Why?”

“I assume there’s horses at this ranch?”

“I guess,” he said, sounding curious.

“He has a thing about horses.”

“What thing?” he asked, bewildered.

“Hates the animals now.” When Lock shook his head in confusion and disbelief, I shrugged. “There was this time on a mission where we had to ride camels,” I explained. “Well, to save time, let’s just say it didn’t go well for Butcher.” I paused. “Or thecamel. He doesn’t like anything that's taller or smarter than he is.”

“He doesn’t have to get near the horses,” Lock sighed. “He just needs to watch your six.”

“Got it, Prez,” I told him. “We’ll head out there in a few minutes.”

“Thanks, Toxic.”

“Happy to help,” I replied.

He gave me a penetrating look. “I know. Doesn’t seem to matter what I ask of you, you’re always down for it.”

I looked away from his gaze. “All of us are, Lock. It’s what we do for each other.”

“Yeah,” he said. “I know. Let me know if you need more help. I’m more than happy to send more of the men out to give you a hand.”

“Nah, most of them would just get in the way.” I paused. “Though I might want to take Hellfire out. Get him to ride a bull.” I chuckled.

“A bull?”

“Well, what horse could lug his huge ass around?”

Lockout shook his head and started to turn.

“Hey, Boss?”

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