Page 93 of Bitter Arrangement

“Fuck off, Daron,” Eric says.

“But you have actual experience. Why the fuck would you want to get involved with Los Sombras?”

“Because we’re a crew now.” William seems strangely calm about all this, considering what he’s saying. I don’t know how I feel about it, but I let him talk. “Eric’s motives are wrong, but his heart’s in the right place. If we’re going to build trust, it should start here. I’m willing to help so long as you’re sure this is going to be worth our time.”

I sit back and consider. I could use their expertise, but I understand Daron’s hesitation. They don’t need to stick their necks out for me.

But maybe William’s got a point. If we’re going to build this team, we can start right here, with something simple. Daron looks annoyed, but I cut him off before he can start to argue more.

“I want you three to probe the Los Sombras network,” I say, talking louder when Daron tries to protest. “Don’t do anything stupid. Find vulnerabilities, but don’t go past that. I’ll need a way inside when it’s time.”

“What else?” Eric asks, looking excited. “Want me to stake them out?”

“No, not yet. I’ll handle anything like that if it comes up.” I look at Daron and hold his gaze. “You want to argue? Tell me this is stupid?”

He finishes chewing. William’s watching the dancing girl with a bored expression, and Eric seems like he’s about to vibrate out of his seat. I hold Daron’s stare and practically beg him to challenge me. I want him to make a good point, to convince these other two idiots that they don’t need to get involved in my problem.

But he finally shakes his head. “Fuck it. I never liked the cartel assholes. One of them stole my car. Did I ever tell you that story?”

“You’re full of shit,” Eric says, grinning widely. “When should we start?”

“Tonight.” I push back and stand. “If any of you have second thoughts, I won’t hold it against you. But I appreciate this show of support.”

William shrugs. “We’re a team now. Might as well get used to it.”

“Enjoy the buffet on me.” I toss some cash on the table. Daron eagerly grabs it.

“Happy to, boss.” He gives me a sarcastic salute as I walk off.

Their help is more than I deserve. But if they really do want to help, then I need to make sure I can take care of them in the end. I’m not going to be the kind of man that takes advantage of the people working for me.

They’ll get rewarded commensurate with their risk.

I just don’t know how yet.

I’m distracted as I drive back home. I’m thinking about how I can put my new team to good use as I disengage the security system and head in through the front door. “Riley?” I call out and pause when there’s no response. “Riley!”

Nothing. Dead quiet. I’m on high alert as I pull my gun and immediately start sweeping the area. I check my phone for sensor alerts, but there’s nothing. Only one ping from an hour ago: someone left through the back.

That fucking girl.

I know exactly where she went. I put my gun away and storm back out. This time, I hit the street, walking instead of driving. I’m at the safe house door ten minutes later, banging on it angrily.

My sweet angel wife answers with a happy smile. “Alexan! We were just talking?—”

I storm past her, fucking livid. “What were you thinking?” I snarl as she closes the door behind me.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I told you when I left not to go anywhere.”

“But I was just checking on Brenden.” She frowns at where her brother’s sitting on the couch. He still looks like shit, but he’s still alive at least. “I thought this place was safe?”

“It’s safe-ish, but it won’t be if you keep coming here.” I gesture at Brenden, trying very hard to keep myself under control, but failing. “What were you thinking, letting her come here?”

“I didn’t,” he says with a shrug. “I actually told her all this already.”

“Fine, okay, it was dumb!” She glares at me. “But since I was here, we both figured I might as well visit.”

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