Page 14 of Preacher

"And you really think this Preacher guy is the answer?"

"I think Satan’s Fury is the answer,"Nikolai corrected."They’ve been where we are, and they know the challenges we face. They know how to run things without constantly looking over their shoulder. If we have their backing and not just the Volkov name, then maybe, just maybe, we can make this thing with the casino work.”

It sounded smart.

It was well thought out, and most of all, it was right.

It was exactly the kind of thinking Sergei should have been doing from the start. The house seemed to go still as Sergei processed it all. He had always been so certain that his way was the only way, but Nikolai might’ve just proven him wrong.

I didn’t know what Sergei would decide.

But I had a feeling whatever came next would change everything.

5

PREACHER

“So, you’re really considering this?”

“Need more information before I can make a final decision.”

Memphis gave me a look, and I got it. This was out of the norm, and it was weighing on me in ways I couldn’t begin to explain. His scowl intensified as he grumbled, “They kidnapped Seven’s girl and did God knows what to her brother. I’d think that would be all the information you should need.”

I thought back to my conversation with Nikolai, and while it was brief, it left a lasting impression.

As soon as I sat down, I told him, “Alright, you got my attention. Now, why don’t you tell me what the hell you’re doing here.”

“I was hoping to have a word with you.” He leaned in and rested his elbows on the table. “I’m guessing you know who I am.”

“I do.”

“So, that means you know about my brothers as well.” I nodded, and he quickly continued, "You’ve really built something here."

“Yeah, and?”

“It’s impressive.” He glanced around the club, and his eyes were sharp as he took everything in. "Satan’s Fury has a name that carries weight, and not just in Little Rock. And this place runs like a goddamn machine. No loose ends. No unnecessary heat. Just steady business and total control. That’s rare."

I wasn’t one for flattery, especially from someone I didn’t trust, so I leaned forward and rested my forearms on the table between us. "If you came here to stroke my ego, you’re wasting your time.”

Nikolai smiled like he expected me to push.

His smirk remained as he told me, "I’d like to request a meet between your brothers and mine."

Before giving me a chance to ask questions, he stood and said, “Our place. Tomorrow night at 7:00.”

I was tempted to tell him to fuck off, but something in my gut told me this was a meet we needed to take. With that in mind, I looked up at my son and said, “Broader picture than that. They brought no harm to Tallie, even when they knew we had their driver and guard. In my book, that means something.”

“I guess you have a point.” Memphis crossed his arms. “So, now what?”

“I’m waiting to hear back from Cotton. He’s got more connections than anyone.” I leaned back in my chair and sighed. “He’s gonna do some digging, and hopefully, he can tell me exactly who these boys are involved with and what they have planned for this casino they’re building.”

“He gave you no idea what they might want?” Grim asked, sounding more than a little skeptical.

“Showed an interest in how we run things. Didn’t give many details. Just that he wants us at their place tomorrow night. And before you say anything, I don’t like the idea either. I got a feeling something is up there.”

“Like what?” Grim asked with concern. “You think they’re gonna pull something?”

“No, not exactly.” I thought back to my brief conversation with Nikolai, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t telling me something. “I just think there’s something off like he wasn’t even all that sure what he wanted from us.”

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