Page 115 of Ruger's Rage

"Kinsey," he clarifies. "She called me this morning. Told me everything that happened."

Surprise ripples through me. "How'd she even contact you?"

A small smile crosses his weathered face. "You think I wouldn't make sure she had a way to reach me? Even when she was with Striker, I kept tabs on her."

The pieces click into place—Kinsey's comment about Viper teaching her to shoot.

"She's inside," I tell him, making a decision. "But your men stay out here."

He nods, understanding the terms.

As I lead him toward the clubhouse, curiosity gets the better of me. "How did you know to come now?"

"Like I said, my daughter called me."

Before I can process his choice of words, the clubhouse door swings open. Kinsey steps out, her face brightening when she spots Viper.

"Dad!" she calls, rushing down the steps.

Viper's expression softens as he opens his arms, catching her in a tight embrace. "Hey, kiddo," he murmurs, voice thick with emotion. "You okay?"

She nods against his chest, then pulls back to look at him. "I... I killed him."

"I know." He cups her face, studying her with concern. "You did what you had to do. Same as I would have."

The genuine connection between them is unmistakable.

This isn't a normal relationship, but of a father and child who've chosen each other.

Viper looks at me over Kinsey's head. "We need to talk, President to President."

Inside my office, with Kinsey and Bloodhound present, Viper gets to the point.

"Kinsey needs her family," he says. "Whatever beef existed between our clubs before this, that's in the past as far as I'm concerned."

"Just like that?" I can't hide my skepticism. "After Striker played us both?"

"That'sexactlywhy." Viper leans forward. "Striker wanted war between us. Why give him what he wanted, even in death?"

"What are you proposing?"

"Peace. New territorial agreements. Maybe even some joint ventures down the line." He glances at Kinsey. "And I need someone trustworthy to keep an eye on my little girl while she's at college here. Someone who'll make sure she stays safe."

He's offering an alliance, with Kinsey as the bridge between our clubs.

It's smart. Practical. And frankly, after the bloodshed of the past few days, the prospect of one less enemy is appealing.

"We can discuss terms," I agree. "But first, I have unfinished business to attend to."

Viper nods, understanding immediately. "Santini. Good. That piece of shit's had it coming for a long time."

"You know him well?" I ask, curious about the connection.

"Our paths crossed in Pittsburgh. He dealt to the rich college kids, used our distribution channels." His expression darkens. "Always heard rumors about how he treated women. When Kinsey told me he was the one after your ol' lady..." He shakes his head in disgust. "Some men deserve what's coming to them."

"She was with him for years," I say, feeling a fresh wave of anger. "He nearly destroyed her."

"Then don't let me keep you." Viper stands. "Family business comes first. We can talk terms after."

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