Page 150 of Tarek

Archer looks down at his ring. “I recently got inducted. You know of this group; they helped me win my seat.”

“Who is your sponsor?” I ask. A sinking feeling hits my body.

Archer rubs the ring. “His name is Mr. Jacobs. In the coming weeks, we are scheduled to meet.”

We exchange looks. There was no Jacobs in the Quarter Masters.

“Is your sponsor dead? When did you last speak to him?” Rhet asks.

“Well, no. I spoke to him yesterday on FaceTime,” Archer replies. That eliminates the chance of Henry Banner or Carson nominating him.

“I feel like we should call Chris Hansen fromTo Catch a Predatorfor Archer.” Cole chuckles.

Jasper chimes in, “I agree.”

“I’m in the Quarter Masters, not like an active member. It’s a deal I made with my father to become a chef.” I see the relief come over Archer.

“My mom will be appalled that I joined,” Archer says as he pulls his cards from the table.

“Why?” I ask.

“She never explained. I think it’s old history with a member. Either way I am in,”

“Be careful.” Rhet says under his breath “They are ruthless men.”

“Yes, but so am I. I’ll handle them on my own.” Archer arranges the cards in his hand.

“Hmm,”

We continue playing in silence until Jasper says, “Fold.”

Rhet eyes are glued to his phone. “Why is she not checking her messages? I wonder if she is still going out?”

I drop my cards and open my phone, and I see the blue blinking dot. “They are still at your home.”

“How do you know that?” Rhet asks.

Cole squints “What the fuck is that on your phone?” .

Dax sips his drink and chuckles behind his glass.

“It’s a tracker,” I reply calmly.

Jasper groans. “Oh no that is not creepy at all,”

“You have a tracker on my sister?” Archer asks, his voice is filled with concern.

“Yes, it’s to keep her safe,”.

Rhet snatches my phone.

Dax chuckle deepens. “Tell them what else you got.”

Archer shifts back his chair, studying me.

“I have a camera in her front door and kitchen.”

“Why the fuck do you have cameras in my sister’s home,” Archer says out loudly.