Page 37 of Ink's Devil

“I don’t mind what the assholes get up to,” Bomber puts in, “but it’s the needles that worry me. One of the cleaners or another customer could get stabbed by accident if they’re left lying around.”

“That’s my issue. I wouldn’t want to think about the legal ramifications,” Wills says. “Another option is to have a Sharps bin, but that might only encourage them, and turn other people off the club.”

“Hate fuckin’ hard drugs,” growls Hellfire. “Had a problem in this club at one time.”

Rusty shakes his head. “That we did.” He snaps his fingers. “Brawn, wasn’t it? Nearly brought the fuckin’ club down when he had more loyalty to white powder than to us.”

I’d heard the story as had everyone around the table. It’s been brought up as a cautionary tale should anyone ever be tempted by the easy money drug dealing brings. Too tempting for some not to sample the product, but sampling wasn’t enough for Brawn. He needed more and more and was caught stealing from the club trying to fund his habit. He’s out in the desert now, six feet of sand and rocks on top of him.

Demon gives a sharp nod to his father. “We’ve got a reputation that we want to keep. No hard drugs on or near our club or our businesses. Weed, for sure, but nothing more.”

“Part of the reason why Tits Up is such a success is because people know they won’t get hassled,” Rusty observes.

“Keeping it that way is what we’re here to discuss, Brothers.” Demon takes back the floor.

“Okay. We step up the brothers that support Will and Sparky. Stake out the alley and—”

“I’m not fuckin’ staking out the heads.” My eyes have gone wide at the suggestion I thought Thunder was going to make.

“Could be an education in dicks, Brother. Specially as you’ve got a problem with yours.”

It’s only the wooden tabletop between us that stops me reaching over to throttle Lizard.

Demon’s eyes come to me, a half-smirk half-question in them. Then he addresses Cad, “Can you get the cameras set up after church?”

“Yeah. Club opens at eight, we’ll only need half an hour, tops.” Cad’s eyes meet Paladin’s who nods back.

“Okay, we’ll make sure we’re finished in time.”

“So, we catch the users. What about the dealers?”

“We stake out the alley as Thunder suggested. Who’s up for a late night?”

I raise my hand. Well, why not? If I’m prepared to give my life for the club, I can give it a few hours. Maybe tonight we’ll find out exactly who’s been stepping on our toes.

Or maybe, as I find out later, it’s another bust and all I’m doing is standing around freezing my fucking ass off.

“How you doing, Leatherneck?”

“Probably about the same as you, Ground Pounder.” Mace is lighting up which he wouldn’t be if there was someone around, the burning orange tip would be a dead giveaway. Anyone who’s served would know not to be so careless. “No one fucking showed.”

“Inside?” I jerk my head to the building behind me. Inside, men will be cosy and warm watching women divesting themselves of their clothes. Their dicks won’t be shrivelling because of the cold.

He chuckles. “Pal’s probably got a new rep for having a weak bladder, he’s been to the gents that many times. But he’s seen nothing suspicious.”

“I’ve seen nothing at fuckin’ all. Not even buyers looking to score.”

“Which suggests they know the exact times when the dealer is around. Which isn’t tonight, Brother.” He stubs out his cigarette on his boot and pockets the end. Then he rubs his hands together. “Any idea when we’re going to be stood down? Would prefer it to be before my junk freezes and drops off.”

I shrug in reply, not having the answer. But like him, I’m hoping it’s soon.

Chapter Twelve

Beth

“Do you know where I put my…”

Mom’s standing twirling my car keys around her fingers, she’s grinning widely.

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