Page 17 of Everest

The silence stretches between us, thick with the weight of my information, filled only by the distant crackling of flames consuming the mill.

“This shit ain’t sitting right with me,” Riggs finally says, his voice cold and measured. “We need to find out who this pusher’s boss is and find out whether that fire is just his men taking matters into their own hands or if they are, in fact, following orders.” Riggs is quiet for a beat, then says, “I’ll send out a message to the others. We’re holding church at first light. Keep me updated should anything else happen.”

I exhale slowly, nodding to myself as Riggs’ words settle like a loaded gun in my gut. This isn’t just about an asshole pushing drugs in the wrong bar or outside the youth center’s gym. The drug problem has been making itself more prevalent for some time now, with dealers testing the waters by pushingboundaries. Even if the fire is just a coincidence, we’re already in the thick of something bigger. “See you at church, Prez.” I end the call.

Catcher stands beside me, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the distant glow of the mill burning. Without a word, we walk the property’s perimeter again and check every inch of the clubhouse.

When we’re satisfied that no one is lurking where they shouldn’t be, we climb up to the flat rooftop of the clubhouse. The vantage point gives us a clear view of the fire crews battling the blaze. The flames have died down some, but the old mill is a total loss. I stroll toward the fold-out chairs and drop into one, pulling a pack of smokes from my pocket. Flicking open my lighter, I take a slow drag before holding the pack out to Catcher. He takes one, lighting up and leaning back in his chair beside me.

We sit for a while, watching the fire crews work through the night.

Catcher exhales, his cigarette glowing in the dark. “If this is some unhappy drug lord, he’s makin’ a real fuckin’ statement.”

6

LONDON

I’m standing in front of a full-length mirror in my bedroom, getting ready to go out with the girls. After bailing on them the past few weeks because of work, the guilt has been eating at me, so I called Promise this morning and asked if she wanted to hang out tonight. After I hung up with her, my next two calls were to Sadie and Ruby, who were also on board for a girls’ night.

I slip on a dark green leather mini-skirt and pair it with a cream-colored bodysuit and matching cream-colored leather boots. Once finished, I brush through my long black hair, letting it cascade over my shoulders. I keep my makeup minimal with a light layer of mascara and finish with a bold, dark red lip. I plan to forget my worries and focus on having a memorable night with my girls.

As I grab my purse and head out the door, I can’t help but feel the buzz of excitement because as soon as Promise recommended we go to Twisted Throttle, my thoughts drifted to Everest. Everest is one of the brothers, meaning he’s a member of the Kings of Retribution. He spends most of his nights at the bar owned by the club. Everest acts as a bouncer of sorts. He also lives in the apartment above the bar.

It’s not that I’m not over the moon to finally see my friends, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to seeing that mountain of a man. Over the years, Everest and I have engaged in flirtatious banter, though mostly one-sided. Essentially, I like to give him a hard time. It’s my nature. While everyone thinks I’m teasing, the truth is, I have a good old-fashioned crush on the guy. I’m just too chicken-shit to do anything about it. Generally because Everest, though friendly and shares the occasional jab, hasn’t given any outward indication he’s interested.

Upon arriving at the bar, I spot my friends sitting at a table at the back. I watch as all three faces light up when they see me walk in.God, I love my girls.As I move through the crowd, I notice Nova behind the bar and give him a friendly wave, which he acknowledges with a chin lift. I notice Everest standing at the end of the bar with his arms crossed over his broad chest the second I walk in, but I make it a point not to give him my full attention, though I can feel his gaze on me. It’s hard not to when every time I’m within the same vicinity as the man, my skin tingles with awareness. It’s all I can do not to trip over my feet as I approach my friends. My entire resolve fails before I reach the table, and like a moth to a flame, I turn my head and lock eyes with his, and because I can’t help myself, I wink. I might be imagining things, but I swear I see the corner of his lips lift a little at my flirtatious gesture. Other than that, his face remains a mask of indifference. The interaction lasts only seconds before my attention is again on Promise, Ruby, and Sadie, who have all risen from their seats, ready to greet me with enthusiastic hugs.

“I’m so glad to see you!” Sadie boasts. “I feel like it’s been ages.”

“It hasn’t been that long.” I laugh.

“No, but when you hang out with five-year-olds all day, a couple of weeks feels like months.” Ruby giggles. And eventhough my friends are joking, I can’t help but feel guilty for neglecting them.

The sound of laughter and the clink of glasses fill the room as I settle into my seat beside Promise. “It’s packed tonight,” I note.

“Ladies.” Nova personally brings us our beers and sets them on the table before wrapping an arm around Promise, pulling her from her chair, and laying the kind of kiss on her that most people would only give behind closed doors. But one thing I have learned about the men in the club is they don’t play by the rules, and they sure as hell don’t give a fuck what people think. I love this for my friend, though. I love seeing her happy and adore how Nova treats her. Watching them together, I can’t help but feel a sense of melancholy. I’ve had a few relationships over the years, but nothing compared to what Promise and Nova share. To have a man who spends every day devoted to making his woman happy and ensuring she is cared for and protected, no matter the cost. As my thoughts wander, so do my eyes. Once again, I seek out the man who has held my attention for the past few years.

Jesus, London, you need to get laid so you can stop obsessing over that man.

As the evening wears on, the girls and I fall into our usual routine of getting drunk. Our laughter echoes through the bar and, a few times, draws the attention of male admirers who attempt to approach our table in hopes of flirting and getting lucky. However, according to Nova’s orders, Everest has stood guard to ward off advances. It’s not that Sadie, Ruby, and I don’t enjoy the attention from time to time, but we have rules when it comes to girls’ night, and one rule is absolutely no men. For the most part, we are left alone at Twisted Throttle because the regular patrons know Promise is off-limits, but because New Orleans is a tourist spot, it’s not uncommon for the occasional dip-shit college bro to be put in his place.

“So.” Sadie smiles at me and Promise. “How have things been at the office? Had any exciting cases lately?”

“Meh.” I shrug. “Just your run-of-the-mill lying, cheating, asshole husbands.”

Promise smirks. “Lon has been killing it lately in court. Since she made Mr. Davis lose it in front of the judge, which resulted in him spending a night in jail, we've taken on four new clients.”

I take a sip of my beer and smirk. “Two of those clients were from the Reeves law firm.”

“Damn, London, you’re a savage.” Ruby laughs.

“I do try,” I say, flipping my hair over my shoulder.

“How's your mom been?” Sadie changes the subject, her tone softening.

I take a deep breath, feeling the familiar mix of sorrow and hope. “She’s doing good. Mom has her good days and her bad. We make the most of the good. I’m grateful to the staff at Golden Hills who care for her. They are wonderful.”

Sadie reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “That's good to hear. It must be hard.”

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