Page 38 of Puma's Pride

“Where were you?” Puma asks.

“On my way to Chicago. We were supposed to be meeting with representatives from other organizations.”

“Supposed to? You contacted me the following day. You didn’t stay in Chicago for very long.” Puma says.

Sal runs his hand down his face. “Fucking disaster. I feel like this entire week has been full of them. When I got to Chicago, I learned that several of the representatives died in a bombing. Fuck, it’s a mess. Those of us that weren’t there are now looking at each other with suspicion. Even though the cops have a suspect in mind, it doesn’t stop the families of the victims from suspecting those of us without losses for being part of it.”

“You said, when you got to Chicago.” Puma says. “I thought Sal Jr. was with you.”

Sal flinches and his face goes gray. “Fuck. It’s such a mess.”

Puma glances at me, and I take the hint. Tapping Desdemona on the hand, we both rise.

“I think you guys need the room. Sal, I know this may not be the right time, but we’ll talk again soon about the pieces you want. We have some time before the event.” Desdemona tells him.

Sal gives us a sad smile and nods his head.

“I can go head off the bodyguards.” I offer, although I doubt they’ll listen to me.

Sal picks up his phone. “I’ll call them. Let them know that I’m in a meeting and not to disturb me. Don’t worry.”

I nod and give him a smile. We step out of the office and make our way toward Blacktop. I still want my lobster bisque.

We spy Sal’s bodyguards heading our way carrying our food. The look on their faces has me contemplating dumping the containers they hand over. In case they poisoned it. When I take the containers, they don’t keep moving but continue to glare. I feel a spot of worry until I hear a familiar voice.

“Your boss is waiting for you, you better run along.” Chill says as she steps between us and the guards. “I’d hate to send you back to Sal bloody and bruised.”

“You think you can take us both?” One guard asks.

“I do.” Chill replies cheerfully.

“But she won’t have to.” Comes another voice. I shift and see Trouble take a stand next to Chill. Corinne joins Desdemona and me.

The guards grumble, but back off.

“I’ll take you to your leader.” Chill says with a smirk.

“No need.” The first guard grumbles.

“But I insist.” Chill responds using her arm to gesture them in front of her. “Can’t have you losing your way.”

Trouble chuckles as Chill sends him a wink. The four of us find a table nearby and sit. “Are you two hungry?” I ask Trouble and Corinne.

“We already ate.” Corinne asks watching Chill guide the guards through the casino. “They don’t look too happy.” She comments.

I shrug as I open the container and breathe in the luscious scent. “Their boss purposely sent them off and exposed himself to danger. Not that Puma means Sal harm. It’s the same look Chill gives Puma when he puts himself at risk.” I take a bite of the bisque and savor the flavors.

Desdemona chuckles. “Poor Chill. I sometimes think she’d like to strangle everyone in the club, including Puma. But she’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt any of them.” She moans as she takes her own bite.

“She’s interesting.” Corinne comments. “Female bikers aren’t the norm, are they? What’s her story?”

Trouble chuckles. “Chill is the stuff of legends.” He says. “She’s unique. She’s also one reason Dante has so much respect for Puma.”

“Do tell.” Desdemona encourages him.

I smirk at her request, but turn my attention to Trouble. I love hearing stories about the club. But before he begins, I feel a tingle along my spine. You know the feeling you get when someone is watching you? Yeah, that one.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: PUMA

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