Page 17 of Lake's Legacy

“That was a mistake. I heard you discussing opening a restaurant, and I thought you could handle the threats. It was a gut reaction. I hadn’t thought it through. It’s why I told you to forget about it.”

“What did they want today? A payoff?” Hex asks.

“They saw you enter the restaurant. They wanted to know if I told you about them. I told them I didn’t, but they didn’t believe me. With you running them off, they’ll think I lied to them. They’ll be back.”

“Good. I want them to come back. We’ll have a little surprise for them. Are there only three of them?”

“I’ve only seen those three.”

“How many busboys you got working here?”

“Two.”

“Okay, give them a paid vacation. Dixie, get Jack and Levi down here. They can fill in for the busboys. You don’t have to pay them. They’re prospects. They can protect you and the restaurant as well as keep their eyes open for those assholes.”

Dixie steps away to make the call while Hex continues to tell Francois the plan.

“We’ll dig into who the fuck these guys are. Once we have more information, we’ll drive them out of New Orleans. In the meantime, just carry on with business, as usual. Tell them the Bratva has bought you out if they come back.”

Francois’ eyes widen. “The Bratva?”

“I have a connection.” That is all Hex gives him. “That should keep them away. Tell them you’ve heard a rumor that the Bratva is taking over this neighborhood.”

I see Hex’s mind working as he formulates a plan. Glancing at Lake, he gives me a nod. “Levi will be fine. Those assholes won’t know Levi and the other two are working for us. They’ll be too busy looking for the Bratva to see us coming.”

“But what about the Bratva? Won’t they be upset you’re using them as a smokescreen?”

Lake chuckles. “Hex’s dad was the leader of the Bratva here. Maybe he still is. I don’t know what Vladimir has done with him. Regardless, even if Vladimir is now in charge, they aren’t in the city. Hex is counting on Vladimir telling his people to stay out of our business while he’s out of town. We should be good for a few days. It will give us time to suss them out.”

I nod as Hex finishes his instructions for Francois. “Did you get what you needed?” Hex asks Pirate, who nods as he closes the laptop. “Good. Let’s ride.”

We go outside just as Levi drives up in the club’s SUV. Hex calls them over for their instructions.

The rest of us move toward the bikes. Lake hands me my helmet and then helps me fasten it. “I need to ask you a favor,” he says when he finishes. “My brother called and wants me to come visit the tribe. They need medical help since their clinic shut down. I was hoping you’d go with me. You’re off for the next four days, right?”

I nod. “Yeah, I can go. You want my help?”

“I could use it. I hope we can work out of the clinic instead of driving around to visit patients. However, Toff said someone ransacked the clinic. He thinks the supplies and the equipment are intact, but we’ll know more when we arrive.”

“What happened?”

“Don’t know. Toff said they’re having problems with a gang.”

“Do you think it’s tied to the men who attacked Francois?”

“I doubt it. The tribe lives two hours away.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN: LAKE

The following day, we set out early. Nora had coffee and breakfast sandwiches on bagels ready for us in the kitchen. As Nora bounces around the kitchen, Olivia and I eat sandwiches while chugging coffee. Olivia isn’t much of a morning person, and I can’t claim I am either. Nora, however, seems to be.

“What has made you so happy this morning?” Olivia asks her.

“The guys. They offered to set me up with a restaurant! Can you believe it? I’m terrified, but I’m also very excited. I dreamed of running a kitchen but figured it would take me years to earn enough money to invest in one.”

“I didn’t know Hex had already talked about it with you. That’s great. I’m glad you’re interested. We’ve all had your food and know your restaurant will be a success. It’s a good investment for us,” I tell her.

“I’ll make sure you don’t regret it,” Nora assures me. “I have so many ideas. Cleo said she’d help me find a location and help with the planning and remodeling. I’m just so excited and grateful to you guys. You’ve done so much for me. Letting me live here and pay for my keep by practicing my cooking. I can’t ever repay you.”

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