Page 11 of Conquering Oz

Oz lit his cigar and watched as the motorcycle club walked across the balcony and headed to his table. He’d been working with the Killcreek Drifters for years. They took the jobs most people shied away from. They were crass, lived off the grid, and stood outside the law in some cases. But they were loyal.Usually.

This meeting had been arranged to segue a truce between the MC and Rogue for a profitable endeavor, which would see both sides handsomely rewarded. If they could just get along. Oz would be playing peacemaker, which would hopefully end his former position of referee.

Ace, president of the club, and his VP, Cross, sat across the table while the other six members spread throughout the room. It was a strategic move that matched up a brother of the club with a member of his security. Oz smirked and lifted his chin.Nash walked across to the other end of the balcony and opened the door. Ten more members of security filed in.

Ace eyed the men and snorted. “This is like a pissing contest.”

Oz merely stared back. He made a point to never engage with Ace outside of business deals. Oz didn’t discount how smart he was or his ability to read people and situations. For someone like Oz, Ace was dangerous. In more ways than one. Oz ran the Underground and therefore the state, but it didn’t mean there weren’t others who held power.

Ace and the MC worked directly under Inez, who was responsible for drug manufacturing and transport in the entire state and beyond. She had a far reach, but she’d always stayed loyal to Sal, with whom she’d started up the ranks. In turn, she’d smoothly slipped into alignment with Oz when he took over.

Oz took a strong pull from his cigar. “Issues with the poker house?”

Ace folded his arms. “Little brother is a pain in my ass.”

Since the day he was born.

“From my understanding, you made a deal which you’re not honoring.”

Ace’s brows knitted in a tight scowl. “I think yourunderstandingis bullshit. Made it clear if they were setting up in our territory, we have final say where it goes.”

“Within reason.”

Ace shared a look with Cross. The VP had always been quieter than Ace but no less intelligent.

Cross tapped the table. “We agreed to keep a fair distance from their place and ours. We got Rogue wanting to set up shop ten miles outside of town. Too close. Their house gets busted, the cops are going to be looking for other places. Inourterritory. Can’t have that.”

“Well, you’re in luck since our businesses don’t get” —Oz paused, arching his brow— “busted.”

It’d been a long time since there’d been a concern over a business being infiltrated. Oz, along with Rogue and Trey, had a stringent procedure in place to vet every member of the Underground. Some were trusted more than others, but with the threat weighing on their backs, no one would turn on them. If they got even the slightest feeling, the member was cut out.

However, this did pose a problem. The Underground was built and stayed strong by everyone following the rules, codes, and protocols. Rogue had crossed the line, ignoring Killcreek’s demand.

“You’ll give Trey three options for a more distant property. And you’ll do that by tomorrow.”

Ace nodded. The agreement was fair, and Ace could recognize that. When he started to stand, Oz pointed to the seat.

Ace smirked. “Gonna treat us to a beer?”

His arrogance was expected. As president of the MC, he held a lot of power, especially being aligned with Inez. But there was only one King.

“Take your seat,” Oz said.

Ace’s jaw squared, and he sat.

Oz narrowed his gaze. “We’ve gotten some disturbing information about the activity in Killcreek.”

“What information?”

Oz glanced up at Nash, who stepped forward. It was always best to let Nash share the intel so Oz could focus solely on the men receiving it without missing anything. They’d been using the tactic for years.

“A few days ago, we” —Nash smirked— “to use a phrase you’re familiar with,bustedan unauthorized transport outside the city. They were carrying a lot of product through the state that we knew nothing about. Not only were they transporting,but it seems they’d been making some sales along the way. Imagine our surprise when we found out they had permission.” Nash paused. “They were very eager to give you credit.”

Ace slowly shifted his gaze to Oz. “Since when do we have the power to grant any kind of permission?”

Oz hardened his stare. “You don’t, which makes this all the more interesting since apparently the product was holed up in Killcreek for a time.”

Oz watched carefully. Cross straightened in his seat and squared his jaw. He was purposely avoiding looking at Ace.Thatwould give too much away. It told Oz everything he needed to know. Permission had been granted.

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