Page 25 of Conquering Oz

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After forty-nine years in this world, it was a wonder even to him that he hadn’t found a silencing mechanism to tune others out. It would’ve come in handy at the moment. Being king had its perks, alongside a long list of cons. This being one of them.

Oz drew a strong pull from his cigar, eyeing his brother. Rogue had been ranting about the Killcreek Drifters MC deal since he’d walked through the door. What he was conveniently overlooking was the part he played in this debacle. There wasn’t a man on earth who thought higher of himself than his brother.

This had gone on long enough. It was next to impossible to get Rogue in line and even harder to get him on board doing business with a rival. Or sworn enemy, in this case. His narcissism didn’t help the situation.

What should’ve been an easy fix was further complicated by Rogue keeping Oz out of the loop when it came to the poker house. It was Rogue’s venture, and not all needed to be cleared through Oz. However, his brother had moved forward with not only the purchase of the property but construction. Oz scowled,shifting his gaze to Trey. He expected this from Rogue, but Trey had always been the responsible one of the two. He should’ve brought it to Oz directly.

As if reading Oz’s mind, Trey shook his head then glared at Rogue. “He assured me he’d be bringingallthe information to you before construction began.”

Oz shifted his gaze to Rogue, who merely shrugged. “I hadn’t fucking gotten around to it yet.”

“Construction started a month ago,” Trey snapped. “Goddammit, Rogue.”

Unlike his brother, Trey had a full understanding of the complications involved. Not to mention the cost.

“Fucking relax.” Rogue took a sip of his drink. “This is not a big fucking deal.”

Oz arched his brow. “Would you be open to Killcreek purchasing the property next to the Bowery and opening a brothel?”

Rogue furrowed his brows. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about you setting up the poker house such close in proximity to where Killcreek does their business. A business that could lead a lot of people to start poking around their area. This is about Killcreek watching their backs. I’m looking out for ours. Ten miles is too close. We have evaded authorities for a very long time. Killcreek has not. If I remember correctly, they have about ten members currently serving prison terms. They do not fly under the radar. You need distance.”

“There are two other locations I’ve scouted that are suitable for the houses,” Trey said, earning a scowl from Rogue.

“Fuck, no. Got thousands invested in that place. We’re not taking a fucking loss for those motherfuckers.”

Trey spread out his arms, clearly frustrated with Rogue. It didn’t happen often, but Rogue had a way of aggravating everyone at some point.

“What other choice do we have?”

Oz stood, made his way to the bar, and then fixed himself another drink. He poured the whiskey, capped the bottle, and took a sip before turning to Trey and Rogue. They were at a stalemate. Oz would have final say. Kind of. After all, this was Rogue’s business. He should be the deciding vote. Though he’d only be given two options.

“You have two choices. You can abandon the current location and search for another…”

“That’s not a fucking option, Oz!”

“Or…” Oz narrowed his gaze. It was a direct warning to let him finish.

Rogue gripped his hips, and scowled.

“You can keep the current location. And pay Killcreek for use in their territory.”

Rogue’s jaw squared, and his face reddened. Before he could say anything, Oz stepped forward, matching his demeanor.

“This is what happens when you go outside of your own territory. This is how it was set up for equal ownership by Sal. You cross those lines, you pay.”

“That’s bullshit!”

“I gave you two options.” Oz glared at his brother. “If you choose to keep that location for operations, Killcreek gets a stipend.”

“So we’re gonna let these motherfuckers dictate where the fuck we do business?”

“No.” Oz leveled a hard stare at his brother. “Idictate.”

His brother was accustomed to getting his own way. That wouldn’t be happening. As expected, Rogue stormed out of the room like a child on the verge of a temper tantrum. It came as nosurprise to any of them in the room. Trey sighed and folded his arms.

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