Page 77 of Conquering Oz

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Aside from Rogue, Trey, and Sal, there was no one more loyal and trusted than Nash. He’d been with Oz for decades, proving himself daily. Nash had rightfully earned his position as second-in-command and confidante to Oz. Elodie was safe with Nash and his security. But Oz had a heightened sense of protection when it came to her. As he made his way from his office to the balcony, he’d pulled up the surveillance. Without audio, he couldn’t make out everything being said during the confrontation. But there was one word he was capable of reading.

Nash had met him on the balcony and given him a debriefing on the whole interaction. Oz was careful not to give in to his emotion. There’d be time for that. Lessons would be learned soon enough.

Oz sat at the table on the balcony eyeing the elevators.

The doors opened, and Garner followed Nash to the table. He had about six men with him, but Oz was laser focused on one. He couldn’t have been more than twenty-five, possibly new to Garner’s crew. A tough guy trying to make a name for himself. A man who wanted to be seen.I see you, motherfucker.

“Thanks for taking the meeting, Oz.” Garner said.

Oz heard the chair legs screech, and from his peripheral vision saw Garner sit down. But still he stared at the younger man. Oz pointed directly at him.

“Name?”

Garner cleared his throat, resting his arms on the table, “Oz, that’s…”

Oz lifted his hand and halted any further talk. He slowly angled his head, sending Garner a warning. “I didn’t ask you.”

“Rob Schuller, sir.”

Oz hardened his eyes and glanced over. “Do you make it a habit of calling all women whores?”

Rob’s throat bobbed, and his gaze darted to Garner. To his credit, the boss didn’t flinch or take his eyes off Oz. Garner knew the rules and protocol. He was also aware that once Oz was offended, there was no coming back from it.

He grabbed his cigar, tapping the ashes in the tray then taking a drag, all the while eyeing Garner. The room was silent. Garner’s associate would be dealt with in due time.

Nash cleared his throat and gestured toward the elevators. Unbeknownst to Garner, he’d invited others to their meeting. Mainly, the president of the Killcreek Drifters.

Oz didn’t bother acknowledging the MC. He was more interested in Garner’s reaction, which didn’t disappoint. He straightened in his seat, arching his neck, watching the bikers walk forward and settle in near the bar. Garner’s brows dipped into a severe scowl before jerking his head, bringing his attention to Oz.

“What the hell is going on, Oz?”

Oz shrugged. “Since you seem so lax on finding Karl and turning him over, I thought I’d add some new players to the game. The prize is fifty thousand to the first crew to find and deliver Karl to me.”

Garner’s face turned a dark shade of red, and he straightened, jerking his head between the MC and Oz.

“I’m going to handle it, Oz. I wanted this meeting to explain…”

“There’s nothing to explain. Karl betrayed the Underground. He knew the consequences and chose to go against us.” Oz arched his brow. “And the MC. Karl had a lot to say and named Killcreek. They have just as much vested interest in finding Karl as I do.”

Garner flattened his lips and folded his hands. “If you give me a number.”

“We’re beyond payoff,” Oz said.

Garner sat back in his chair. Oz had knew if Garner found him first, he’d try to hide him. Unlike Karl, Garner was still loyal to his family.

Oz placed his cigar in the ashtray and grabbed his glass. “I suggest you start your hunt.Allof you.”

Garner abruptly stood, scowling at the MC. He tugged at the edge of his cuffs and started through the room. All his men fell in line.

Oz sipped his whisky and calmly placed his glass on the table. “He stays.”

Garner stiffened, glancing over at Rob, who seemed visibly shaken.

“It was a misunderstanding,” Garner said.

“I didn’t misunderstand anything.” Oz offered a taunting smile. “You can leave now.”

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