Page 8 of Shattering Nash

“If you want distribution from my state, youwillwork with Inez.”

“But Oz—”

Oz narrowed his gaze, and Anders immediately tightened his lips.

“I will facilitate a meeting. How you choose to move forward with Inez is up to you. We’ll be in touch.” Oz didn’t bother shaking hands. He turned, and Nash followed close behind. As they got closer to the door, security fell in line.

Nash wasn’t sure which approach Oz would take, but he certainly wouldn’t barter a deal between Anders and Inez. He had too much respect for her. And little did Anders realize, an equal respect for Killcreek. However, this was business that no one wanted moving out of state. It would be a loss for everyone. Nash knew which way Oz would lean. Because in the end, it always came down to keeping the Underground strong, in control, and lucrative.

They walked out to the back lot. The SUVs were lined up, waiting. Nash had driven over on his own, but he walked Oz to his vehicle.

“Thoughts?” Oz asked.

Nash was being tested. Oz had already decided what he was going to do, but occasionally he’d ask for Nash’s input. Therealtest was whether they were on the same page. Nash never failed.

“As much as I despise Anders, it’d be a missed opportunity not to strike this deal with him. He goes out of state, that only increases our competition. I think it’s best to approach Inez inperson to discuss and get her on board for taking the meeting with him.”

Oz slowly nodded. “Agreed.”

“Should I pick up a carton of cigarettes and schedule a meeting for you with Inez?” Nash asked, fighting against his amusement.

She was the only person he knew that required some type of gift before taking a meeting. Inez was what Sal often referred to as ol’ school. A handshake meant more than a written contract. And if a deal fell through, there were no second chances.

Oz stopped at the open back door, glancing over his shoulder.

“She’s requested a nice bottle. Pick it up and schedule to your availability.” Oz smirked. “You’remeeting with Inez. I’ve met my quota for the quarter.”

Fuck!

Nash tucked his hands in his pockets, stepping back and watching the SUV drive away. He stretched his neck, looking up at the sky and sighing heavily. There were many aspects of his position he enjoyed.This is not one of them.

“Is that a promotion or a demotion?” Ridge asked.

“Sounds like a punishment.” Caine chimed in.

Nash snorted, circling to face his men. Technically they were Oz’s security, but he’d been in charge of all of them. The elite three, Caine, Ridge, and Cyrus, had been with the Underground the longest, and they were the most loyal. It was unusual for anyone in his position to get close with security, but Nash had an unconventional friendship with them that very few knew of.

“It’ll definitely be interesting.” Nash gestured to the lot. “I’ll let you know when I have it scheduled.”

“Think she’ll let us inside this time or make us stand in the hall again?” Ridge joked.

Inez was strange, to say the least, and you never knew what kind of mood she’d be in. Their last visit had Nash, along with security, banished to the hall while Oz met with her.

“We shall see.” Nash waved to the men and started to his car.

Chapter Two

“It’s been three friggin’ months, Charley!”

Charley closed her eyes, rolling her shoulders and massaging the pinched nerve in her shoulder blade. It could’ve come from multiple sources. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast or drank much water throughout the day. She was leaning toward stress. It had always been a trigger, and her friend, Keely, was dishing it out tenfold.

Charley couldn’t put all the blame on Keely. It had been a few months since she’d been gifted the club passes to the X-Lounge from her boss, Elodie. A birthday present. According to Keely, it was the best present anyone could receive. Charley was more touched by the thought. Gifts and celebrations were few and far between for Charley. It hadn’t always been that way. When she was a child, her parents always made a big deal about milestones, especially birthdays. They’d been highlights in her childhood. And it all ended eight years ago.

Her childhood had been as close to perfect as she could’ve asked for. Even after tragedy struck when she was fourteen, and her father died, her mother, brother, and she had remained a solid unit. Now? There was no family semblance between the three of them.

It was crazy to think how quickly her life and her future had changed in an instant. Up until that call, she’d had plans. They weren’t grandiose or life changing. Simple. It didn’t dimmish their significance. Charley was going to be someone beyond her small town. Lots of dreams and aspirations. And in a thirty second phone call…it ended.

Charley had considered calling her mother and giving her an update on Cody. She didn’t. Her mother was long past forgiveness. To be fair, she’d spent a lot of years showing her brother grace and support. There was only so much one person could take.

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