Page 58 of Steel

The attack is proof I can’t offer her the same. It’s in everyone’s best interest that I get her out of here as soon as it’s safe, and that thought burns in my chest.

A buzzer sounds and another gate opens, letting Havoc and me deeper into the prison.

The guards pat me down, even after they sent me through the metal detector because they like fucking with us. Especially when they know we have no choice but to cooperate if I want to talk to Chaos.

Havoc grits his teeth as the guard knocks him hard in the nuts on a final pass before they let us through.

Another guard leads us into a large cement room with tables, chairs, and bars on the windows. Chaos is sitting at one in the corner, talking to Tanner Monroe, the club’s attorney, as we make our way over to them and sit in the chairs on the other side.

Chaos’s hair is a touch longer than it’s been in a while, marking the amount of time he’s already spent in here, and reminding me I’m failing him every day he does. He rubs the back of his tattooed hands and looks up at me.

“How are you doing?” I tip my chin up.

“Just fine, Prez.” Chaos leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, grinning. “Although I’d be better if Monroe could get me a conjugal visit.”

Chaos doesn’t let anyone see him stressed—or serious for that matter. He’ll make light of any situation to prove it’s not getting to him. But deep in his eyes, I see it—I owe him. He took the fall for the club so we wouldn’t lose our entire shipment, and now he’s paying for all our sins.

It was supposed to be a simple trade: guns for coke. But someone tipped off the cops, and the Soulless Riders blamed us and started shooting. We clipped a couple of them but had to split before we could clean up the mess.

Chaos led the cops in one direction while Mayhem got the rest of our men out of there. He went down so no one else would.

“I already told you; you aren’t married,” Monroe says.

“We’ll get you plenty of pussy when you’re out of here,” I promise, looking at Monroe. “Where are we on that?”

“The judge will hear the next appeal in two weeks.” Monroe straightens his tie. “But we have a problem.”

“What now?”

“They say they’ve got a witness. Someone can place Chaos at the gas station.”

That is a problem.

The only reason we’ve gotten this far is that the cops arrested Chaos a few miles away. They locked him up for the drugs in his saddlebag but couldn’t tie him to the bodies we’d left behind.

If they do that, there’s a chance they’ll use him to make an example, and that’s not something I’m willing to accept.

“Who’s the witness?”

“Don’t know. They’re protecting them.”

I shake my head. “Then figure it the fuck out. Chaos gets out in two weeks, Monroe. Or it’s on you.”

Monroe has worked for the club for a long time, so I don’t feel bad threatening him. He covers for us, and we cover for him. No one’s hands are clean.

“You got it, Steel.” He stands up, nodding at me once before leaving.

“You think he’ll take care of it?” Chaos watches him go.

“He has no choice.”

I have enough to make Monroe suffer if he tries to turn on us. And as much as I’d hate to do it, given how many years we’ve worked together, I will for my brothers.

“How are things on the outside?” Chaos asks, lacing his hands behind his head. “Any more noise at Sapphire Rise?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s been quiet. Kansas is keeping it under control.”

Chaos tips his head back and laughs. “Only you would actively avoid a strip club, Prez. The girls could help you relieve a little tension.”

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