Page 47 of Heart of Stone
“Perfect for moving things you don’t want found,” I finish.
“Exactly.” Axel’s face is grim. “Plus, they’re targeting specific properties. The Wilson place? Old factory? Duck’s garage? They form a corridor.”
“A pipeline,” Duck mutters. “Jesus.”
“But for what?” I stand, restless energy making it hard to sit still. “Drugs? Weapons?”
“Whatever it is, they need it done fast.” Axel traces the route on his phone. “They’re not just buying properties—they’re isolating them. Utilities getting cut, road work blocking access, health code violations appearing out of nowhere.”
“Wearing people down,” Duck says. “Making them desperate to sell.”
“Making them disappear,” I correct. “No witnesses, no questions.”
The office falls silent except for the sputtering fan and the distant sound of engines being worked on. Through the window, I see Andi bent over a motorcycle, her movements precise and focused.
“Your girl’s place is right in their path,” Duck says quietly.
“She’s not my—” I stop at Duck’s knowing look. “I know.”
“They’ll come for her next,” Axel warns. “Put pressure on the landlord.”
“I’ve got it covered.”
“You better,” Duck says grimly. He pulls another envelope from his desk. “Had my lawyer draw up these papers this morning. Transferring forty-nine percent ownership of the garage to the club.”
I stare at the papers Duck’s tossed on the desk. Forty-nine percent. He’s giving up control of something he’s built from nothing.
“Duck—” I start.
He holds up a hand. “Before either of you start, this ain’t charity. And I’m not retiring.” He jerks his thumb toward the garage floor. “Got too many projects. Too many good people depending on this place.”
“Why now?” Axel asks, picking up the papers.
“Because I’m not stupid.” Duck leans back, the chair groaning in protest. “Summit’s got reach. Deep pockets. If something happens to me?—”
“Nothing’s going to happen,” I cut in sharply.
“If something happens,” Duck continues, ignoring me, “Maggie’d be left holding the bag. She’s tough as nails, but she shouldn’t have to deal with their kind of pressure.”
Axel scans the documents, his expression thoughtful. “Split ownership makes it harder to sell. They’d need club approval.”
“And we don’t approve shit without a vote,” I add, already seeing where this is going.
“Exactly.” Duck’s eyes crinkle. “Plus, gives me an excuse to keep you idiots in line. Make sure my investment’s protected.”
I snort. As if Duck needs an excuse to bust our balls.
“There’s more.” He pulls out another set of papers. “Been thinking about expanding. That lot next door’s been empty since the hardware store went under. Could double our workspace, add more bays.”
“Add more mechanics,” Axel says slowly. “More eyes on the street. We’ll need to get in before Summit.”
Duck nods. “I already put in an offer last week.”
I study the old-timer, impressed despite myself. He’s thought this through.
“Stone know about this?” I ask.
“Called him this morning. He’s on board, pending club vote.” Duck’s expression turns serious. “Look, boys. This garage? It’s more than just a business. It’s family. Community. People come here when they need help, not just with their cars.”
