Page 32 of Chill’s Chance

Alberto nods. “So there is proof? Can we talk to him? If I go to my boss about this, I need more than just your word.”

This is where it gets tricky. The person who can vouch for us is not someone we’re currently on good terms with, Salvador Gutierrez, Junior. But he’s still an honorable man. And I know what happened in Chicago shook him.

“You can contact Salvador Gutierrez. His son, Sal Junior, was the one who heard the Bratva men talking about killing the women.” Puma says.

“I want to talk to him before I agree to go to my boss.” Alberto says. Puma sighs and takes out his phone. “No, I want to call him. I don’t want him to know I’m with you. See if he’ll tell me the truth.”

Puma nods at me, so I go to one of our storage bins, the one lined with lead. I open it and remove Alberto’s phone. He takes it and makes the call, putting it on speaker.

“Salvador.” Sal, Jr. answers. “Who is this?”

“Alberto Anasti.” Alberto replies. “I work for…”

“The Italians, yeah. What can I do for you?” He asks.

“Chicago. The sex club. What happened?” Alberto asks.

Sal sucks in a breath. “Why are you asking?”

“I heard a rumor and I want to confirm it.”

“What rumor?”

“That the Demon Dawgs blew the place up. That they were working for Standish.”

Puma’s glare is enough to have Alberto gulping, but he stands his ground.

Sal snorts. “They weren’t involved, and they sure as hell wouldn’t help Standish. Look, Puma and his guys aren’t my favorite people right now, but Puma wouldn’t give Standish a drop of water if he was dying of thirst. And frankly, neither would I. That bastard set us up. He wanted to take out the competition, and he almost succeeded. I heard your Don lost three of his family members and I’m sorry for that. But if they went to that sex club knowing the plan, then they deserved death.”

“What plan?” Alberto asks.

“Standish kidnapped four women from somewhere. I heard they were wives of his enemies. He planned on having us rape and murder those women. He’s a fucking asshole, and if I ever get my hands on him, he’ll pay.”

“Right.” Alberto says, ending the call. He nods at Puma. “Ok, I’ll tell my boss. Although, why did Vance Chambers go to San Diego?”

“He found out his wife and son were using his medical group as part of their human trafficking. He realized his wife was a lying bitch. So he went to San Diego to repair his relationship with his daughters.” Puma explains.

Alberto nods. “I see. That makes sense. So you swear Dante isn’t helping Standish?”

“I swear.” Puma says.

“Then I would like the opportunity to tell my boss that. He needs to know the truth.” Alberto says.

Puma nods. “Good choice. We’ll get you a car or drop you off somewhere. The airport?”

Alberto shakes his head. “If you could take me back to 1%, I can handle the rest.”

Puma’s phone rings and I see Trouble’s name flash on the display.

“Yeah.” Puma answers. “What’s wrong?”

I know Trouble and his club; the Shadow Borne’s are working at 1% today. They’re covering for us since we all wanted to be here for Showtime’s party.

“What the fuck? Did you call the police?” Puma asks, his eyes locked with mine. “Why are you following the car? Just call the police.” I hear mumblings on the other end but can’t make out the words. “They’re coming here? You’re sure? Well, fucking stop them. Who the fuck is it?” He frowns as Trouble describes their quarry. “Let her come.”

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“Trouble said some woman stole a car from the valet. They chased her down, but she won’t pull over. From their description, I think it might be Claudia. They said she looked terrified until they pulled up next to her, then she relaxed.”

---