Page 52 of Chill’s Chance

“There’s something about her.” Dice says and I study him in surprise as I let a grin spread across my face.

“This is going to be fun.” I say, laughing when Dice shoots me a dirty look.

We enter Puma’s office to find Wildcard, Spark, and the woman in question waiting for us. Dice takes a seat next to her on the couch while I take a seat across from Puma.

“What have we got?” Wildcard asks, leaning against the door.

“When Claudia told me about Nicole’s murder and that she thought it was a loan shark, I started doing some digging into potential suspects. I’ve found a few with particularly nasty reputations. These guys have a reputation for killing those who don’t pay them back and even kidnapping family members. The guy Dice and I went to follow today is one of them. His name is Stone, and he’s a major asshole.”

“Did you find him?” Puma asks.

“We did.” Dice continues. “Avery learned that he always has lunch at the same diner every day. He likely uses it for most of his business. At least that’s the feeling I got from watching him. We sat outside and saw several people enter and sit with him over the course of a couple of hours. Several envelopes passed over the table, both ways. They didn’t try hiding their actions.”

“Is that it?” Wildcard asks.

“No, that was just the beginning. We saw a cop enter with another man. When they sat with Stone, we moved in closer. The place was clearing out, so we could get the table next to theirs. That’s where it got interesting.” Dice explains, glancing at Avery.

“They mentioned Nicole, and they discussed her son.” Avery says, causing us all to tense. “They’re still looking for him. The cop said he followed my grandmother, thinking she might know his location because he heard she’d been asking questions about him. He admitted to losing her at the casino.”

“This pissed off Stone. Told him they needed to find Slade and bring him to some location before the end of the week or they were all dead men.” Dice continues. “It sounded like Stone is working for someone else. That whoever it is would be more than willing to gut them all if they don’t deliver the kid.”

“Did they mention where they were going to look next?” Puma asks.

“They know bikers are involved. That bikers were looking for Slade and talked with Claudia. But they didn’t mention our club specifically.” Dice says. “The cop said he’d go back and question the residents at the apartment complex, see if any of them saw or knew something they could use.”

“At least one resident recognized you.” I say to Puma. “Some may have seen our kuttes as well.”

He nods. “Fuck. You may need to go on lockdown while I’m out of town.” Puma says to Wildcard, who nods in agreement. I know Puma regrets leaving town while we’re under potential attack, but he has to go to San Diego to officiate at the wedding of Dante and Tally. Dante is the President of our original chapter, which means he’s the top dog.

“Who is going?” I ask him. “You, Alisa and Elina. Right?”

He nods. “Mal is coming with us, as are Desdemona and Diego.”

“Really?” I ask. “Desdemona is going to Dante’s wedding?” Desdemona was Dante’s high school girlfriend before his father kidnapped her and tossed her into a human trafficking ring. Diego’s father bought her and years later, Diego rescued her. I have to wonder how hard it will be for her to see another woman standing in the place where I’m sure she expected to stand one day, if not for Dante’s father, Dale.

“She’s happy for him.” Puma says with a shrug. “She likes Tally and thinks they make a perfect couple. She isn’t the same person she was before Dale fucked up her life. Dante isn’t the same person she left behind.”

I shake my head, but say nothing more. It isn’t my place to judge. “You’re taking other men with you, right?” I ask him. Puma scowls at me, but I return it with interest. “You can’t be the only one going.” I insist.

“You’ll need everyone here in case there is a problem. Remember, we still don’t know if Alberto’s bosses accepted we aren’t assisting their enemies, and we have heard nothing from Salvador or his sons. They may or may not still hold a grudge. And now we have someone who might come after Slade.”

“And you don’t think someone might take advantage of you traveling alone with your family?” I push. “Even if they ride in one of the SUV’s, you’ll be on your own.”

“We aren’t driving.” Puma tells me. “Dante’s mom is sending her plane to pick us up.”

“Oh.” I say, allowing my anger to deflate. “Ok. That works.”

“Thanks.” Puma says with a smirk. “Glad you approve.”

I shake my head and turn my attention back to Dice and Avery. “It would be best if you and your grandmother stayed here under our protection.” I tell her.

She nods. “I appreciate the offer. I don’t have any pending cases, but that may change.”

“You can’t go out alone.” Dice tells her.

I see her bristling at his tone, so I intervene. “What he meant to say but fumbled the delivery was that you would be safer having someone watch your back while you are still a target.” I tell her, sending Dice a look to keep him silent. “Not that we don’t think you can handle yourself.”

“Yeah, what she said.” Dice says with a smirk that has both Avery and me rolling our eyes at him.

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