Page 45 of Cease and Desist

“Okay, I’ll be back. Don’t open the door to anyone but me, okay?”

“Sure.”

When he stepped out the door to the landing, only then did it occur to him that she probably said she wanted food because she really wanted time alone. He started down the stairs. This was a lot to take in. He didn’t blame her one bit, but if they didn’t figure out something soon, life was going to get a whole lot more complicated.

He walked out of the back stairs and into the bar area. The bar was still closed, but the smell of food hit his nose. He pushed open the kitchen door. Connor stood over the grill, making eggs and bacon. “Did you save any of that for us? I could eat the ass out of skunk.”

Connor turned around and gave him an appraising look. “I bet you could at that.” He smiled. “I’ll make you some breakfast. Bacon and eggs, okay?”

Hawk nodded. “Sounds good.”

“There’s coffee in the pot over there.” He gestured with his chin.

“Thanks.”

“You look like you could use it. Was it a rough one then?”

Hawk tried to suppress a grin. “It was…fine.” It was a hell of a lot better than fine, but at this moment in time, he wasn’t going to discuss it. He needed to bury it. Put it in a box and seal the lid up tight. Maybe wrap it in chains to get through this and keep Remy alive. He poured himself coffee and found a stool tucked under a prep counter. He pulled it out and sat down.

“I checked around a bit about what you were askin’. No one wants to talk about it. They’re all afraid, but I did hear that there’s a lot of people wantin’ a chance to speak with your lady friend. She’s got somethin’ they all want.”

“Fuck.” Hawk shook his head. “That’s the problem. She doesn’t have it. We need to fucking find it before someone kills her over it.”

“So, it’s like that, is it?” Connor flipped the bacon. “I can help ya keep her safe, but you gotta know the list is long, and it’s growin’ by the day. I hear there’s three different groups lookin’ for her. I presented myself as number four, just so you know.”

“Do you know who the groups are?”

“There are the Asian gang guys you mentioned yesterday and some Euro-trash gangsters. The third group is a mystery.”

“Terrific.” Hawk rubbed his face with both hands. “How am I supposed to keep her safe and find the token?”

“That’s what they’re after then, a token of some sort.” Connor put the bacon on two plates and then started frying some eggs.

“I don’t know what it is to be honest. Her grandfather didn’t say a damn thing about it to anyone.”

“Those are the rules from what I understand. Does make it hard, though.”

“Yeah.” Hawk took a sip of coffee.

“You’re welcome to stay here as long as ya need, but to be clear, with this kind of firepower comin’ at us, I might need to call in some reinforcements. The thing is, they’re gonna cost money.”

Hawk nodded. “I’ll pay. Just tell me how much.” He took another sip of coffee and swallowed. “I do wonder, though, if you call in reinforcements, will that trigger something? Will people suddenly pay attention and wonder why these extra hired guns are around? The last thing I need is for any of the three groups to find out we’re here.”

Connor frowned at him. “Are you sayin’ you think my people don’t know how to be discrete?”

“No, brother. I’m saying how do you know none of them are members of the Lock and Key Society?”

“Huh. I gotta admit, I’d not thought of that, and it’s not like they’d tell me, would they? They aren’t allowed.” Connor slid the fried eggs onto the plates beside the bacon. “Let me have a think on it, and I’ll get back to ya.” He handed Hawk some cutlery and then the two plates. “I’ll bring you more coffee and tea in a few minutes.”

“Thanks, Connor. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s only breakfast.” Conner grinned at him.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do, and you’re welcome. Now take those up to your lady friend before they get cold.”

Hawk went back up the stairs and banged lightly on the door with his foot. “It’s me. My hands are full. Open the door please.”

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