Page 128 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

If only she knew how much of a damn he actually does give.

“Anyway, I don’t want to spoil my good mood talking about him. What’s up?”

“Shite. Your calls are recorded, aren’t they?” I frown.

“Jesus Christ, news travels fast. Yes, they are, but not on this phone. This is my burner. Only five people have this number.”

“But if Eoin can see our exchanges….”

“Good point. Six, then. I’ll change it. Or maybe I won’t. We don’t say anything compromising in our messages, and it will no doubt mess with that big, conceited head of his that even though he knows I have two numbers, I’ve only given him one, whereas you have both.”

“True.” I laugh out loud. She knows him so well.

“So, Nevada.”

“What about it.”

“Are you going to be there?”

There’s a pause.

“This is strictly between you and me, Dyl.”

“You have my word on that, Jaine.”

She exhales. “I was considering it.”

“As who?”

“As Robin, of course.”

“Very funny.” I laugh again.

“I thought so too, Batman. I was thinking as my alter ego. Is that what you wanted me to say?”

“It is. Thank God we’re on the same page.” I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Well, I figured if the faction backing Reaper wanted to flex their trafficking muscles, then that would be the time to do it. When the Irish are in town.”

“So, you’ll definitely be there?”

“In the distance, yes. There’s one thing I need you to do for me, though.”

“Anything at all.”

“You need to pick up the bullets.”

“Why?” I frown.

“Because it took a long time to convince my clients that I work as a free agent. I say who. I say when. I say how much. I had to shake off the general assumption that I worked exclusively for the Scorpions and not just via them. The last Nevada incident I was able to get away with. It was, after all, the prez of the Scorpions himself who was at risk, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected that The Exterminator was on standby to help out an old friend. But this situation isn’t an out-and-out hit for hire. There’s no price on a head. That’s not possible when it’s not known which head will receive the engraved bullet, if any. I don’t need anyone misreading things and thinking the Scorpions are behind it. I refuse to have the finger of blame pointed at them.”

“Won’t that just be assumed anyway?”

“No one will act based purely on an assumption, Dyl. That’s not how it works. No one will make an enemy and go to war with a top-tier faction without concrete evidence.”

“So, you can’t be seen to be linked with the Irish?”

“I don’t want to be seen to be linked to anyone. It’s bad for business. I’m independent. I need to remain so. Plus, if we’re linked, that means every time I sink a bullet into some scumbag’s head, the Dusters will be held responsible. Is that really what you want?”

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