Page 44 of Dirty Dylan: Dirty Dusters

“They tried to.”

“Jesus Christ. Listen, I didn’t want to meet them. Why is that being turned into such a big deal? I’m a biker. I’m a lawyer. I have no need to interact with your folks as either, so there was no reason for me to meet them. If they now dislike me due to my not turning up to a meeting I hadn’t agreed to attend in the first place. If they feel insulted or disrespected in some way as a result, then that’s your fault, Eoin. Not mine. And I don’t give a damn if Molly is earmarked to be the next Mrs. Claus. You need to rein her in. I will not tolerate my professional reputation being slandered.”

He attempts to speak, but I don’t allow him to. Because enough is enough. It’s time to draw a line under this fiasco.

“Let me just finish what it is I have to say, please. Now Jessie also mentioned that your da is keen for Molly to take over any legals currently handled by JAL. Given how strained things have become I believe that would be the best course of action for all parties concerned. As per the terms of our contract, therefore, I’m verbally advising that JAL is withdrawing all professional services from the Dusters with immediate effect due to the working relationship becoming untenable. To adhere to the terms of notice contained within said contract, I shall write to you formally this evening.”

“So, you’re withdrawing your services?”

“Yes.”

“So, if the IRS comes back?”

“Then I’m confident that between them, Irish and Molly can handle any legal aspects that arise.”

“And if there’s an issue with the alliance?”

“Then I’m also confident Molly can deal with that. If she’s currently ear-marked to be the next Ma Duster then she’ll have to roll her sleeves up and get stuck in sooner rather than later. There’s no time like the present.”

“You still have an owing.”

Here we fucking go. Same shit, different day.

“The owing you fabricated in relation to the Nevada incident has been repaid. The IRS matter was addressed free of charge in full and final settlement of said owing.”

“So, you’re choosing to make an enemy of the Dusters.”

“On the contrary, Mr. O’Connell, I’m not choosing to do anything. It would appear the Dusters are choosing to make an enemy of me.”

There’s a pause. He won’t take this lying down, so I know he’ll come back with something to try to reinmein. Good luck with that, asshole.

“Then we may have to consider which MCs we use as part of the alliance.”

I laugh dryly. “I’m guessing this is aimed at the Scorpions and the Angels, right? Obviously, you can’t make any decisions when it comes to the Sons as they operate via La eMe themselves.”

“Correct.”

“So that’s the best you can come up with? Do you honestly think I couldn’t secure a plethora of new alliances and transport opportunities for both MCs given the rate my business is expanding and who it’s expanding to incorporate? Finally, you’re showing your true goddamn colors. The colors I first witnessed when you came to my apartment that day. Well, if you want to resort to underhand tactics and blackmail, Eoin, then, please, be my guest. I may then have to consider whether to also terminate JAA’s contract with the Dusters.”

“You’re making a mistake, Jaine.” It’s his turn to hiss. I can’t help but smile at his pissed off tone.

“On the contrary. I’m making a stance—something I should have done a long time ago. Don’t call me, I’ll call you, which translates to goodbye. Forever.”

I disconnect the call.

CHAPTERTWENTY

JAINE

Jaine’s House, Rising, California

“Ace,what the hell is going on? It’s been three days.” I’m home alone again. It’s happening way too often. I pick absentmindedly at the ancient cream leather sofa as I sit on its cold surface. It’s as old as me. It’s slowly falling apart, but I’ll be damned if I’m ever letting it go. The memories it holds of Pop. Of Ace. They’re irreplaceable. Those memories are also likely the only things still holding the thing together.

“I’ll be back tomorrow, PJ.”

“You’re doing too much. You’re spreading yourself too thin. You sound exhausted.” Tears prick my eyes. It’s not tears of self-pity for me. It’s tears of concern for him. Ace is on the road way too often. He’s running himself into the ground.

“It’s only for a little longer, sweetheart. Just until we get things tied up with Ghost.”

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