Page 8 of Fixate

“I get it… I do. But somehow, we’re gonna need to find more manpower, and if we can’t find that manpower here in New Awlins, maybe we need to reach out to our sources out of town?”

Hurricane hums down the line. “You have someone in mind?”

“At Thanksgiving, we went to Baton Rouge and met with the Baton Rouge Bachelors, an elite establishment that runs the city over there.”

“I remember… what’s your point?”

“Well, they’re well-equipped for transporting drugs and all kinds of shit we’re into. They’re already transporting some of our cargo, so why don’t we head over there and talk to their second-in-charge, Cain… see if he can loan us some men to work at The Plantation? That way, we don’t need to run a check to see if the guys are rats because they’re already part of a criminal establishment. Just so you know, Cain is much easier to deal with than their boss.”

Hurricane is quiet for a moment, then he says, “I like it. Give Cain a call and tee it up.”

“I’m on it. You wanna be there for the meet?”

Hurricane grunts. “I got shit I need to take care of over here. Kaia wants to make Immy’s first Christmassuper special…” oh God, I can hear the sarcasm in his tone, “… so she needs me to take her shoppin’ for gifts. Trust me, I’d rather be goin’ to Baton Rouge with you.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “You mean buying presents for a four-month-old is not exciting for you, Pres?”

Hurricane groans. “I adore my daughter, but she doesn’t need any more clothes, binkies, or fuckin’ teethin’ toys!”

I smirk in response. “I’ll give Cain your regards.”

“Take Maxxy with ya. She might need to tell Cain specific requirements of the men needed.”

Inhaling deeply, I sink back into the chair and nod. “All right, done! I’ll grab her, and we’ll head over there as soon as Cain’s available.”

“Good… and Hoodoo?”

“Yeah, Pres?”

“Great work.”

As Hurricane ends the call, I slide my cell across the table, a sense of pride washing over me. Now I just need to set these wheels in motion.

Grabbing the walkie, I radio Maxxy and tell her the plan, then place a call to Cain.

After a short conversation, he informs me that now is a good time, and with that, Maxxy and I start the hour-long journey to Baton Rouge.

I wish more than anything I could take some pain meds for my back because an hour in her cramped little car will be hell, but it is what it is. We take off with Maxxy driving.

“So… what should we do when we get to this place?” Maxxy asks.

I let out a scoff.“Wedo nothing.Youletmedo the talking.”

Maxxy laughs obnoxiously. “You know The Plantation and farm are my brainchild. If anyone knows how shit should be handled, it’s me.”

Rolling my shoulders, I nod. “I know, and you do a great job at maintaining everything, Maxxy, but they’re called the Bachelors for a reason. It’s a men’s club. Sure, they have afewwomen, but they deal mostly with men. This is an elite establishment with politicians, celebrities, and government officials, and they all have a part to play in the Bachelors.”

“Sounds like a bunch of stuck-up cunts to me.”

I laugh. “You’re not exactly wrong, but take my lead, okay?”

She grumbles under her breath. “Fine!”

We’re about halfway, and I’m so uncomfortable I turn to Maxxy. “Can we pull over for a second? I need to stretch my back.”

She chuckles, like my pain is amusing her, but pulls the car into a parking lot. I don’t hesitate, jumping out and walking it off.

She steps in next to me, looking me up and down. “How come I’ve never noticed how bad your back is before?”

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