Page 52 of No Mistake

“For the record, I only just joined the little party after the fuck up at the warehouse.”

Tracer felt a need to explain to Dawson he was not a party to involving innocent civilians. Damn that whole brotherhood thing. It never quite goes away.

“You know I could just take you in right now,” Dex said calmly, taking a drink.

“You and who’s army?” Even if Dawson did have men outside, Tracer had brought his own guys, too. It would get messy real quick.

Dawson grinned. “How about you and I go toe to toe?”

“Bring it.”

This time they both laughed, but neither moved. Going at each other was not going to get either of them anywhere.

“Is Chloe alive?”

“Yes, and unharmed. Thanks to me, by the way. I’m making sure she’s safe. For now.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means don’t fuck with this deal, Dawson. It needs to happen. Then the Vitelli crew can go the fuck home, and I will make sure Chloe is released unharmed.”

“You know I can’t do that. If that means going through you, I will, but I’d rather you helped us. It’s not too late, Tracer.”

Tracer mulled over his words. He wanted to help them. But if he helped Dawson, he’d lose his chance to take Alejandro Vitelli himself. And he wanted that bastard more.

“No can do. You do your thing and I’ll do mine.”

“What the fuck happened to you? You’re better than this.”

Tracer took another swig of beer.

“Don’t mess with this, Dawson. There is more to this situation than a gun deal.”

“Like what? Talk to me. We can work this together.”

Tracer stood up.

“No, we can’t.”

Dex stood, too, putting on sunglasses as they walked out of the bar.

“Doesn’t have to be this way, Tracer.”

“Yeah, it does. I don’t want to hurt you or your team, so stay out of my way.”

“You and I both know that’s not going to happen.”

Tracer stopped, facing his old friend.

“Look. Give me a bit of time. Keep your phone on.”

“Time for what?” Dawson asked.

“To get Chloe out.”

Dawson paused. Tracer knew he had no reason to trust him.

“I can’t promise anything, Tracer.”

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