Page 36 of Reaper Razed

“It’s already fucking uncomfortable!” He scrubs his hand down his face and turns to me. “I love you, Ray!” And I smile back, clearly his way of apologising for my brother.

Ares has been really quiet until now. “Can we get on with this.” he barks out, and Steel slams him with a glare. I walk to the other side of the coffee table while they all sit on the sofa.

“Before I start, I want to say… I love you all. You are my family, and I will tell you what I can. There are some things I can't share and that’s not because I don’t trust you, but there are bigger things out of my control. Also, I’m on your side, and I will never hurt or betray any of you. You’re my priority. That being said, if keeping things from you is in your best interest, you better damn well believe I’ll do it.” I glare this last bit at Ares as he shifts.

“So I… detained two of the guys who kidnapped you lot!” I nod to Steel, Dice and Dozer. “They were part of an organisation run by a guy called Dante Crane. I’m gathering information on him at the moment and will let you know as soon as I have anything. Apparently, you were taken as a vendetta against this club, the details of which we don’t know either. The group is trying to pass themselves off as The Armoury, but I can assure you they have nothing to do with them… one hundred percent! Dante knows you would be excited to finally get in with The Armoury and be on their list of preferred clientele. I can also confirm this is all bogus.

“I can confirm that they did, in fact, think that Ares was one of you; therefore, this was a direct hit against him. All we know is they went through your phones, looked for ‘wife’ as a contact, and then hired a hooker to make the videos with your own phones. I’ve had my tech guy look through your phones, and there’s nothing on them, so they’re clean. I’ve also deleted the videos, and we’ve wiped them. They weren’t distributed elsewhere, which makes us think this is personal. So, Ares, you must have had dealings with Dante at some point.”

“I don’t know anyone called Dante Crane.”

“As we thought, but we’re trying to get background and a photo as he could be anyone and be going by any name. I need you to stay vigilant while we’re unsure what’s happening, and don’t let your wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, life partners, dogs, cats or hamsters out alone… okay, any questions?”

“What did they actually want?” Dice asks. “It seems a little petty sending those videos.”

“It was petty and vindictive, which makes us think it’s personal, definitely some sort of revenge.”

“You keep saying us, we, who is that? As it’s not us?” Ares gestures around the room.

“Me and my colleagues, when I can give you more info than that, I will… trust me when I say I’m working on it.”

Ares opens his mouth and closes it again before changing his mind and saying, “So what you’re telling us is nothing!”

“Respectfully, Ares, I don’t have to tell you fucking shit! I’m giving you the courtesy of sharing what I can, but most of what I know is above your pay grade!”

“What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means we’re fucking done here! Bran, Dane, I need a word before you go. The rest of you, I'm glad you're safe, and be careful. As soon as I’ve found something I can share, I will.” I fold my arms over my chest. I stare at each and everyone one of them as they walk out the door, chuntering to themselves.

“I’ll head over to the bar with the guys and give you all some privacy.” Steel nods as he walks out the door, too!

“Fuck!” I flop onto the sofa.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay!” Dane tries to assure me.

“I need to call them.”

Bran nods as I pull out my phone. I enter my “alternative” PIN and fire up the app.

The automated voice comes through the speaker

"VERIFICATION?”

“Sierra 8674463”

“VERIFIED, IDENTIFICATION?”

“Black Queen Delta 1.”

“CONFIRMED!”

“Patch to White King Alpha 1.”

“UNAVAILABLE.”

“Patch to White Knight Alpha 1”

The disguised male voice comes through.

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