Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 117494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 587(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 117494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 587(@200wpm)___ 470(@250wpm)___ 392(@300wpm)
Well, shit. I didn’t know what this meant.
I turned and took stock.
Every charter had voted to remove ourselves from a working relationship with the Estrada cartel. We just hadn’t made the move yet. So Marco being here… I was hoping that didn’t mean he’d found out and was making his move instead.
A phone started ringing, and one of our members called out, “It’s Heckler.”
He came over, holding out the phone.
I took it. “You heard who’s here?”
Heckler was with Maxwell. He was also the national sergeant at arms, which meant he ranked right below me. “Maxwell’s in the hospital. Somebody put a hit out on him. He’s in surgery, and we’re hoping he’ll pull through.”
Fuck.
Fuck!
Damn!
I’d process later. Had to.
“Estrada order that hit?” I turned, looking right at him. “Because he’s here.”
“Right now, we don’t know. It’s possible.”
“Why would he be waiting for me to finish this call, then? He would’ve made a move by now.”
“He might be there to ask you to take over the Red Demons.”
I didn’t like that idea.
“You want me to send some of my guys?” he asked. “We’ll keep a group here for the prez.”
Estrada had three SUVs, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have more men here. We had twenty-four men, with Machete off playing babysitter for Claudia.
I made my decision. “Wait for my call.”
“Will do,” he said before hanging up.
I handed the phone back and started forward.
“You want us with you?” Stripes asked.
I paused, but shook my head without looking back at him.
Marco met me halfway, which was a good sign. He was alone—also a good sign—but all of his men did step out from the SUVs, assault rifles in their hands.
He nodded. “Buenos días, Ghost.”
I nodded back. “Señor Estrada. What’s the reason for this visit?”
A smirk started to show before he smoothed his features. “To the point. I always liked that about you.”
“I was just told someone shot our national president, and now you’re here. I’m wondering how you’re going to convince me that’s a coincidence.”
A hard look flashed in his eyes. “You were in the Army, special forces.”
“You telling me about myself doesn’t convince me of anything.”
“I’m letting you know that I’m aware you could kill me right here, but still, I’m here. I’m standing, talking to you.” He held his arms out, opening his suit jacket. “You see, I have no guns with me.”
“The assault rifles behind you say otherwise.”
“But I’m standing here with you. I was notified about the attempted hit myself not long ago. We were in the area. I was told the Red Demons’ national VP was a two-hour ride away. I came because I wanted to reassure you that I was not behind the hit.”
“You were in the area?”
A shadow of a smile crossed his face. “I enjoy my business relationship with your MC, but you are not the only connection I have in the States. Yes. I was in the area visiting.”
“Why would you think I would assume you were behind the hit?”
He moved his head back, assessing me. “Am I the only one who doubts my own business alliances at times? If so, I must work on this paranoia. I assumed. Was I wrong?”
I didn’t know what to think, but he hadn’t pulled his guns on my men. So far, we were peaceful. Making a move right now, with him in front of me, would be a stupid decision. I had to go with caution, and caution meant being polite.
“Señor Estrada, I thank you for your reassurance and for taking the time to travel, rather than making a phone call. It’s appreciated by myself and the rest of the club.”
He gave a small nod. “Muchas gracias, Señor Ghost.”
Señor Ghost. That was a trip, but fuck. I couldn’t do anything here except play my part.
I stepped back and motioned for the local VP of the Frisco charter to come over. He’d been waiting outside the line of Red Demons. He came forward at my signal.
He was an older member, a little grizzly and rough around the edges, but he was smart.
“This is Crow. Crow, this is Señor Marco Estrada. He’s up for a short visit. Do you think we could get some of the old ladies to help with a cookout?”
I had to give him props. He didn’t miss a beat, holding his hand out immediately for Marco to shake. “We sure can. My missus will send out the call. We’ll have a big roast tomorrow night. You like pork, Mr. Estrada?”
Marco smiled. “I love a good roast.”
I ignored the double meaning and clipped a nod. “It’s settled. You’ll stay the night then, Marco?”
“I have men in the area. I can stay with them.”
“Will your men be joining us tomorrow night?”
“Just myself and perhaps plan for ten of my men, for the food. The rest will have eaten.”