"Why wait three years for revenge?" Wilder asks from his position by the door.
"I've been careful. Changed identities, moved constantly. But lately..." I hesitate, reluctant to admit my mistake.
"You got comfortable," Ghost finishes for me. "Started using your real name again. Contacting old associates."
"James was getting out," I say defensively. "I needed to use my real identity to visit him, to arrange things for his release."
"And Walsh's people have probably been watching the prison," Reaper concludes. "Waiting for you to surface."
It makes sense. Painfully, embarrassingly perfect sense. I let my guard down because I wanted to be there for James, and in doing so, I practically painted a target on my back.
"If it is Walsh," I say slowly, "then this isn't over. He's not the type to quit just because one attempt failed."
"Tell us more about him," Reaper demands. "Everything you know."
I spend the next hour laying out Walsh's operation. His legitimate businesses in Dublin, London, and New York; his network of associates; his reputation for brutal efficiency. The club members listen intently, occasionally interjecting with questions that reveal surprising knowledge of international criminal networks.
"An Irish organization making moves in Pine Haven," Reaper says finally, exchanging a glance with Ghost. "This is a problem."
"More than you know," Ghost adds. "If they've been watching the prison, watching Dice..."
"Then they know about us," Reaper finishes. "Our routines, our security, possibly our business operations."
The implications aren't lost on me. By bringing Walsh's attention to Pine Haven, I've potentially compromised the Outlaw Order's entire operation.
"I should leave," I say, the guilt finally breaking through my composure. "Get out of town, draw them away from here."
"You’re not going anywhere. Too late for that," Reaper says bluntly.
"So, what's the play?" Ace asks. "We can't exactly take on an international organization."
"We don't have to," Reaper responds. "We just need to make Pine Haven too costly a battlefield. Show them we're not worth the trouble."
"And how do we do that?" I ask.
"First, we secure you and Dice. Then James, when he's released." Reaper stands, signaling the end of the discussion. "Ghost, reach out to our contacts in Nevada and Oregon, see what they know about Walsh's American operations. Ace, analyze that watch,figure out what makes it so valuable. Viper, double the security at all our properties."
They nod, accepting their assignments without question.
"And me?" I ask, not expecting to be included in their plans.
"You stay put," Reaper says. "Under guard, where you can't cause any more trouble."
It stings, but I can't argue with his logic. I've done enough damage.
"Wilder will take you upstairs," Ghost tells me. "The apartment is secure. Stay there until we tell you otherwise."
"What about Dice?" I ask.
"You’ll be staying together," Wilder answers. "He’s probably pacing a hole in the floor by now."
I stand, preparing to follow him out.
"Ms. Brooks," Reaper calls, stopping me. "One more thing."
I turn back, expecting more accusations or threats.
Instead, his expression has softened marginally. "Dice is reckless. Impulsive. The kind of man who leaps without looking. But he's loyal to a fault, and he clearly cares about you."
