“Power changes people,” Frank says.
Who knew the mob boss had insight?
Graham cups Jax’s shoulder. “Let me introduce you to myright-hand man in Vegas. My connection for the last four months.”
“Four months that fucker has been on Graham’s payroll.”
The other men nod, and Graham continues, “He’s been feeding me information about Wicked’s earnings, debts, their lease agreement on the building housing the club, along with the shadier side of their lives. Including a close affiliation with the Serpents, a motorcycle gang in Vegas, and all their illegal dealings with mob boss Frank Barnett before coming to Vegas.”
“Sounds like you’ve done your due diligence.” Graham’s friend nods his approval.
“Absolutely. Once I laid out how I bought the building out from under them, they had no recourse. It was almost too easy.”
“No one’s better at making a deal than you, Graham.”
“But you haven’t heard the best part. I’ve also solicited his wife’s business. And get this, she runs an escort service, which, of course, is just another name for hookers.” They all laugh and Graham continues, “I turned on the charm, along with my usual pressure, and I should have her business in my portfolio before the new year also. And if it all goes as planned, I’ll have her in my bed too.”
The men snicker and shoulder-bump each other.
“I’ll rip that fucker’s heart out before I let him near Cheryl.”
“Sounds like you’ve covered all your bases.”
“She tried to come off tough, but the minute I mentioned the shady pasts of both her and Nick, she changed herattitude. Threatening the kid with social services had her eating out of my hand.”
“Threatening Portia, what the fuck?”
“You know I don’t like any loose ends, and once I have full ownership of Wicked,” Graham pats Jax on the shoulder, “you’ll be the general manager.”
“Holy shit, Jax sold us out for a title.”
“That’s what happens when you ignore your employees,” Frank warns.
“Employee? He was supposed to be our friend. Shit, we’ve known each other since juvie.”
“All the more reason you should’ve listened to him the last few months when he had some ideas about the club instead of blowing him off.”
“It couldn’t be helped. I was too busy and?—”
“Too busy for your family and friends?”
I can’t take my eyes off Jax laughing it up with Graham and all his phony friends.
Graham turns to Jax. “Why don’t you get yourself another drink? Enjoy the party.”
When Jax leaves the circle, one of Graham’s friends leans in. “Now you’ll have to deal with him. Looks like you traded one thug for another.”
“Not really. Once I get full ownership, I won’t need Jax anymore.”
“You better be careful,” the friend warns. “I don’t think that thug will take being fired very well.”
“Ohhh, I won’t fire him.” Graham grins. “He’ll just disappear one day.”
The men all exchange a look, then slowly nod.
“That fucker’s gonna off Jax.” I turn to Frank. “Shit, I gotta warn him.”
“You really don’t get how this works, do you?” Frank nudges me forward. “We need to move on.”
