Ghost: Need to talk.Important.
"I've got to make a call," I tell Evangeline."Club business.You okay here for a bit?"
"We're fine.Go."
I head outside, closing the door before dialing Ghost's number.
"Talk to me," I say when he picks up.
"Morrison's making moves.Our contacts say he's been asking around about you, about the club, about weak points in our security."
My blood turns to ice."He's planning something."
"Yeah.And after what he did to Evangeline yesterday, we can't wait any longer."
"I know."
"Tempest has the plan ready.Clean, quick, no blowback.We can move tonight if you give the word."
Tonight.Less than twelve hours from now, Ethan Morrison will cease to be a threat.The problem will be solved, Evangeline and the kids will be safe, and I'll have blood on my hands that I can never wash off.
"Do it," I say."But I want to be there when it goes down."
"That's not smart, brother.You're too close to this."
"I don't care.He hurt her.I need to look him in the eye when we end him."
Ghost is quiet for a moment."Alright.But if this goes sideways, if you hesitate because of her?—"
"I won't hesitate."
"Good.Meet at the clubhouse at six.We'll go over the details then."
I'm about to hang up when he adds, "Oh, and Hades?The gate at your place, it's not installed correctly.Anyone with basic knowledge could get through it.You need to get that fixed before we move on Morrison."
"What?"
"The security gate.It's not properly set up.That's probably how he got in yesterday without triggering any alarms."
Fuck.I'd noticed something was off when the crew finished installation last week, but I was too distracted to follow up on it.
"I'll handle it today; get someone out here to fix it properly."
"Do that.And Hades?Keep them close until this is done."
"I will."
I end the call and lean back against the wall, processing everything.Tonight, Ethan dies.The threat ends, Evangeline stays safe, and I become the kind of man who kills to protect what's his.
The question is: will she still want me when she finds out?
"Hades?"Evangeline's voice from the doorway makes me look up."Everything okay?"
"Yeah.Just club stuff."
But she's looking at me with those perceptive green eyes, and I can tell she doesn't entirely believe me.
"What kind of club stuff?"
