What the fuck?
Starr’s in Lawry? They were about thirty minutes outside of the city and it was in the opposite direction of Killcreek. Wraith stared down at his phone waiting on more information. He didn’t get any. He glanced over at Gent, who was staring at his phone. They must’ve gotten the same message from Ace. When the light turned green, he made a U-turn, heading back into the city. He expected further details from his president, but nothing more came through. They rounded the side street, pulling into the parking lot behind the building. At best, Starr’s was a dive bar catering to the locals. He’d seen in in passing but never ventured inside. Why would he? This was Ghosttown East and Underground territory.
There were several motorcycles lining the back entrance to the bar. They parked at the end of the row, shut down their engines and got off their bikes.
“What the fuck is this?” Ghost muttered.
Wraith eyed the Ghosttown East brothers standing near the building. It felt like an ambush but Wraith knew better. If Ace wassending them there, it was with good reason. Still, he was cautious.
“Stay close.” Wraith lowered his voice as they approached.
As far as Wraith knew, they had no issues with East. At least, not anymore. There was no love lost between the two clubs, but they could coexist.So what the fuck is going on?
“Brothers.” Gent’s voice showed zero sign of concern. “Who’s buying?”
Gunner, the president of East, hardened his stare. “Considering we’re doing the favor, I’d say you.”
Gent snorted. “Don’t recall ever needing a favor from East.”
“First time for everything.” Blade smirked. “This could be a claim of finders keepers, but Gun doesn’t think that would go over well.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Wraith snapped.
Gunner moved forward, gesturing to the back of the lot. “We got a real problem when Inez’s security shows up at an East property.”
Wraith glanced over his shoulder noticing the black SUVs. They definitely belonged to Inez’s crew. He turned back, steeling his features.
“You got a problem with Inez?” Gent smiled. “You all are welcome to share your grievances with her.”
“Problem isn’t with Inez. This isyourproblem, and now it’s become ours.” Gunner’s jaw squared. “Cleo.”
Ghost sidled up next to Wraith. “What about her?”
Gunner looked over at Wraith, then shifted his gaze to the door. “I’ll give you one guess where she is.”
No. Fucking. Way!
Wraith stalked to the door, and East had the smarts to step away. He would’ve plowed through them. He ripped open the door. He was halfway down the hall when he heard the roaring feminine laughter. It was a mixture, but he made out Cleo’s immediately. He didn’t hear it often, but he’d memorized the sound. It was a comfort most days.
Not today.
As he entered the main bar area, he recognized the East old lady, Taryn sitting next to Cleo and Regina was behind the bar. Cleo’s back was to him but she turned her head and he zoned in on her profile. She was smiling and her body shook as she tried to regain control from laughing. It wasn’t often he’d seen her this way. She was obviously having fun and she looked…happy. It settled him slightly.
Taryn swiveled in her seat and glanced past Cleo meeting his stare. Her eyes widened, and she dropped her glass to the counter.
“Oh shit.” Taryn muttered and looked across the bar. The older woman jerked her head and released a heavy, annoyed sigh.
“Well, fuck.” It was just the greeting he’d expect from Regina, Grain’s old lady.
Cleo glanced over her shoulder. Unlike the other women, she didn’t seem as concerned. She lifted her hand, waving. “Hi.”
Hi?Did she just say fucking hi?
Wraith stalked toward her, and she swiveled on her stool, drink in hand.
“What are you doing here?”
Wraith drew in a deep breath, clenching his jaw. “What areyoudoing here?”
