Before he could answer, a rustle interrupted his thoughts. He didn’t know whether he smelled the scent of aggression first or heard the cock of a pistol. Either way, he reacted immediately.
He spun and fired the gun.
Two shots, direct to the chest.
A wiry white man slammed against the back wall, then slid down, dead. His pistol flopped to the floor.
Behind him Alyssa cried out. Simon had his hand out to keep her from moving. Everyone else simply stood, though the scent of fear spiked in the room. As did the smell of blood and gunpowder.
“Who was he?” Simon asked, his voice sharp and loud.
It was the cop who answered, his voice dry with satisfaction. “Nanook’s beta. He ran the drug operation. Probably thought he’d take you out and step into alpha.”
“A real leader would not be so stupid. He could not have survived as alpha.” He glanced over to the big black man. “You would have killed him first.”
The man’s eyes widened in surprise, but he didn’t deny it. “He killed my little brother. Was just waiting for the right opportunity.”
Political maneuvering within the clan. Simon acknowledged it at the same moment his higher cortex began tabulating problems. He was now leader of an organization that had a history and a structure. The Griz had a role in the community: selling drugs and countless other things. He might be in charge, but that was simply a matter of appearance. And fear. He would need a lot more to effectively lead these people.
He turned to the cop. “Do you know about the drug organization? Who buys, who sells?”
The man straightened. “I’m on the gang side, not narcotics. But yeah. I know.”
“Then seize it. Take it. Do whatever you have to, but end it.” He watched carefully to see who objected, who appeared angry. There were a few, and he noted them. The others showed worry, but not anger. And a few were clearly pleased, including the big black man.
One however, flushed hot then cold. He was a handsome Caucasian with soft hands and a fondness for smoothing down his hair. Simon focused on him.
“What did you do for Nanook?”
The man froze for at least a heartbeat. But then he lifted his gaze to meet Simon’s eyes. “I was his accountant.”
Money man.Nervousmoney man. “Nanook owes money?”
“The Griz owe money. To the supplier.”
“As the new alpha by challenge, Nanook’s assets are mine. You will use those to pay off the debts. Will that cover it?”
The man’s eyes widened. “Um, yes. I think so. If I can get access.”
Simon’s eyes narrowed. “You worked for Nanook. You would not have survived if you did not scare him in some way.”
The accountant answered with a smirk appeared. “Yeah.”
He turned back to the cop. “I will not prosecute my people. Will you work with him? End the drugs, give up the names of the suppliers, but no Griz goes to jail.”
The cop nodded once, a quick, excited slash of his chin. “We’ll want them to testify.”
Simon shrugged. “They committed the crimes. They will admit to it in court or face my penalty.”
The black man cleared his throat. It was a small sound, but Simon was listening very closely. He focused on the man.
“What is your fear?”
“A lot of change. And dangerous men do not like change.”
“What did you do in the drug trade?”
“Nothing!” he snapped. And when Simon continued to stare, he shrugged. “I went along as protection. And ’cause I’m a medic. But I didn’t touch any of the stuff.”
