Page 8 of Hades

“I’m about to the point that I’m going to break in myself just to place some bugs and get into his computer. It never takes this long,” Trigger mutters.

“Don’t do that. Not unless absolutely necessary. Let’s keep trying to find another way in because honestly, we can’t lose you. Not right now, at least,” Reaper tells him.

“I’ll wait, but our time is limited. We’re running out of options,” Trigger says.

“I heard he’s currently campaigning with MADD. Maybe we could get one of the girls to join to see if they can find anything?” Wrath asks, referring to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization.

“He’s doing a D.A.R.E. campaign too,” Colt adds, referring to Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

I shake my head. “How does this guy have so much time to join these organizations while terrorizing us and running the city?”

“He’s got minions running the city while he finds ways to fuck us over.” Reaper sighs.

“Delegation at its finest,” Honk mutters.

“Fucking D.A.R.E. I forgot all about that program. They had me convinced people were going to walk up to me and offer me drugs. Peer pressure me into trying hard shit. Instead, the only thing I’ve ever been peer-pressured into doing is donating to those people who sit in front of grocery stores raising money for different causes. The ones with kids get me every time,” Midnight says, making us all laugh.

“I once heard a lady be asked to donate to support Wounded Warriors. She said, and I quote, ‘I have one of those at home. I’m good.’ And kept on walking. They stared at her, mouths open. It was fucking funny,” I say, making them smile.

“Anyway, before we get too off track…Honk, I think we need to talk to Adalyn,” Trigger says.

Honk shakes his head. “No. You know she has given us everything she has. The more we ask, the more it hurts her and prevents her from moving on.”

“It’s also hindering us,” Trigger points out.

“Let’s wait and sit on Adalyn. We will only talk to her if we absolutely need to. Honk, warn her though that the time may come again,” Reaper says.

Honk clenches his jaw but nods.

Part of Honk’s sobriety is giving him a reason to get out of bed in the morning. He loves Harlee, his daughter, but she’s with Bullet now and no longer turns to him the way she once did. So when he stepped up and offered to take Adalyn, Dansworth’s daughter that no one knew about, and give her a place to stay, we agreed. It seems he is becoming protective over her, which is good in some ways but not so good in others.

“All right. I think that’s it for today. You all know what I need you to do,” Reaper says.

He picks up the gavel and bangs it on the table.

Brothers stand and leave until we are the only two left in the room.

Reaper turns toward me. “You were quiet.”

I nod.

“Why?” he asks.

“We both know I have no business sitting in on these meetings. I’m not part of your council.”

Reaper nods. “True, but like I’ve told you before, I value your opinion. You were your brother’s right hand for years. You know how these things work. Not only that, but you aren’t as deep in this as we are. You can see things that we can’t. I can feel a storm coming, Hades, and I need someone with a clear head looking at the sky.”

To most, that analogy would make no sense, but to me it does. As a kid I would stand out on the porch, staring as the storms rolled in. I’d watch normal clouds turn into wall clouds and tornadoes form. I’d do it with a level of calm while others panicked around me.

He needs me to be his spotter. The one who will sound the alarm warning those in the path to take cover.

I just don’t know if I can do it. Not now. Not after all this time.

Shit, do I even remember how to be a team player like that?

Before I can say anything, Trigger pops his head in, handing me my vibrating phone. Not many have my number, so the fact I’m getting a call makes me look at it right away.

When I see her name on the screen, my whole body tenses.