Prologue #3
Lyndon filled Kannon in on how the outbreak not only affected them, but the vamps as well.
Kannon is well aware of the vamps lurking in Eastbourne.
As kingpin, he has more eyes on the streets than they know to ensure his guys are safe during runs.
He wasn’t too fond of their kind, considering he had a near death experience with a vamp back in college.
If it wasn’t for Lyndon, Kannon would’ve been dead that night.
Now, Kannon owes Lyndon his life and has ensured he never goes without.
“I don’t know about this, Don. I’ve done some crazy shit, but this by far is the wildest shit I’ve ever heard.” Kannon stroked his beard as he stared out of the floor to ceiling windows showcasing the city skyline.
“Look man, I know it’s a lot to digest, but just think about it.
I can talk to Phoenix beforehand to make sure everything is mutually understood and that none of your boys gets touched.
” Lyndon sighed because he knew Kannon’s past with vamps may deter him from the opportunity.
But what he also knew was that Kannon owed him one for saving his life.
As a human-vamp hybrid, the blood supply is needed for Lyndon and the rest of the society to survive.
Lyndon is not only an asset to Bannon, but to the Elders as well.
After a few minutes of silence and deep thought on Kannon’s end, he finally came to a decision. “Aight, set it up.” Kannon wasn’t completely sold, but he knew he had everything to lose if he didn’t take care of business. “It wouldn’t hurt to just see what your man is talkin’ ‘bout.”
Kannon sat back in his leather chair with his feet kicked up on his desk. “Lyndon told me you’re looking to cut a deal.” He took an inhale of his blunt and blew out smoke. “How much supply you talkin’?”
Kannon wasn’t really with the whole ordeal, but knew with the slim options available to him, he needed to bring in more cash. A few hospitals were still purchasing blood supply from the center, but not enough to keep the organization afloat and cover his tracks.
“My whole society is running low on options to feed.” Phoenix was down bad.
He had been stressed since the round table and knew this deal with Kannon would be his only hope of keeping the vamps alive.
Since the round table not only were the Elders running lower on supply, but so were the families within all regions.
They were running out of options and the last thing they needed to do was feed off more civilians and possibly risk their lives.
“Over 500 of us are in need of supply,” Phoenix continued.
“Without knowing which humans are infected, we can’t take the risk to feed.
With you being human, I know this isn’t what’s in your best interest but..
” Phoenix’s words were brought to a halt when Kannon held up a hand to stop him from speaking.
“Don’t tell me what’s in my best interest. With all things considered, I wouldn’t be sitting here if that were the case,” Kannon said sternly and cleared his throat. “Now continue.”
Phoenix nodded as he loosened his tie to let the perspiration on his neck breathe. His Adam’s apple quacked as he swallowed his nerves. “I’d like to cut a deal to purchase blood supplies on a monthly basis. This will be something long term until the virus dies down.”
Kannon nodded, then smirked. “I give you the time limit. See, before we become long-term partners, I put my guys under a probation period.” He tapped his watch. “Six months–shows me how you move, if you’re really in it like you say you are, and allows me to monitor my cash flow.”
Phoenix nodded, taking in Kannon’s every word. This was bigger than he thought, but too much was on the line to not move forward.
“The Washington Family doesn’t just do business with anyone,” Kannon paused as he leaned over the table to meet Phoenix's eyes. He got so close to Phoenix that he could feel his breath. “Especially vampires. If you can prove you’re an asset to my franchise, then you can guarantee I’ll keep you on payroll under my circumstances. ”
Phoenix didn’t like this one bit. Kannon’s cocky attitude, his circumstances, it all just wasn’t how he normally would do business.
As an Elder, Phoenix ensured he obtained a character of integrity, so this by far was out of his character.
However, he had to do things he normally wasn’t willing to do for the safety and livelihood of the society.
“Alright.” Phoenix swallowed his pride and straightened his shoulders, hoping it would speak with confidence. “So, when do we start?”
Kannon sat back in his chair and tapped his index fingers together. “On my time. I’ll have my people call yours to set it up. We’ll be in touch.” Kannon turned his chair away from Phoenix to face the city skyline and continued puffing on his blunt. “You can let yourself out.”
Kannon Washington was a guy of many mysteries, especially when it came to business. The last thing he would do was show all his cards up front. He was a man of few words, only words that made money and created action.
Phoenix arose from the chair to show himself out. “Oh, and Mr. Denzel,” Kannon said. “I’ll have a few of my guys keep an eye on you during your probation period–let’s me know whether or not you’re worth the investment.”