Danaë Chapter 17
I never expected, despite all the differences between my mom and me, that she’d knowingly be with or tolerate someone who helped in the sale of illegal drugs, and possibly worse.
Growing up, my parents had been vocal as we got older in discussing matters like drugs and more.
They explained the moral and civil implications of doing those.
The harm they caused and more. Both were adamantly against illegal drugs.
Then she turned around and married someone up to his neck in it.
And, according to the techs, he had been for years.
My gut said she knew either before she married him or soon after.
I wanted to throw things, scream, and then punch someone, namely, Huston and Mom. And here I was, pregnant. She was still trying to make me part of their lives, for whatever reason, and, unknowingly, she was dragging her grandchild into that world, into that peril.
I heard what Heath and the others said. The huge risk it would entail if they went after Zhāng and his Triad.
That there could be backlash from other Triads.
It would be a massive undertaking that could take years to achieve, if it were even possible.
And the entire time they worked on it, and possibly afterward, we’d have to be on guard, making sure to protect ourselves, our children, and others.
Nausea rolled in my stomach. I wanted to vomit.
They were waiting for my input. And I knew what I wanted to tell them. I prayed I wasn’t making the wrong decision. Sometimes, I wish I were a different person, with a different bar for judging people. But integrity had to come into play. All eyes were on me.
“I can only speak for myself. I believe all the families and people involved have the right to weigh in on the matter and share their opinions.
I would never ask people to go against their moral grounds.
I understand they have family and children to consider, just as Heath and I do.
I hate that our baby will be born soon and be enmeshed in this, no matter what.
“However, with that said, I find from a moral standpoint, I can’t fathom allowing anyone involved in this type of business, and worse, to walk free.
They’re destroying so many lives, so many we don’t see, or that don’t touch our lives.
If even one source could be removed, I believe it’s worth assessing the risk.
The years of being vigilant or more would be hard, but living with the knowledge that I did nothing would be worse.
“This decision is yours. You and your people would be the ones most at risk. If the consensus is you can’t take the risk, and you’ll close down Huston, but let Zhāng walk, I’ll live with it. I won’t write someone else’s death sentence.”
When I concluded, I scanned their faces. I saw contemplation, some worry, and what appeared to be resolve. It was Heath who spoke first.
“Danae, I won’t lie to you. If I were still single, I would be the first to volunteer to go head-to-head with these people.
No matter the danger or the time required, I’d battle them to the end with everything I’ve got.
But I have you and our daughter. I don’t want to lose you or have you live under a dark cloud of danger constantly. I’m torn.”
“We all have wives, kids, extended family, and friends that could be endangered. However, like Heath, I would go for it if I were alone. I agree. There should be a consensus before any move is made against the Triad. I don’t think we should allow Huston and your mom to continue their involvement in that ugly business.
I vote we proceed with covertly eliminating that piece of the pipeline while deciding whether we keep going,” Gabe added.
“I agree with Gabe,” Beau answered.
“I’ll back whatever Heath decides to do. I have the same concerns, but the same desire, too. It’s hard to ignore something so integral to your character,” Ben admitted.
That left Undertaker. He hadn’t moved or said a word. There was no expression on his face. His body appeared relaxed. He was the hardest person to read that I’d met in my life. When he spoke, I was twice as tense.
“I gave up five years of my life to take down monsters, not unlike this Zhāng. I was thought dead by everyone for a year and then only known to be living by my three best friends, but unable to communicate with any of them for another four years. My sister thought I was dead. Cassidy mourned me. She married and had a son, while I was living in the filth. I had to do things that I abhorred to maintain my cover. I dug and dug, trying to connect dots, to build an airtight case that they couldn’t wiggle out of. I never expected it to last that long.
“When it was over, I had to rebuild my relationship with my sister, who was upset with me, rightfully so. And then, I went back into the seedy side within a few months of getting out of the Locos. It was to help a friend. I don’t regret it because it brought me Sloan and, eventually, our sons.
But I’ve been forever changed by what I did and lived through. ”
He paused, then locked his gaze onto mine.
Undertaker leaned forward. “I know the risks, and so does Sloan. No matter what they are, we can’t let the monsters win.
We have tons of friends in the motorcycle world, the government, and even a Mafia or two.
We have ways and places to send our families to keep them safe.
I’ll stand and fight to make this world safer for my children, everyone’s children. ”
I had tears stinging my eyes by the time he was finished.
His voice had throbbed with the pain he experienced, but it was firm with utter resolve.
He’d live through hell if it were necessary.
Unable to resist, I stood, went to him, and opened my arms. Undertaker stood slowly, then gently hugged me. I squeezed him tighter.
When we were through, I’d stepped back. I heard Gabe’s voice state, “We have our answer. Let’s take it to the other dragons and then the main team.”
His words made my heart pound. Heath had me tucked under his arm, holding me so tight I could barely move.