19. Void #3
“Sweet girl and normally harmless, but she does tend to see men who say no as a challenge, so I didn’t want her to cause any trouble,” Raven commented.
Gone was the woman in workout gear who was flirty with Dax. This was a woman who was clearly in charge, even if she didn’t announce it. Her dress was a simple deep shade of red that clung to her body in a way that made it elegant and fucking sexy.
“We appreciate you looking out for us and letting us use the space. Most would be worried about the fallout,” I said, meeting her gaze.
Raven let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, that’s absolutely not my concern.
There’s no one who wanted Diego gone more than me.
There are only so many ways you can tell a crime lord you want nothing to do with them.
He might have been married, but you and I both know he didn’t know how to keep his cock in his pants.
My hope is with new leadership in play, I might be able to negotiate a better price for my taxes. ”
Everything about what she was saying was something I’d heard before. Those who controlled the city set the price you paid for the right to do work and have security from the law.
“Tommaso is a reasonable man. I think you both could make a deal,” I assured her.
“Madam,” Frank called from the bar. “There’s a gentleman here asking for you.”
Raven’s brows pinched together as she looked down the bar. There was a man in a suit that still had his sunglasses on, making me instantly suspicious. “Do you recognize him?”
“He’s one of Diego’s men, but that doesn’t make sense. Taxes are due, but there’s no way Tommaso would just carry on with the old deal. All agreements are null when a new boss takes over,” Raven said.
“Do you want me to stick around… make sure he doesn’t cause a problem?” I asked, knowing Dax would kick my ass if I didn’t help her new friend.
“No, he could be using coming for taxes as an excuse to come in and ask me what I know about you guys. After the fight night, a list of all the people who bet for or against your girl was leaked. I’d bet my left tit they’re hitting up everyone who’s supporting Dax and Tommaso to see if we’ll roll over or not,” Raven reasoned.
I glanced at the man then back at Raven. “I think I’m going to have a beer at the bar before I head back.” Taking her hand, I kissed the back of it, making a show for the observers.
“It’s a free country. You can drink where you like, just make sure to tip the bartender,” Raven retorted with a sickeningly sweet smile before heading over to the man.
Frank walked over to me and dropped off the bucket stuffed full of various beers. “Frank, can I get another beer to drink now? I feel like sitting here for a bit.”
“If something goes down, can you do something about it?” Frank asked. “You look like a mean son of a bitch, but I heard you talking to Suzy.”
“I’m the enforcer for the Phantom Saints MC and husband to Two Tricks, queen of the Hidden Empire. Yeah, I can fucking do something about it,” I bit out, not appreciating his judgment.
Frank’s eyes went wide for a second then he schooled his face. “I see… now it all makes sense. Raven doesn’t offer her help to just anyone. I’ll be right back with your beer.”
“Wait, make it a double of whiskey straight up. Wouldn’t want to waste it if I need to move fast,” I requested.
Frank nodded and grabbed a glass off the shelf, poured the whiskey, and slid it over. “Raven is tough, but everyone has their limits.” With that token of wisdom, Frank moved to check in with the other guests at the bar.
It didn’t take long for the conversation to get heated between Raven and the Suit.
Within moments, she was waving her hands angrily, even though they kept from yelling at one another.
When she tried to leave, he grabbed her arm, but instantly she whirled on him, slapping him across the face and knocking his sunglasses right off his face.
Anger contorted his face as he sneered, gearing up to hit her back when suddenly he froze.
His eyes went wide then he slumped forward into her.
After my years of being an enforcer, I knew exactly what it looked like when you plunged a knife into someone. Unsure of where she stabbed him, I was up and out of my seat, grabbing the back of his suit jacket. “I’ve got him. Lead the way to get him the fuck off the main floor.”
Raven slid her still-bloody knife into a sheath on her leg before she motioned for me to follow.
Pulling back one of the curtains on the wall, there was a door she opened then waved me through.
We were in the office and employee side of the club with a long hall that ran the length of the building with various rooms and offices on the left-hand side.
“Follow me,” Raven ordered as she strode purposely down the hall.
There was another door she unlocked and opened, revealing the poker room where the rest of the group was. They froze at the sudden entrance and probably the fact I walked down the two steps and dropped the man on the floor unceremoniously.