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Kingpin
The abandoned factory where we met Noah Fond was the perfect backdrop for a negotiation steeped in utter hatred. My Royal Bastards flanked me, a wall of bad asses, weapons at the ready. We were a formidable sight, but I knew that appearances wouldn’t be enough to sway Fond. Without Eve and Sky safe, our guns were fucking useless.
The asshole stepped into view, and the disdain was mutual. Old and feeble as he was, the sickly thin man looked like any old timer in Nashville, in his Wranglers and worn plaid shirt. Wearing a cowboy hat and boots, probably as old as he was. But looks were deceiving. Fond was an immensely powerful man, used to getting his way, but he hadn’t reckoned on the likes of me. I was pissed, every fiber of my being screaming for retribution, yet I knew that playing smart was the only way to get Eve and Sky back.
“Fond,” I started, my voice dripping with revulsion. “I’m not signing over shit until I see Eve and Sky, alive and unharmed. You got that?”
Fond, ever the calm predator, just smiled, a chilling gesture that failed to reach his cold eyes. “Kingpin, you’re in no position to make demands. But I admire your spirit. Let’s say I bring the girls to Royal Road once we conclude our… transaction.”
The suggestion was a trap, and we both knew it. But it played right into my hands, aligning perfectly with the plan I had concocted. He mentioned coming to Royal Road, giving me the opening I needed. I had to appear willing, desperate even, to make the trade, to give Fond the illusion of control.
“You think I’m a fool, Fond?” I shot back, allowing my anger to seethe through the words. “I’ll see them first. You want to come to Royal Road, you had better bring them along. Then, and only then, can we talk about what you want in return.”
Fond’s smile widened, a killer baring his teeth. “Very well, Kingpin. I appreciate a man who cares for his… assets. We’ll do it your way. I’ll come to Royal Road with your precious girls. Then, we can finalize our agreement. I’ll take over then. Tell everyone to pack up. Be prepared to clear out right away.”
My mind a mess, I bowed my head. “Tomorrow.”
I played the desperate, beaten man to perfection, but inside, the fire of vengeance was burning brighter than ever. This was it, the moment my entire plan hinged upon. Fond believed he was coming to take everything from me, but he had no idea what would be waiting for him. Or did he? The man had to know I wouldn’t just give in.
As I turned to leave, my crew in tow, my surge of satisfaction was laced with doubt. Fond thought he had the upper hand, but he was walking into a trap of my making. Or was he? Was I the fool here only thinking things would go my way?
“See you soon, Fond,” I called over my shoulder, the promise in my voice more a threat than a farewell.
The meeting was over, but the real battle was just beginning. I was prepared to do whatever it took to save Eve and Sky, to protect what was mine. Fond was a powerful man, but he was about to learn that underestimating an outlaw biker with everything to lose was his gravest mistake.
Doubt gnawed at me like a hungry rat, uncertainty about the plan casting a shadow over my thoughts. Our strategy was one that required every piece to fall perfectly into place, and the realization that it could all come crashing down was never far from my mind. Seeking some semblance of reassurance, or maybe just confirmation of my worst fears, I reached out to Alexander Getty again.
Taking only my enforcer, Mateo, I met Getty, at his hotel downtown. The high stakes of our conversation laced every word.
“I figure you’re gonna be Fond’s watchdog during the handover of Royal Road,” I started, my voice steady despite the beast fighting inside me.
Fond used the Music City Syndicate as his muscle, since I’d never play ball and agree to let him use my bikers.
“I need to know where you stand, Getty. I know we already agreed, but how am I to know you won’t double cross me?”
Alexander Getty sucked on a cigar like it was a different time. His entire organization was stuck in the past. Even this hotel’s bar, covered in shiny cherry wood, felt like I’d stepped back in time. Our men, his many and my one, were far out of earshot but keeping an eye on us. They had my weapons, too.
A bloated man with black slicked back hair and a bright white beard, Getty was always heavily protected because he could barely move. It wasn’t just that he was a fat fuck, the man had lost weight, since his pinstriped suit jacket swallowed him up. He had some disease that made him stiff. Man had a cane topped in a silver snake with a ruby eye. Ever the picture of calculated calm, Getty met my gaze with his beady eyes.
Tilted his head like he was channeling the Godfather movies. “I need assurances from you, Kingpin. Assurances that you won’t screw me over in this deal. Not just me, but my whole family.”
Fuck. I’d been right to worry.
Getty could go either way tomorrow, and I had no idea if Fond had offered him a better deal. The dance of diplomacy was one I embraced. This situation called for a bit of finesse.
“Listen, Getty,” I said, leaning in. “My club’s practically family. How many members are kin to you?” I knew Pagan was his blood relative. But it was a risk even mentioning it. So, many born and bred around Nashville were related somehow. Hell, maybe I was kin to him. However, I changed strategies and upped my offer. “Once Fond is out of the picture, you can have whatever he’s got. I don’t need an inch of his empire. I just want my ol’ lady back, and to keep what I’ve already got.”
I watched Getty closely, trying to read the thoughts behind his guarded expression.
“Think about it,” I pressed on, fighting for a deal I already made because I knew how quickly alliances changed. “Why would you protect Fond, help him take my property, when we could work together to squash a common enemy? You know as well as I do that Fond’s a threat to us both. Taking him down… that’s just cleaning house.”
The moment stretched out, charged with the potential for both alliance and betrayal. Then, slowly, Getty nodded. “Alright, Kingpin. You make a compelling argument. I don’t have any love for Fond, and you and your bikers taking him out and wanting nothing in return, then maybe. But remember, this is a two-way street. I’m trusting you not to double-cross me or mine.”
A grudging respect settled over me. “You have my word, Getty. Fond’s the only target here. Once he’s dealt with, we go our separate ways. No double-crossing.”
Getty spoke freely. “Fond doesn’t have any family. His men aren’t loyal. He relies on us to do his dirty work. He’s blackmailing us, but he also pays handsomely. We’ve got our hands in all corners of his business. Everything short of controlling it. I’ve been biding my time. We’ll look the other way. Let your men get rid of Fond tomorrow. Claim you overpowered us.” He laughed at that one. “We’ll give over your women. You can keep your clubhouse. But I want more than Fond’s empire. I want Ralph’s son to stay put, and I want your allegiance again.”
Fuck.
