Stone is sitting down now and no longer speaking. Steel is back in charge. Fucking weird ass family.
“The Brennans might have you investigated, Hunt,” Steel says.
“There’s no way they will track anything back to Hunt,” Preacher chimes in. “I made sure of it. Besides, our dealings were short-lived. The Brennans will be dead, and the focus will be on that, not us.”
“Great, and we can get back to business,” Steel stands, and so does his brother. “Anyone smoke? I need a cigarette so fucking bad.”
“No, we don’t fucking smoke,” King says with an edge of disgust. “Are we done here? I want to get home to my wife.”
Stone shakes his head in disbelief. “How the fuck did that happen? Steel, did you know that beautiful Black queen he’s married to is the sheriff’s daughter?” He shakes his head again.
“Of course, I know. He got a good one, despite the irony.” The brothers both chuckle.
If there’s one thing King won’t abide by, it’s anyone talking about his wife. It doesn’t matter what they say. Just mentioning her name is enough to set him off.
He stands, but neither Stone nor Steel flinches.
“Don’t talk about my wife again.”
“Oh, calm down. I’m a happily married man.” Steel waves King off. “Stone, however.” He cackles.
“I’m in my forties. What would I do with a young girl like that?” Stone shrugs.
“Not a fucking thing because I’d rip your head off before you can get near her.” Stone stands at King’s threat. Despite his age, Stone is not only strong but also a skilled, well-trained fighter. King fights like the street man he is. Either way, it would be a blood bath, so I stand between them.
“King, go home to your wife. Stone and Steel, quit poking the bear. Trust me, you don’t want any of that,” I warn.
King storms out, and moments later, I hear the loud rumbling of his motorcycle.
“That guy really needs to calm down. Not good for his blood pressure,” Steel says.
“If we’re making this thing look like a murder suicide, we’ll have to take care of Wolzki, too. Nip this shit in the bud.” Stone slaps his brother on the shoulder in approval.
“That’s on you.” I raise my hands.
“Your fucking idea, and now you want to take yourself out of it,” Steel laughs.
This is why I didn’t want to get involved with drug traffickers. Despite all the promises, shit always turns south. My operation works because I’m not violent, but dealing with them is payback for making the mistake of working with those freaks. “Just Paul. I don’t hurt women or kids.”
“Do we look like monsters?” Stone asks, affronted.
“Kinda.” Instead of being offended, Steel lets out a loud belly laugh.
“Paul Junior is an adult, and I’m not too keen on incels. I have a young daughter to look out for.”
“Stone, you fucking homicidal maniac, your daughter will never cross paths with that lowlife. Our beef is not with him.”
“The ethical criminal,” Steel taunts.
“On that note, gentlemen, I need to get home to my wife, too. Good night.” I stand, ready to leave them and this night behind.
“Another beautiful queen.” Steel shakes his head as if he’s confused. “Is that how they make them in Shadow Cove. Does she have an older cousin or aunt for Stone?”
“Gentleman, I would not wish one of you on my worst enemy. Good night. Stay away from Shadow Cove and its women.”
It’s late when I make the trek back home. I tiptoe through the house, careful not to make any noise.
Finch wakes up from her doggy bed in the living room.
