“We were worried,” Warden griped. “Didn’t know if soldier boy was—”
“Prez, I’m fine. I’m fuckin’ great in fact.”
They rode for me because I’d been late back from a date. I wasn’t sixteen anymore, and these weren’t my parents. But they were family, and they’d come to protect me. I reached out and hugged Vogue, who stiffened before returning the embrace.
Slowly, I repeated my action with Warden, who was shocked speechless.
“I’mokay,Prez,” I said, putting feeling into the words.
Warden searched my face before a small smile crossed his lips. “Yeah, you are,” he agreed.
“Is that it?” Mike demanded.
“No, McKay phoned.”
The atmosphere grew tense as everyone’s head swivelled towards Warden.
“What did that motherfucker want?” Mike ground out.
Warden looked between Mike and me, and I tensed. “McKay wanted to congratulate you on taking his sloppy seconds.” Warden didn’t hold back, and I winced. “And sent a message. Hand Dynamo over and he’ll leave everyone alone, including your girls.”
“No!” Mike roared instantly. I didn’t jump, just reached out and placed a calming hand on his arm.
“What are the terms? McKay always demands more,” I asked.
“McKay also wants some of the businesses so he can rebuild,” Warden finished.
“Tell him to go fuck himself,” Mike snarled.
“I did,” Warden replied.
“You need to lock Mike and the kids down,” Blister said to Jude.
“Already done so. A hitman was sent for them. McKay’s lying; he can’t pull the hit on Mike,” Jude disagreed.
“Who’d he hire?” Vogue asked.
“Rainbow,” Mike stated.
“Shit, once Rainbow accepts, he carries through, even if you change your mind. Crap,” Blister bitched.
“You’ve heard of Rainbow,” Undertaker said,noting Jude’s expression.
Jude rubbed his chin. “Yeah. Asshole was once one of us. Went dirty.”
“And you kicked him,” Warden surmised.
“Not before trying to court-martial the little fucker. He escaped,” Mike admitted.
“So, Rainbow’s got a real grudge against you guys,” Blister added.
“Hates ACI with a passion. Whenever he’s tried to cross us, he’s lost, but this, taking on a hit, that’s suicide,” Jude stated.
“A damn fool’s errand,” Mike agreed.
“Seems you pissed McKay off. The hit was upgraded. Rainbow will get triple if he gets Dynamo alive,” Caleb said, entering.
“Mike dead, Dynamo alive?” Warden asked.
