Page 30 of Property of Zombie

“About that,” Trick says, crossing to stand next to me. “We also did our research. Your business is fentanyl, and that’s not something we support.”

Baker snorts. “Right. One-percenters who give a rat's ass about the well-being of others.”

“It’s not so much about their well-being as it is about the fact that we need a customer base. Killing them is counterproductive.”

“Or it weeds out the weak,” he says. “Survival of the fittest and all that.”

Before I can continue the conversation, my cell pings. I pull it from my pocket and read the text.

Lyric: What’s taking so long

Me: He’s a talker

Lyric: About?

Me: Business propositions

Lyric: Interesting

Me: Is it?

Lyric: Knock him out. Church in 10

“Dose him,” I order Trick.

“You’ll regret this,” Baker snaps as Trick jams a needle into his neck.

“Don’t think so.” I reattach his restraints. “Have a nice nap.”

Multiple pings sound from our cells. I don’t bother looking at mine because I know it’s the mass text from Lyric calling church.

“What’s this about?” Whiz asks as he looks at his cell.

“I’m guessing Pres wants to know what Baker’s offering,” I reply, leaving the chambers and securing the lock once my brothers are out of the room.

“Do you think he’ll really consider working with him?” Quake asks.

I shrug. “Don’t know. If we can all agree that there’s value in what Baker can provide, then sure. But you know how it goes… we’ll vote on it first.”

As we make our way to the meeting room, I can’t help but wonder if not killing Baker the moment he was apprehended in Tulum was a big mistake.