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Rush finally turned to Tony, their eyes having a private conversation.
It was good news they didn’t say no right away. “Obviously, Conway Barsetti would never come near the Underground again. None of the Barsettis would. You’re both worthy opponents. If the war keeps going, you’ll both lose men and resources over the next decade, but neither one of you will be the victor. Take the deal.”
“Why did he bring you into this?” Rush demanded.
“Because I’m an objective third-party negotiator,” I said simply. “You trust me. He trusts me.”
Rush pulled Tony to the side, and they spoke quietly for a few minutes. Neither one of them raised their voices, so that was a positive sign. After a few minutes, they returned to me.
“What have you decided, gentlemen?” I asked.
“He’s outside?” Tony asked.
I nodded.
Rush snapped his fingers. “Bring him in.”
“Does that mean you accept the deal?” I asked.
Rush narrowed his eyes. “I said, bring him in.”
“Rush.” I gave him a firm look. “Cross him, and you cross me. And we both know you don’t want to do that. If you think you can take the money and kill him, that would be a mistake. Because there would be hell to pay.”
“Are you threatening me?” Rush asked, stepping closer to me.
“Depends on your intentions,” I said calmly. “But yeah, I’m threatening you.”
It was a testament to his unpredictability, because he grinned. “Bones, I’ve always liked you.” He clapped me on the shoulder. “Bring him in—only him.”
I was convinced that Crow wasn’t walking into a danger zone, not after I reminded the Skull Kings they were also declaring war on me if something sinister happened. I knew that changed their tune pretty quickly. I pulled out my phone and made the call. “They’re interested in the deal. Bring your shit.”
“Alright.” Crow hung up as quickly as he answered.
I stood at the bar and waited, my eyes on the door.
A minute later, Crow made it past security with his satchel over his shoulder. He walked toward me, appearing tall and confident despite the antagonistic air in the room. He headed for me, his eyes on Rush and Tony. For a man who had everything on the line, he seemed oddly unaffected. I admired him for his bravery, for wearing his heart on his sleeve when he spoke to his daughter, but now for appearing as unemotional as a rock. He set the bag on the counter then turned to the three of us.
Silence.
Hostile silence.
Rush stared Crow up and down, the rage deep in his eyes.
Tony stood with his hands in his pockets, detesting Crow with the same enmity.
I didn’t speak, knowing I had to let Crow take the stand on his own. It wasn’t like he needed me anyway. I laid the groundwork. He could handle the rest.
“I have the account set up.” He spoke with a strong voice, his back straight and his muscular shoulders rounded. “All I need is your information, and we can get this shit over with. All the funds will be transferred in less than five minutes. Then we can move on.”
Rush was silent as he stared at him.
When Crow didn’t get a response, he opened his bag.
“Asshole.” Rush rested one arm on the counter as he stared at him.
I stood between them, ready to intervene if it came to that. I could take a bullet and survive. Crow was too old for that.
Crow turned back to Rush, his green eyes vibrant with hatred.
“Where’s my apology?” Rush demanded.
Crow’s eyes shifted back and forth as he looked at him, the fury no doubt simmering deep in his gut. He was too proud to apologize to a tyrant like Rush, but he had to respond in some way. He couldn’t bend and look weak. But he couldn’t fight either, not when that would escalate the already tense situation. “The only thing I will apologize for is the stupidity of my son. I thought I raised him to be smarter than this, not to be so greedy, not to profit off a woman’s life like she’s livestock. He’s better than that—better than you. That’s the only apology you’ll get from me.” He turned back to the counter and pulled out the laptop.
It was a smart thing to say, an acknowledgment but not a pussy move.
Rush was silent, which was a good thing.
Tony crossed his arms over his chest.
Crow set up everything on the laptop then slid it down the bar toward them. “Enter your account information, and I’ll begin the transfer.”
Rush turned to the screen and typed in everything, having memorized his banking information instead of writing it down. He finished and pushed the laptop back, his jaw tense.
Crow turned to them before he finished the deal. “We have an understanding, gentlemen? I never want to hear from you, and you’ll never hear from me. If you cross me, I’ll make sure your operation crumbles beneath your feet.”
