AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I heard a soft knock at the door, and when it eased open and I saw Zin, I put my finger to my lips and stood to join him in the hallway.
“How is she doing?” he asked.
“Bones gave her something to help her sleep,” I explained.
“Doc mentioned you think it would be a good idea for her to visit your ranch.”
“Yes.”
“He also told me I needed to wait for an invitation to go myself.”
I walked farther down the hall, and he followed. “I have not yet broached the subject with Jada. She may not want to go. If she does and she wants you to accompany her, then by all means, you should.”
“You don’t think she will, though.”
“She’s withdrawing.”
“Doc also mentioned you said the same thing to him.”
I motioned to her door. “Go ahead, now. I’ll stand watch.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will not allow Onyx to interfere with your visit.”
Zin exhaled. “Thanks, Tryst.”
I only sawOnyx briefly when he arrived later in the afternoon, and we did not speak. The turmoil I felt from him seemed to increase proportionately to Jada’s withdrawal. Her being here, at Butler Ranch, wasn’t a good thing for either of them. However, Bones had not yet released her medically, and until he did, she’d have to remain here or move to another medical facility.
My attempts at meeting up with Jaicon were unsuccessful. Something had shifted during our walk this morning. Without it being said, the subject of children, of having a family, was a dividing factor for us. The idea of her giving up the option at thirty-two years of age seemed tragic. I couldn’t ask that of her, which meant we both needed to rethink how deep into a relationship we should go if its ending was inevitable.
Shortly after Sorcha served dinner,I left for the Los Caballeros wine caves, where the emergency meeting was taking place. When I arrived, Brix was waiting for me outside.
“Since it was called by theviejos, I think you should lead.”
I could see the wisdom in his suggestion and said so. “To my knowledge, tonight is the first time there will be people who are not members in attendance,” I added. “However, Laird and Kade are trusted friends of thecaballeros.”
“I agree, Uncle. In deference to our elders, the current members have agreed theviejoswill be seated and we will stand behind them.”
As was our tradition, once we entered the caves, Brix and I did not speak again until the rest of the members arrived. The onlycaballeronot present was Beau Barrett. After the passing of his mother last week, he left the States and went to the UK, although his exact whereabouts were not common knowledge.
After making eye contact with each present, also part of the ritual, I began the meeting. “Thank you for joining us,caballeros. You have honored us with your presence.”
Each of theviejosnodded.
“We’re here to discuss a breach in the armor of our beloved brotherhood,” I continued. “Given the urgency and viability of the threat, as you are all aware, we’ve asked Burns and Doc Butler to join our meeting.”
Both men were invited in and to take a seat. Laird folded his hands on the table. “Thank you for allowing us to participate this evening. I’m afraid the news we’re about to deliver is not good.” He looked at his son, who spoke next.
“Onyx Yáñez resigned from his position at K19 Security Solutions today.”
“May I speak?” Zin asked.
“Of course.”
“I am resigning from Los Caballeros, effective immediately.”
No one in the room agreed his doing so would help the situation with Onyx. After allowing everyone else who wished to speak to do so, I weighed in. “No one is resigning. However, your actions could have had serious consequences. They still might if Montano Yáñez—Onyx—remains determined we disband.” I thought about Tank’s earlier question, asking if Zin would face repercussions. In my opinion, the man was in a hell of his own making. The pain and agony he suffered over Jada was punishment enough. I looked over at Burns. “What exactly are we facing?”
