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“I don’t doubt they’re planning something,” I say as we pull out our chairs. “But that’s not even on my radar right now.”
That’s a goddamn lie. It’s on my radar because it has to be. Anytime I go to take a piss, grab my chow, or wash my ass, I could be jumped or shanked or worse.
“Bullshit,” Riot answers with a smile.
“Okay, it’s not my priority right now. When I was up in the hole, I heard some shit.” I sit across from him, both of us already in silent agreement to watch the other’s back, and I tell him what I overheard.
“Don’t know the voices, and they never identified themselves. Nothing but threats.”
He leans over and says quietly, “I can find out who was in solitary when you were to help narrow it down. I’ve got a few of the guards in my pocket.” He shakes his head and nods toward the group of three guys circling a fish—a new inmate. “Latin Mafia. Those motherfuckers love to target fish, and they love it more if he’s a member of a MC. Always their first target followed by gang newbies. All that matters to them is that you’re on your own. It’s how they grow their influence on the inside.”
“Pussy shit,” I murmur to myself.
“No doubt, but the MC guys grow their numbers, and beating up a brother ups their street cred on the inside.”
“Fuckin’ politics,” I grumble. This shit is so stupid, and I’d rather fight it out on the inside than do dumb shit that keeps me in here longer than I have to be. “Okay, so I need to watch out for the Latin Mafia in here. What’s their reach on the outside?”
Riot blows out a long breath and shakes his head. “Depends on the day or the week, honestly. They’re a gang for hire, willing to do the dirty work for pretty much anybody willing to pay. It’s a good way to make a buck but makes it hard as fuck to figure out if their beef is with you or if it’s a beef for hire.”
“Well, fuck.”
Riot laughs. “Right?”
“I might be looking at another charge after that fight with Olivera, so I’m not trying to stay in this fucking place any longer than it takes my lawyer to get me the hell out of here.”
I can plan a mission to take out a terrorist or rescue a diplomat on one hour of sleep and my team behind me, but this shit is out of my wheelhouse.
“You gotta be careful, man. But I got a plan forming.” He smiles as he taps his temple, “and I think it’ll work for both of us.”
I lean forward, a rapt audience. “I’m all fuckin’ ears, man.”
CHAPTERNINETEEN
Sophie
Instead of feeling rested and ready to do something productive, I’m frantic, exhausted, and so fucking on edge that I can barely see straight.
My building is full of ambient noises. Doors shutting, the low muffle of television shows, early morning news, all of it just the right amount of sound to make me feel not quite so alone.
I creep over to the window and peek outside. My shoulders sag in relief as I look up and down the block and find the black car gone.
“Finally,” I groan and double-check the door locks before slipping into the shower.
The hot water does fuck all to wake me up or wash away my fear, but I’m clean, and that’s a good first step. I pull out an outfit that doesn’t make me feel fat and think about where I plan to go first. Instinct tells me to head to the clinic, but there’s someplace else I can go for answers.
The Reckless Souls clubhouse.
Dressed in a pair of jeans that hug my curves and give me the confidence boost I need to ask for answers I’m not sure I have a right to know.
I pair it with a gauzy peach blouse and slap some makeup on my face so I don’t look like I’m dead. Then I pull my hair into a ponytail for convenience, and I’m ready to go.
Because there’s no still no sign of the black car, I feel good as I slip behind the wheel and make my way to the biker headquarters. Nova’s world isn’t my world, but he’s been a friend for years, and I need to know what’s going on. If I’m safe or in danger.
Stone is standing outside with another biker I haven’t met, which is odd. “Hey, Stone. Is Ace around?”
“Yeah, he’s inside. What’s up?” he says, and I notice the other biker is standing there, stoic.
“Not much, just wondering what’s happening. You know, with the clinic and all. Is Nova okay?” I ask, hoping to get some information.
