AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How would he even know about them if they’ve been laying low out in the desert?” Nick wasn’t completely sold on the idea.
“The same way he knows about everything,” Samson said. “He’s got his fingers in so many places it’s hard to keep track.”
Cobra pushed off the couch. “We’ll do some checking around see what we can find out.”
Nick clapped Joker on the shoulder. “Thanks for the help.”
“Always,” Cobra said, then him and Joker left the office.
At least now they had a place to start looking.
“You don’t need me anymore tonight, right?” Nick addressed his question to Jax and Samson.
Samson’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
Nick expected the question, he even expected the edge to Samson’s voice but he wasn’t ready to show his cards yet.
“I have an idea.” Nick purposely kept his answer vague.
“An idea I’m gonna hate.”
“Probably.”
“Why don’t you wait till the Serpents come up with something solid.”
“You said yourself me and good ideas don’t go together so what’ve I got to lose, right?”
Samson paused not liking his words thrown back at him, but fact was fact—his involvement with Cheryl would cause a ripple effect, but he had no intention of giving her up after finding her again. It wouldn’t be easy, but that didn’t mean it was impossible.
“Take Jax with you,” Samson offered.
“Nah, something I gotta do myself.” In five large steps Nick was out of the office and headed for the elevators before either of them could protest.
Samson blurting out Frank’s name surprised Nick. They were usually on the same page, but this time Nick pegged Johnny for this shitstorm. Six months ago, Frank and Nick came to an understanding about the Vegas club. Frank went back to New York promising to leave Club Wicked alone. Nick wasn’t gullible enough to believe Frank’s every word, but he did know how the man worked. Frank wouldn’t waste his time or money on petty shit like trashing their stock. If Frank wanted to fuck with them he’d burn the whole club down.
In the big picture, smashing their stock was an inconvenience. A pussy move—Johnny.
Nick pulled into the parking lot of Vegas Jazz. The California clubs were called L.A. Jazz. Not very original but Frank didn’t care as long as his dirty money was getting crystal clean. He’d called Frank before he left Wicked just to make sure he’d be here, and now it was time to see just how well he knew the mob boss, and maybe even get him on their side.
Frank didn’t hold his position of power without accumulating many enemies along the way. In his way of life, he trusted no one and doubted everyone. One false move, one ignored threat could cost him his life. He paid the high cost of protection against people with grievances along the way. Even his allies like Johnny Russo couldn’t be completely trusted because just like Frank, Johnny had an agenda, and both always looked out for number one.
Nick’s plan centered around pitting one against the other, then attack the weakest link. The obvious answer would be Johnny, but in this particular case, Frank had the most to lose and therefore became the weakest link.
A glance around the empty club showed scaffolding, building materials, and plenty of workers getting paid overtime to get the job done. The scent of fresh cut wood and paint filled the air. Amazing when you threw a boatload of money around how much you could accomplish.
Frank was in deep conversation with his bodyguard, Paulie. When he saw Nick he headed his way.
“You got a lot going on.” Nick’s head swiveled taking in the chaos around them.
“Should have it opened by the end of the month.”
“This place has been everything from a Chinese restaurant to a weed dispensary. The restaurant got shut down for running hookers out of the back room and the dispensary guys got arrested for selling without a license.” Nick laughed around his words. “Hope you have better luck.”
“I’ve always been successful in business.” Frank’s gaze centered on Nick. “But of course you already know that.”
“Truth.”
“I know you didn’t come down here to talk about my business prowess, so why don’t we cut to the chase.” Frank headed to a makeshift bar against the wall and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels. Frank’s drink of choice. He filled two cut glass tumblers and handed one to Nick.
