Page 21 of Double the Redemption

“They don’t touch the other place, but for the first little bit, we run it as a normal spot. We have enough cops on our side that we might be able to avoid any problems, anyway.”

“Anyone not in favor of this new business plan?” Savage asked. No one gave any objections. “Ice, get to work on securing the location. Now, back to the books. Since Ice is going to oversee those for the new place and the other club, that means we have to deal with the books for Ink and Rogue. Rogue, you got any objections to Naomi doing the books?”

“If someone is going to double-check them and make sure shit isn’t screwed up, then I’m alright with it. Not like we got much of a choice. And at least if something gets lost, we can just ask her, and she can recall it.”

“And her memory? What are we going to do about that?”

“Maybe we need to make it clear to her what will happen if she squeals,” Snake suggested.

Ink bristled. “She’s not going to fucking squeal,” he bit out. “And no one needs to fucking threaten her. She had a fucking panic attack today because she thought Rogue was furious at her. You do that shit, and she’s going to fucking run. Then we’re really in trouble because the Devil’s Predators and Feds will be on our asses for sure.”

Snake arched a brow at him but didn’t argue.

“That was what that was about?” Rogue asked, frowning.

Ink nodded. “I’m not sure why she acted that way, but I get the feeling that whatever she went through with the cartel, it was bad. She just wants to make her son happy and keep him safe. If you want me to talk to her and explain, then I will. She trusts me.”

“We’ll talk to her,” Savage stated. “You, me, Rogue, and Ice will sit down with her and go over everything. And Ink, it’s your ass if shit goes sideways and there’s a problem. You willing to take that on?”

Was he? He’d never had to worry about that before.

He nodded, not allowing himself to think about it too deeply.

“Alright. Let’s put it to a vote. Everyone in favor of trialing Naomi on the books for the garage and tattoo shop?”

Everyone but Snake raised their hand.

“Snake?”

“I’m still not sure that it’s the best idea, but I won’t stand in the way.” He looked at Ink. “I hope you know what you’re doing, brother. She’s pretty, but she’s not going to let you in her pants. And that brain of hers, it helps you, but it’s also a danger. She could double-cross us, and none of us would be the wiser until it’s too late. One slip of the tongue to the Feds and we’re toast if she overhears or sees something she shouldn’t.”

Ink tamped down his anger. “We won’t let that happen. Legit books only, and she won’t be at the shop to overhear anything. The garage, everyone else, watch your mouth, and we shouldn’t have any issues.”

“Alright, then we move it ahead.” He banged the gavel. “Ink, Rogue, Ice, we’ll get through that now. Everyone else, we’ll meet again at the end of the week.”

Ink really hoped he hadn’t just made a major mistake, but thinking of Naomi’s words earlier, he had to believe this was the right course.

And if he had, he’d have to pay the price.

9

NAOMI

She tried not to fidget, sitting across from Savage, Ink, Ice, and Rogue. Four giant men were watching her, surrounding her. She wanted to crawl under the table and slink away as she’d seen Asher do a couple of times. Instead, she told herself to stop being a coward and forced herself to face them.

She barely managed to not jump when Ink squeezed her clenched hand under the table. Her gaze flicked to him, and he gave her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Naomi, everything’s good.”

“Yeah, you’re not in trouble,” Rogue stated, watching her.

It didn’t relax her. If she wasn’t in trouble, why did they want to talk to her? Especially since Rogue asked the twins to come over and play with her son so they could talk to her. What were they about to say that they didn’t want any kids to hear?

“Naomi, we were wondering if you could help us out,” Savage started, keeping his expression calm, almost neutral. She wouldn’t call it friendly, but she was getting the sense that most of the men around here had that same vibe.

She didn’t answer him, just waited for more information, having learned a long time ago never to be the first to speak. It got you in trouble.

Ice chuckled, and Ink grinned as Savage heaved an annoyed sigh.

“Brother, she’s got your number,” Ice said, with a smile of his own. “Naomi, you did a great job with Ink’s books, and we’re hoping you could continue to help out with them and also take on Rogue’s garage so Esme can finally go on maternity leave without stressing that someone is messing it up. Is that something you’d be willing to help with?”