Page 16 of Glacier

“Ah,” Lawless said, turning to Lurch as if everything had just become clear. “The lady said no.”

“Jesus, fuck,” I exploded. “She didn’t say no, but I’m not discussing this with you.”

Before either of them could reply, Blue, Bet, Midnight, River, Mystery, and Steel walked into the office.

“Everything okay?” Steel asked, picking up on the tension.

“All good,” I waved a hand dismissively. “Grab a seat or a wall. I don't care which. Close the door so we can get on with this.”

Eyebrows rose. I wasn’t usually this short with the brothers I was closest to. I needed to shake this funk. Juju was just another woman. We’d had sex. Fucking phenomenal sex, but that was all it was.

Taking a breath, I pinched the bridge of my nose. Then I did something I rarely did. Apologise. I wasn’t my father. I could admit when I was wrong. Taking my bad mood out on my brothers wasn’t how I worked.

Sliding my dark glasses back on, I leaned back in my chair. “Apologies, brothers. I’m not in the best of moods.”

They acknowledged my apology with nods and chin lifts. Apology accepted. Fucking hell, I loved my brothers.

“Had a meeting with Jude the other night,” I said, getting to the reason I’d called the meeting.

Lawless looked concerned. “Everything okay? The ATF?”

“Nah.” I shook my head. “The ranch. They’re gonna be growing medicinal weed at their place. Asked if we wanted in on it. Told him I’d have to check with all of you as you have shares in the ranch. Not sure if now’s a good time to bring scrutiny to the ranch with the ATF on our asses.”

“Might be a good thing,” Midnight pointed out. “I mean, why would we want government officials on the ranch checking shit out if we had something to hide?”

“Thought of that,” I admitted. “But I’m not sure the risk is worth it.”

“Zero got any chatter?” Lurch asked.

Shaking my head. “Nothing new,” I replied. “And Jude hasn’t had any further chatter either.”

The brothers were silent as they considered our options. I waited them out.

Midnight—ever our money man—was the first to speak. “What’s the return like?”

I grabbed the folder with the figures from my desk and handed it to him. “Pretty good.”

Midnight flipped it open. His eyes widened, and he whistled when he saw the return on investment. “Fuck me, Pres. I think this is worth the risk.”

“Pass it over, brother.” Bet held out his hand for the file.

“Have a good look at the figures before we decide,” I advised as I stood and walked to the door. Opening it, I yelled, “Prospect!”

Woe came running. “Yes, Pres.”

“Bring coffee and sandwiches.”

Woe nodded and ran off to do as I’d asked. He was young, but he had potential.

Closing the door, I dropped back into my chair, waiting while my brothers read over the information.

I glanced at my phone on the desk as it beeped with a message.

Unknown number: This is Juju. Home now. No issues. This is my number if you want it.

And just like that, the dark cloud that had followed me since she’d driven off lifted.

Me: Thanks, darlin’.