Page 55 of Glacier

“Not about the bug. They suspect something, but so far, nothing about being bugged.”

“So it’s still clean?”

“So far.”

Jesus Christ, I fucking hated Feds, no matter which department they worked for. Always so fucking cryptic. “So far doesn’t help me. I need to know if I should split.”

“He doesn’t suspect. Nothing was mentioned in Church. You’re good.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. If we hear anything different, we’ll let you know.”

Letting out a snort of laughter. Like I believe that. “Yeah, right. Like I believe you. Trust me, I know what my end will be if they find out about me.”

He was silent for a beat before he replied. “You had a choice.”

I let out a snort of disbelief, “Not really. I do what you say, or you won’t get my kid out of that hellhole you put her in. Not really a choice, is it?”

“Don’t blame me for your shortcomings as a mother. That kid could have been with you if you’d kept yourself clean and off the streets.”

He was right, and I was big enough to admit it. “Oh, I don’t blame you. I’m fully responsible.”

“She’s out now. You keep doing your job, and she’ll stay out.”

“She’d better, or I swear to God you’ll be in a world of trouble. Don’t ever use my kid against me again, or you’ll regret it.”

I ended the call without waiting for his response, then checked my go bag. I needed to stash it somewhere. If this went tits up, I didn’t want to be anywhere near this place.

It was well known that ‘Nobody Fucked with the Kings. Not if you wanted to live. And I’d done a lot more than fucking with them. I’d betrayed them. Now I was fucking with an Ol’ Lady—the first in a long time. One I considered even more dangerous than the men if she got hold of me.

Definitely time to think about getting out of Dodge.

CHAPTER 19

JUJU

Rock music boomed from the outdoor speakers. The party to celebrate Glacier taking an Ol’ Lady was in full swing. Rita had outdone herself with the food. Four barbecues run by the Prospect groaned under the weight of the meat. Tubs full of ice were scattered around, drinks were flowing, and a table held so many side dishes that I’d have to go back for thirds to sample everything.

Now that the sun was setting, it was cold as fuck outside, even with the three bonfires. Not even the heat Glacier emitted, where I was plastered to his side, was helping keep the chill away.

The brothers were drunk. It was amusing to watch the usually stoic Kings let loose and get more and more rowdy. I could tell that most of them had grown up together because of the stories they shared, and the taunting and teasing was rife. Although I could’ve done without knowing that Lawless used to get his cock sucked by the cheerleaders in the band room at high school.

Wanting to change the subject, I turned to the brothers gathered around the fire with us. “I know it’s rude to ask, but how did you all get your road names if you’ve all known each other all your lives? I mean, you don’t have to tell me, but I’m intrigued.”

“I’m not from here,” Midnight admitted.

I look at Glacier. He nodded. “It’s true. He turned up one day and started prospecting. Went to Harris and demanded a Prospect cut.” Glacier chuckled and looked at his Treasurer. “He’s always been a pushy fucker.”

“Thank you, Pres.” Midnight grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Midnight… because of your colouring?” I asked, noting his dark hair and eyes.

Glacier nodded. “Yep, and because the fucker disappeared at midnight every night without fail.”

Midnight shrugged. “I need my beauty sleep.”

“Fucking right you do, ugly fucker,” Bet rumbled, leaning back and balancing his chair on two legs. “Name’s Bet because I never gamble.”