Beast cleared his throat and approached Magpie, with Knight following him closely.
“Welcome. It’s a shame you’re only visiting us now. It’s been what, fifteen years?”
Magpie’s gaze drifted off to the building behind them. “Yes, this place has changed slightly I see.” He shook Beast’s hand after taking off one of his purple leather gloves. The bodyguard stood close behind him, as tall as Beast and completely silent.
Beast cleared his throat. “We’re putting the building to good use.”
Knight easily sensed his friend’s discomfort and greeted Magpie with a handshake as well. “I hope you will stay a bit longer. We have a party brewing on Friday. Something tells me you’d enjoy it.”
Magpie raised his eyebrows, but smiled. “Oh, would I? Does it involve a hot tub filled with champagne?”
Knight grinned, and the price of real champagne—because he knew it was the champagne from Champagne region that Magpie meant—flashed through his mind. “How about Prosecco?”
Magpie laughed, and Knight couldn’t get over the fact that this guy wore a grill and traveled in a golden Hummer. He’d known him for years and every encounter had been as bizarre as the one before it. “One does not talk business without some champagne. Bruce will bring it over later.” He waved his hand at the bodyguard. “It’s most unfortunate what happened to King, but I am very fond of our little arrangement. Speaking of which, I would love to buy that pretty thing,” Magpie pointed to the engagement ring on Beast’s hand. “It’s a natural ruby, isn’t it?”
The red gemstones were Magpie’s favorites, and while many of the other jewels the Kings of Hell handled eventually found other buyers, any natural rubies that went through their hands ended up in Magpie’s hands. Considering how obsessed he seemed, it was a surprise that he wasn’t wearing any himself.
Then again, maybe Magpie had been somehow able to drive up the price of those precious stones by taking them off the market? Knight tried not to snigger at the thought of Magpie wearing a grill encrusted with rubies and looking as if he’d just drank blood.
Beast glanced at his engagement ring and swiftly covered it with his other hand. He was barely smiling. “It is, but it’s not for sale. Sentimental value, and all that.”
Magpie cocked his head. “Shame. Maybe you will change your mind one day.”
Knight highly doubted that, but he swiftly changed the topic and urged everyone inside. Turned out that other than delivering their ‘new accountant’, Magpie wanted to discuss some delicate business urgently and in person. Fortunately, the two bottles of expensive champagne weren’t enough to get anyone drunk, so negotiations went on in a friendly atmosphere.
Since Magpie had traveled to the clubhouse overnight, around midday he was eager to rest, which meant some much-needed time for Beast to cool off from having to maintain the entertaining persona that clearly drained his energy, and for everyone to think of the proposed deal. It did involve a great many natural rubies, and Knight’s skin was tingling as he imagined the increased value of their hidden safes. It would be a boost to club finances, but the new accountant—as suspicious as Knight was of him—would be a godsend if increased spending was to be effectively laundered.
Knight and Beast were left in the round space of the Church room while others left to refresh their minds. Beast seemed pumped out, sipping alcohol from a champagne flute that was so tiny and delicate-looking that Beast’s massive fist appeared even bigger, but Knight thrived on meeting new people and making connections, so he was still energetic and excited for the upcoming party. He’d managed to get good rapport with Magpie even if the guy was all Manhattan and new money, and they were… well, Brecon.
“That’s going well. What do you think?” Knight asked, patting Beast on the back.
“Good. I can’t help but wonder what his pact is. Because there sure as fuck is one. Beauty and riches? Sounds too straightforward.”
Knight shrugged. He knew the business connection with Magpie had been part of King’s package deal with the demon, but he wouldn’t be asking for details. “It’s been fifteen years and he hasn’t tried to fuck us over. Bet his pact, if there is one, is somehow connected with us. It’s all good.”
Beast downed the champagne and reached into his pocket. He pulled out the VP patch and slammed it on the table in front of Knight, watching him intently.
Knight’s heart picked up in his chest, and he slowly glanced back at his friend. “Why?”
“Only if you want it, Knight. I talked to the guys, and they’ll give you another shot. You’re working well as my right hand. People like you, so you get shit done. When they see my face, they get skittish. But you need to want it. It’s not just fun and prestige. It’s responsibility too. No bullshit lies, no fucking about.”