Ace (Reckless Souls MC 2)

That’s if she decides to help instead of wallow in her grief. But I didn’t say that out loud.

Wild Man’s eyes go wide with surprise. “You think that’s a good idea?”

“No, but she’s our best bet. For now. In the meantime, I need you and Devon to hack into all the cameras at the port. I want to know who’s been in and out of there for the past week and why they were there. Find out everything you can about the unknowns, even if it’s just a chick showing up to fuck her boyfriend on his lunch break.”

Wild Man nods, his gaze focusing on the computer screen. “We should consider piggybacking off the existing port surveillance. That way, we can always tap into the system in the future.”

I nod. “I like it. Get it done, whatever it takes.” My gaze falls on Shades. “Give them what they need to get this done fast.”

We’re sitting on half a million bucks from selling knockoff handbags and sunglasses to an associate who owns half the garment district in LA, so money is not a problem. “We need to know who the fuck put that body there.”

“I’ll have a list for you within the hour,” Wild Man tells Shades, still staring at his computer screen.

Devon stands. “I’ll head down to the port to make sure we get equipment compatible with whatever old-school crank engine shit they use.”

Wild Man nods. “Get model numbers if you can. That’ll make it easier.”

“On it.” Devon stops and stares at me. “Anything else you need from me?”

“Nope. This is your priority.”

“My money is on the Kings,” Shades offers with a shrug.

“I agree,” Coop nods. “But we need to send a message to the whole damn area that we don’t tolerate killing women.”

I nod my agreement. “Shades, make sure Preacher stays close to the whore houses. He needs to keep a close eye on them. And check in with the girls regularly for anything that doesn’t feel right.”

The girls were their own first line of defense when it came to gut instincts. Usually, guys didn’t act out right away. They waited a visit or two.

“We got the new surveillance system up and running at all the houses. Common areas only,” Wild Man offers again without looking up.

“Good. Joaquin, increase the patrols of the port between you and the other prospects. I want the shop covered at all times. We can’t let anyone think we’re not protecting our shit.”

Everyone nods their agreement, and the group disperses, leaving just me and Shades in the bar.

“Somethin’ on your mind?” He rounds the bar and grabs two more beers, one for each of us.

“You mean besides the fact that somebody is clearly sending us a message?”

“Not so clear,” he offers and taps the neck of his beer to mine. “In fact, I’d say it’s clear as mud.”

I agree. “But you still think it’s the Kings?”

“Hell, yeah. I’d put my money on it. They did a shit job of dumping the body, so it seems like some wannabes or newbies trying to stake their claim.”

“True. But what do we want to do about it? Have you heard anything from the cops?” Damn, I wish Dix was here.

“Nothing from the cops since that day. I’m actually surprised they haven’t been crawling all over this place.”

“That’s what scares me,” I say. “It’s like they know something we don’t, and I can’t have that.”

“Maybe you should talk to the people we do business with first? They have a lot to lose if we’re shut down for a murder investigation. See if they have any intel we can use.” Shades stares at me as if he’s waiting for me to say something.

“Yeah,” I sigh because lately, it always feels as if there’s some shit going on, requiring me to talk to our business contacts. I fucking hate dealing with people unless it’s to exchange goods for money, but it’s a necessary part of the job. Shades says time and again how important it is to let them see my face, see me actually leading the club.

“We’ll figure this shit out, man,” he reassures me. “We always do.”

“I know.” I shake my head and nod toward the outside area because I need some goddamn fresh air.

“When was the last time you visited the gym?”

“Too damn long,” I admit. “I can’t find the time lately, but I will.”

Shades nods. “Make it a priority, man. Anything you need done, you delegate it. I’m here for whatever you need.”

“Thanks.”

Shades and I have been through the shit together, good and bad, and we were always side-by-side through it all. The deaths of parents and siblings, lovers and friends. Weddings and baby showers, all the normal shit we rarely get to enjoy.

“Now, tell me the truth,” he says, “did you get anywhere with Kelsey’s sister?”