Page 35 of Xane

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

–XANE –

“If we’re going to do this, then I suggest we go tonight,” Roux states and turns his laptop to show me the screen.“The fucker managed to pull off three deals under the radar.And I mean for fucking real under the radar because there’s nothing digital until the money ended in one of the sketchy bank accounts we have an eye on.”

I release a string of curses.“You’re right, we need to make our move.If we don’t, they’re going to slip right through our fingers.It’s the only reason why they put a damn rush on getting as much cash as they can.Yet, it doesn’t make sense.The way Luisa killed Balta?They won’t leave their son behind, and they know we have him.Well, had ’cause the fucker left in a damn body bag.If they had an eye on the clubhouse they wouldn’t have noticed since he was transported out through the back.”

Fuck.I can’t leave Z unprotected and we need to deal with this shit right now.Luisa is fucking nuts.I’ve seen the documentation the government has on her and her brother.They ran the cartel together for decades, until she vanished.Well, not vanished, she married Neron.

“Which is why we have to take them down before the bitch kills again or goes on a rampage,” Fawkes states.“You might need to call Spence, get more manpower so the clubhouse is protected while we raid their mansion.”

“Agreed.”I pull out my phone.“All of us will be needed for the raid anyway, and I can’t take Z with me.”

Neo rasps his knuckles on the table.“Or I could sneak her out and take her to the clinic.Chopper and Ivy are there, and you guys will be able to handle the raid.We could do it right now, they won’t expect it.”

“In the middle of the day?”Malic snorts.“Yeah, they will expect it because they will see us coming from a mile away.We need the darkness to cover our asses and create the element of surprise.”

“Not if we go from the side, jump the stone wall, and surprise the fuckers while teams of two go into the front and back a few minutes later,” Stellan suggests.“We will have them caged at all angles...no surprise needed.”

Neo nods.“Sounds like a solid plan.”

I rub a hand over my face.“I still like to have more brothers protecting my old lady.”

“Dude.Chopper is ex-military, and one of the older generations of Broken Deeds.I’ve heard some of his stories he shared over the past few nights.He’s more than capable of protecting his own woman, and yours.Not to mention, I will be there too.”Neo stares at me, and he might make sense, but my gut is telling me a whole different thing.

I slowly shake my head.“I’m still calling in some reinforcements, and don’t want my woman to leave the premises.Ivy is working and Chopper needs to stay there for her protection.”

Spence’s voice fills the room after a few seconds.“Grayer, what can I do for you?”

The way my former president uses my first name is a vivid reminder how different everything was a few damn weeks ago.Taking the undercover assignment when my father was killed, becoming president and using my middle name because everyone in my hometown knows me as Xane was part of the job.

Now, the job has become real.No more undercover.I’m the president and since my brothers are already used to calling me Xane it would be crazy for them to call me by my first name.Besides, most are calling me Prez anyway.The only one who still calls me Grayer is Zora, and it sounds fucking special when my name tumbles from her lips.

“We need to strike.Now,” I tell him, cutting straight to the point.

“Well, that’s your decision, you being the president and all,” Spence dryly replies.

I grit my teeth.“I know that, fucker.I’m calling to request assistance.Either with the raid or protecting the clubhouse.”

“Correction...protecting your old lady instead of the clubhouse, right?It’s a pain in the ass to have an old lady.Fucks with your head, doesn’t it?No worries, it will take some getting used to but in time you’d be able to do shit without feeling like you’re leaving your other half behind.”Spence’s voice carries a smile.

The brothers sitting around the table snort and I feel judged.Am I overthinking shit?Being overprotective when there’s no reason for it?Dammit.Spence’s right, it does feel like I’m leaving my other half behind.He’s also right about this shit being my decision.

Time to honor my name; Balls.I need to grab them and face the challenge lying before me.

“Fawkes, Stellan, and Neo are staying at the clubhouse.Which leaves six of us for the raid.I’d appreciate it if you could send four brothers to meet us there,” I tell him while I glance around the table, letting the others know I made my decision.

“You got it, brother,” Spence instantly replies.“Give me half an hour to get ready, and twenty minutes to get to Neron’s mansion.I assume that’s where the raid will take place, right?”

“Yes.See you there in fifty minutes,” I grunt and disconnect the call.

I shove my phone back in my pocket and address my club brothers.“Get ready.We all have special equipment from the government, so damn well use it.Kevlar vests over our cuts, got it?No exceptions.”

Everyone stands and before they can leave church I call out, “Fawkes, Stellan, and Neo.A word, please.”

They stay behind and Roux closes the door behind him.

We’re all standing when I tell them, “I’m trusting you three with the safety of my old lady, and I will personally hold you responsible if anything happens to her.”