“They want Texas.” Roach’s words are whispered, but there is no denying the powerful impact they have. Texas couldn’t be traded. Sinner’s Creed needed it to survive. Death Mob knew there was no way Dorian would just take it from us without probable cause. But to prevent a war, they would.
It was all about the business with them, and business couldn’t be conducted if we were too busy killing one another. So they forced me to kill, and were going to take it to Dorian if we didn’t hand them Texas. They would simply tell him of my transgressions, prove they have every right to retaliate, and inform him of a brewing war. To prevent it, Dorian would simply pull the plug on Sinner’s Creed, and Death Mob would take over our entire territory. We would become nothing. Our patches would burn, our brothers would be out of work, and our legacy would die.
“Put in a call to Dorian. Beat them to the punch. Tell him what happened. Don’t give them any names, just let them know that there was an altercation and one of your men took it too far. See what their solution is.” I can see the wheels turning as Roach contemplates my advice. It might not be the smartest move, but it’s the only one we have.
Roach starts to shake his head, already weighing the options and not liking the outcome. “I’m afraid that when this news hits the Underground, they’re gonna make Sinner’s Creed pay for it.”
“It’s the only shot we have. If we don’t give Death Mob what they want, then a war starts. More lives will be lost and Sinner’s Creed will still bleed, if not fold altogether.” I place my hand on Roach’s shoulder. “It’s our only hope. Maybe they have a solution. If we can stay whole, keep Texas, and get Death Mob off our asses, then it’s worth whatever price we have to pay.”
It takes a few minutes, but Roach finally agrees. “I’ll make the call.”
—
Shady took me and Saylor home and is staying for supper—Saylor’s request, not mine. They laughed the whole way here. It’s innocent and doesn’t piss me off. I like that they get along, and it gives me time to deal with what’s weighing heavy on my heart—Sinner’s Creed.
I leave them, mumbling some excuse for going out to the garage. In the cold night air, I try again to process everything I’d learned only hours ago. I didn’t know what the outcome would be once Roach notified the Underground of my transgressions, but what I did know was that it wouldn’t be something we liked. Being an outlaw came with a price. And I had a feeling we were fixing to pay for it.
“Dirk?” Shady’s voice cuts through my dark thoughts. Shit. From the look on his face, I can tell he has no clue. “You okay, man?” He knows something is wrong, but he is probably thinking of anything other than the truth.
“I need to do something. I’ll be back in about an hour. I need you to stay with her.” He nods his head, and I avoid his stare. I’m not one that is easy to read, but I don’t want to take any chances.
I take Shady’s car to the bar, where I find Roach along with all the other Nationals, still seated outside. An uneasiness begins to settle over me at the sight of all of them together. If they’d called a Nationals meeting, then I should have been invited.
Roach asks everyone to leave us, and they do. On their way out, not one of them can meet my eyes. When it’s only the two of us, Roach gestures to the chair next to him. “We need to talk.” His voice is weak and it’s like he isn’t here. He is only the shell of the man I once knew. He shifts, flinching as he does. When I lean in, he waves me away. I can’t make out much in the darkness, other than his face. It’s illuminated by a fluorescent beer light that hangs on the wall next to him.
“My days are limited, ya know?” I know, but it’s not something I want to think about. He has been old since I’ve known him. That’s been for over twenty years.
“There’s so much I wanna tell ya, Dirk. So much you need to know.” For some reason, I get the feeling he isn’t talking about the shit with Death Mob or Dorian. “I know you found that letter Black left you. I know because I went to your house and found the safe there empty.” I’m not angry Roach was in my house, if it’s mine, it’s his, but I am bothered by the fact he knew there was a letter.