Boomer

I’ve been on edge all day, it’s been one of the longest of my life. The Millers are staying until we leave for Vegas. Every time I turn around, I’m calling Crystal or one of my guys. We haven't heard from Santos or his men. After our meeting last night, the fellas and I questioned if Santos was already snooping through our town trying to start shit before I even met Crystal. Cyber managed to pull up some of the footage from the grocery store. The little punks look like they walked straight out of the Gangland show. All our buildings are secured overnight. The guys worked all day and finally crashed at the clubhouse. I can't wait to pick up my girl from the school. Her mom is making us dinner and we’re having a not so unexpected guest tonight. After the show he put on in my garage, I knew where Doc was headed. Mr. Miller didn't seem to mind him that much. And I sensed a new level of respect from him on my end. I get that the violence and danger that he saw isn't something he wants his daughter around and I'm hoping after we deal with these fuckers we won't have any more problems. One of my last stops before picking up my girl is the jewelry store. I’m not there long when I see the perfect ring for her. A nice three-carat diamond would do for my Tigress. I even made her special cut for the club that I had to get from the tailor’s. She is the future wife of the president after all. She deserves nothing but the best. I look at my watch and realize I have to get on the road in fifteen minutes. Fuck, I'm out of time.

“Hey, Pres. I found out some shit on Santos,” Cyber informs me with crazy energy.

“What's going on?” I need everything I can get on that fucker, so I can end this bullshit.

“He claims he’s not the one who put the call out to scoop up her family. It was that little fuck and his druggie dad. Santos wants to meet.” I laugh at that shit.

“And I’m supposed to believe the fucker? His men just tried to kill my family. Now he wants to meet,” I scoff. “Get the fuck out of here with that fucking bitch shit.”

“The message says he doesn't want war with you.”

“How did they send it?” I ask. I have a feeling how they did, but it galls me to think they contacted my woman.

“They didn’t; I forwarded all texts or calls to your old lady from Santos or his wife straight to mine.”

“That was a smart thing to do. I don’t want them even calling her for shit. Clear the line, and I'll talk to him as I'm driving, okay?"

"Got you. I'll set up the call and dial it in."

Two minutes pass and my phone goes off. “Hello,” I answer. Since the ID comes up blank on my screen, I know he blocked his number too. He’s a known drug dealer. Anything on him and he’s toast.

“Steele. This is Gabriel Santos. We have a major problem between us I’d like to resolve.”

“I’ve got a problem solver for you, Santos. You came after me and mine.”

“I did no such thing. I don’t know what that little pendejo did that you beat his ass, but I’m sure he deserved it. If he wasn’t my wife’s brother, I might kill him myself. Basta, I still might, nada mas.”

“He tried to rape my woman. He hurt her and had I known then, he’d already be dead.”

“That’s not tolerated in my world, Mr. Steele. Even putas who sell themselves aren’t to be forced into shit they don’t want. I cannot tell you where he is, but I will say should he go around using my money to start shit, he’ll be lying in a ditch. My wife will just have to be consoled by me.”

“Do we have an understanding, Santos?” I ask. I want this over with.

“Si, I don’t want anything to do with the baboso. See him, kill him. He’s a weak link and so is his bitch ass father.”

“If any of your men come at us again, we won’t hesitate. My men only want him.”

“Perfecto. I will keep them away from your town. But you need to know that someone else is looking to enter the area.”

“Yeah, I’ve already started seeing the signs.”

“You didn’t hear it from me, but they are from Colombia and looking for more gringos to get hooked on the cocaína and heroin.”

“Trying to take out your competition?”

“No. My shit’s legal. I’m a pinche marijuana wholesaler these days. The US making it legal has limited the risk.”

“Stay out of my hair and we won’t have a problem.”

“Agreed, adios, Mr. Steele.”

“Good-bye, Santos.” I hit the button on the back of the steering wheel, ending the call. Now onto my mission to pick up my future wife. The men and I will go to church tonight.

As I pull up to the school, I give her a call. “Baby, I’m here. I’ll meet you at the door.”

“Okay, I’m getting my things.” My men are standing their ground as I approach. I send them on their way because I don’t need their help. I’m taking Santos at his word. He doesn’t want a war because my men have been soldiers and they will destroy his people.

She comes out a minute later giving me a large smile. I pull her into my arms and kiss her. I’ve missed her so much. I don’t know if I can pull away long enough to get her in the truck.

“I’ve missed you.”

“Take me home, Garrett.”

“Tigress, calm that down. Your parents are at our house. If we go there, I’ll have to wait until everyone is asleep.”

“That’s a pity because I need you.”

“Come on. We need to go before you get fired for fucking on school property.” I drag her to the truck, holding in my need to lift her over my lap and fuck her in the cab.