I didn’t bother asking questions that I already knew the answer to. I witnessed every single thing that was said back at the club. My dear innocent of a sister went from being a homeless junkie to an ol’lady. Not just any ol’lady, but tied to one of the most prominent members of the club. I scoff, thinking how Angel would be the one to pull something like this, but she didn’t have any hand in it. Or at least that’s what Pain told me. According to him this is all Trick’s doing, and I just hope the bastard knows what he’s gotten himself into.

Plans changed quickly when Reed found out he could only bring two men to the meeting with him. The same terms were given to Darius with Purgatory, MC, and I’m assuming the Jackals as well. Reed picked Seamus and I Seamus is not one to fuck with, and I’m pretty handy with a gun. I don’t look like much from on the surface, but joke’s on these Jackals if they think they’re gonna fuck with us. Word on the street is that they’re not a fan of Rafael, and none of us are. Hopefully this meeting ends up working out to our advantage.

The three of us were the first to arrive at the address, oddly enough the wind is picking up and the brisk cold air starts to chill my bones. We all stay seated on our bikes, surveying the property of the where we’re set to meet. “Ever been here before?” I call out to Reed. He answers with who shakes his head from left to right.

The rumble of a car comes from behind us, and I notice the green Dodge charger. It’s one of Darius’ toys. He exits the vehicle, and two men pop out alongside him. I’ve heard of the one man, Jude. He’s a member of Purgatory, but has been gone for years. Some sort of cardio surgeon, but has arms are big enough to snap someone’s arm in half without any effort I highly doubt the guy is one of those gentle giant types. (And I sure as fuck don’t think he’s one of those gentle giant types). Shaun comes around from the other side. I’ve seen him around on occasion. The type who says shit without thinking and doesn’t give a damn about anything. , he reminds me too much of myself and Hell, we’d probably be friends.

Darius hollers over to Reed, “Thought Pharaoh said he’d be here when we arrived.”

“He said that, but looks like we’ll be waiting on him.” I pull my jacket closer to my body as Darius, Jude and Shaun approach. The minutes pass slowly, so we chat amongst one another.

“How’s the missus doing?” Darius asks Reed, who smiles back in return.

“Great. Baby is growing good and we can find out the gender any day now. Elena is telling me that she wants to keep it a surprise, but I know better. Found a text she sent that said she wants to tell me on Christmas.”

“How’d a man like you end up with a gem like her?” Darius chuckles, smacking the back of Reed’s shoulder. Before Reed can reply a loud screech of tires jolts our attention to the entryway of the parking lot. A huge, decked out truck with lifts comes barreling down right next to the group of us and when the doors open, I can hardly believe my eyes.

“What kind of fucked up shit are they on?” I mumble lowly to Seamus, who chuckles in response but sends me a warning with his eyes to pipe down.

Three men come out of the truck, two of them with black matte and gold masks, looking exactly like an Egyptian jackal would. The third is a bit different, his mask is the same, yet much grander. I don’t know how they run their group but I’m guessing this is the head honcho. His body is smaller than the others, much shorter and slim. I haven’t ever come into contact with many Egyptians but I assumed they were tall. Makes me wonder if it isn’t some Mexican fucker under that mask.

“Pharaoh,” Reed greets, Darius nods.

The voice that comes from Pharaoh does nothing but shocks me, and suddenly explains why this man is so short and slender, because he isn’t a he. He is a she.

“I’m pleased that you both arrived safely, and chose to wait. I needed to see how serious you both are about eliminating our common enemy. You have passed your test.”

“I’m not here to play games, or pass your tests. Each one of our time is valuable and precious, we all have people who depend on us, so let’s agree to stop with the bullshit. We have a common goal, and more importantly a common enemy. I think it’s safe to say we can trust one another.” Reed states, eyes scanning from Darius to Pharaoh.

Our three leaders each take a few steps away from us, giving them a bit of privacy but we manage to still hear what is going on.

“Is it true, about the threats made against one of your women?” Pharaoh asks Reed, who nods. She is asking about Maria. Reed nods.

“Rafael had always been part of the human trafficking trade until a short while back. Maria was one of the first women I had purchased. I bought her freedom as I did for every other woman that day. Some of them are with the club, and some of them have made lives for themselves elsewhere. Maria chose to stay, and has been with us ever since.”

“The cartel was not always like this. Once upon a time it used to be a symbol of strength, of unity....but over the years Rafael has destroyed every bit of respect that the name once held. You want to know how he keeps his power? It is out of fear. People are afraid to lose their families because of his callous actions, and I can’t blame them for that. The Ramirez’s and Lopez’s were at war many years ago, and we all know who came out on top. What Rafael does not realize is that was a battle. He he has only won the battle. While he thinks that he is safe...we are rallying our troops and preparing for the war. The Lopez’s will reign Mexico once again.”

Pharaoh tilts her head to Reed and stares at him, the mask making her look like a creature of the dark. “I will help you, both of you, but you must help me when the time comes. We can be allies, but only if you make the decision now. If you do not support the Lopez’s taking control over the cartel then we must go our separate ways. You will stay out of my way and I will stay out of yours. If you get in my way, I will just kill you.”

“Rafael has made threats against Reed’s club, and committed crimes in my city. Neither one of us are standing for it. We have enough trouble on our plates and don’t need him stirring up more shit. I don’t enjoy killing, it is not something that I like to do, however I know when it is needed. We must work together to eradicate Rafael. The only thing that comes from him is more misery, and I don’t know about either of you but I am tired of cleaning bodies off of the streets.” Darius says.

“In a week’s time we will all meet. I will text you both. Until then, prepare your men and tell them that we will be taking a trip very soon. They won’t need their winter coat where we’re going.” She turns around, twirls her hand in the air and hops in the passenger side of the truck. Her Jackals follow her swiftly and before I know it they’re out of the lot and out of sight.

“What do you know about Frank Lopez?” Darius asks Reed.

“He’s a hell of a lot better then Rafael.”

“Let’s hope for both of our sake that you’re right.”