I glanced at the first photo. It read 3:38 p.m. My gaze shifted to the next photo and it also read 3:38 p.m. Two cities over two hundred miles apart at the exact same time.
“No fuckin’ way,” I snarled. “What the fuck?”
“He’s a hell of a magician,” Xenon agreed.
“Or he’s fucking with us and he knows we’re watching.”
Rael was right.
Xenon shrugged. “Is that a surprise? Come on. The guy is known for his ability to manipulate his enemies. It’s fuckin’ war, my brothers. I expected something like this to happen. It’s not the first time I’ve heard of rumors about Chamuco being in multiple places at once.”
“What are you sayin’?” Rael cracked his neck. “He’s got a twin?”
“Nothing that interesting.” Xenon was enjoying stringing Rael along and although I was amused, I was also ready to snap.
Sasha was on her way to the Crossroads and I needed her safe. She was at her apartment and I was glad Xenon had the place up on one of the monitors. I watched her doing a load of laundry and blew out a frustrated breath. Didn’t she ever listen?
“My ol’ lady is on her way here soon. I need to know she’s gonna be protected.”
“I think Chamuco has a few lookalikes that he stages in different cities. They wear a similar cut and dress like him. It’s nothing more than a ruse but keeps up the mysterious and dangerous reputation to his enemies.”
“That’s all fine and everything, but where the fuck is he right now?”
“That’s the thing. Hard to tell on video. I’d say he’s here in Tonopah or at least that’s what we should focus on. He’s got to be hanging around one of the local bars or shops. He wants to be found. I don’t doubt he’s anxious for a confrontation.”
“And Mammoth is gonna give him one.”
Xenon smashed the butt of his smoke into a nearby ashtray. “Might as well let it happen. We need to know if the real Chamuco is here or it’s just a decoy.”
Rael nodded briskly. “Agreed.”
“I’m going to call Sasha.” I pulled my phone free and dialed her number just as the monitor on her place went blank, skipped a couple of times, and then straight to static.
“Son of a bitch!” Xenon yelled, clicking a bunch of keys.
“What’s happening?” I asked, rushing over, and smacking the monitor in the hope that it would clear.
“Fucking hell! Don’t break my shit, bro.”
I could care less if the damn thing was scratched as long as it came on and showed Sasha was alright. Nothing happened. The screen never worked again, even after another five minutes.
“I’m heading out! I need to get to my girl.”
Rael nodded. “I’m coming with you.”
We left Xenon and he promised to let Grim know where we were headed. I saw Rael fire off a quick text and knew he was also touching base with our pres. I was far too amped up to do anything but hop on my Harley and pull back hard on the throttle, revving the bike and tearing up gravel as I sped out of the gate.
When we arrived at the apartment, it was locked up and no one was there. Sasha was already on her way to the Crossroads and I was surprised we didn’t pass her or notice the black SUV on the road. Both Rael and I searched the outside but saw no evidence of tampering or anything out of the ordinary.
“I guess the place is still secure,” Rael announced. “She’s fine, bro. Give her a call.”
I dialed right away, anxious as fuck.
After hearing her voice, the tension eased in my shoulders but not by much. “She’s home.”
“Then we’re good.” Rael tilted his head to the side, contemplating me with an expression that could only be described as conniving. “Wanna have some fun?”
Fuck. Those words should never be uttered from his lips. Rael was more horror than humor.
“I’m afraid to ask.”
“Come on, Bodie. Don’t be a pussy.”
I followed him back to the driveway and our bikes, certain I was going to regret whatever happened next.
RAEL DIDN’T SAY A WORD until we arrived at a little joint that we liked to frequent outside of Tonopah off the beaten path. Place didn’t even have a name on the building, just read LIQUOR on the faded sign to keep out unwanted patrons. It was probably one of the few bars in the state that boasted a clientele of strictly bikers, muffler bunnies, and waitresses looking to lay as many guys in leather as they could. Place had a reputation for fights, booze, girls, and metal music. A favorite of the club when we weren’t home. Nothing compared to the Crossroads but this was close.
“We’re playing fucking darts?” I would rather have been catching up with Mammoth but knew that wasn’t possible which only made me feel grumpy as fuck.
Rael looked offended. “Not darts. Knife throwing. It’s a fuckin’ art, bro.”
Smirking, I shook my head. “I need more beer for this.”
Rael shrugged, grabbing a few bottles off the bar that a cute blonde shoved in his direction with a wink and we approached the back of the room. I noticed the knives he unwrapped from a thick fabric case and wondered where the fuck he had kept them. Never saw or noticed he was carrying a damn thing. Rael was a stealthy bastard. I’d give him that.
“These belonged to Mammoth before he bought his new set. Gave them to me for practice.”
Who the fuck thought it was a great idea to teach Rael how to throw knives with precision?
Mammoth needed to rethink that move but it was too late now.
“You’ve got to be shitting me.”
Rael’s laugh was loud and contagious. “You’re so fucking predictable. Ever do anything unexpected? Just
