Sins (Havoc of Sins #3)

Chapter 19

Grim

M organ found me that evening as I hurried into Indulge. “Hey, got five?”

I rolled my wrist and saw I was going to be late for a meeting on the twentieth floor. “Ride with me.” I pulled out my keycard and tapped the keypad as the dogs followed us in and sat at my feet. Morgan waited until the doors closed before he started to talk.

“Everything’s set for tonight. Yen Hong even added some of his own people to help us out.”

“Good.” I was pleased to hear that.

“It’s all last minute, the whole thing. It might just throw Sonny off the scent.” The doors opened.

“We’ll see, won’t we?” I nodded and stepped out but then caught the door as it shut. “Thanks, Morgan.”

“Yeah.”

I whisked down the hallway and into the conference room to find Knox, Mom, and Dad sitting around the table.

“Good evening, son,” Mom greeted me, and I felt someone come up behind me.

“Sorry I’m late.” Kenna slipped by me, patted the pups’ heads, then took her seat with a huff. “Yen Hong wanted me to try on another dress, and, well, one thing led to another, but I’m here.” I stepped back and looked out the door then back at her.

“Where’s your security?”

“In the lobby.” She unscrewed the cap on her water bottle and took a sip.

I shook my head. “Why aren’t they up here with you?” She held up a hand and finished her drink. “Please, take all the time you need.”

“Grim…” Mom scowled at me.

“I’m just trying to understand why I pay good money to have these men watch over my soon-to-be wife and mother of my child, yet she arrives alone.”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist,” Kenna growled, and I heard Mom snicker then saw her hide a smile behind her hand. “Jesse met me at the elevator and gave them orders to check on something. He then escorted me to that door,” she pointed to the door of the conference room, “then he went back down, once he knew I was with you all.” She tilted her head at me, and her fingers strummed the table.

Knox clapped his hands. “See, wife-slash-baby momma is all good. So Grim can untangle his balls from his twisted panties and we can all move on with our lives. Dad, you’re up.”

I swatted the back of Knox’s head as I took my seat and eyed Kenna, who seemed to find Knox entertaining.

“First, before we get started,” Mom pulled her mini little shit of a dog onto her lap and stroked its back, “your father and I?—”

“And LeeLee,” Knox chimed in and threw a smug smile my way.

“Yes, and LeeLee.” Mom used a baby voice toward the dog while I took the opportunity to punch Knox in the thigh. He heaved over with a laugh. “Anyway,” Mom ignored us and looked at Kenna, “we all wanted to officially say congratulations to the two of you on your engagement and for granting us our first human grandbaby.” She kissed the little shit’s head, and I glanced at Leal and Zhar, who looked less than impressed. At least they got me.

“Thanks.” Kenna smiled around the table. “It’s all a bit fast,” I glared at her, and she put her hand on mine, “but I’m very excited to start our family.”

“That’s wonderful.” Mom covered Kenna’s other hand and squeezed it. “We’ll work out the details later.” She looked at Dad, and he took the floor.

“Kenna, you’re family now. That’s why you’re here, so I won’t sugar coat anything.”

“Please don’t.” Kenna shifted right into work mode.

Dad pulled out a file and slid it over to her. “Your mother has signed everything over to you. I was hoping, with your permission, I could do some digging in Cameron’s personal files. I just have to get the password.”

“Whatever you need.” Kenna didn’t miss a beat. “How is Mom?” I knew she had a lot of mixed feelings about her mother after all that had happened, but I felt I was doing my best to help her through it all.

“I have the best lawyers on her case,” Dad went on, “but she chose a very public place, and it’s not the easiest situation to navigate.”

I placed my hand on her leg, and she squeezed it. I hoped I could act as her anchor through all this. “I understand.”

“Perhaps there won’t even be a trial.” Dad tried to brighten the mood. “The lawyers may be able to get her trial suspended in lieu of a mental breakdown or something. God knows Cameron’s actions could snap a mother’s mind.”

“You know you can see her when you’re ready,” Mom interrupted. “We can make that happen.”

“That’s kind of you. I might need some time, though.” Kenna tried for a smile. Her mother had shut down. Shock had probably set in once she realized the depth of what she’d done. She had lost everything. It would take time for her to get back to normal, if she ever really did. “You’ll need this.” Kenna scribbled down a code. “Mom changed all the alarms at the house when Calli was killed. I have no interest in staying there, so take whatever you need.”

“I appreciate that.” Dad tucked the code into his pocket.

Knox leaned over the table. “Speaking of that, shouldn’t we be combing through Cameron’s computers now?”

“No. A week before Cameron was killed, Zara helped me copy his files,” Dad explained. “I’ve also paid some people to watch Griple in prison. He’s clearly an important member of the Potens. I’d love to know what connection he had with Cameron.”

“Blackmail?” Kenna questioned. “Because Dad was notorious for compiling dirt on people.”

“Maybe.” I cleared my throat. “Did Simon ever mention anything?”

“No.” She shrugged. “But speaking of Simon, what about him? Are you guys watching him? Or…?”

“At present, he’s our only real link.” Dad pulled out a file on him. “I think we keep him close.” Dad glanced at me, and I wondered what the look was for. “I, ah, also spoke to him this morning. He’d been approached by Sonny, who wanted him to help gain access to Yen Hong’s fashion show.”

“Simon said no, right?” Kenna looked around. “Because he doesn’t know our plan.”

“He said no, but he did share that you were pregnant.”

Kenna’s face went white. “What?”

“I’ll fucking kill him,” I cursed, and Kenna’s grabbed my arm.

“Stop, Grim.” Dad stood and put out his hand to halt my murderous rampage.

“It was just his attempt at a tactic to turn Sonny off.” Dad rubbed his head. “I’m sure it didn’t work, but, Kenna, just be aware.”

“Simon’s an idiot if he thought that would work. You’re not doing the show now,” I fumed but settled back in my chair. Kenna was mad if she thought I would let her put herself out there after that. “Over my dead body are you allowed to do it.”

“Grim…” Kenna’s voice held a warning.

“I literally just heard a boxing ring bell go off between the two of you.” Knox covered his face. “Grim, she’s going to do it. You know she will. Kenna, you know Grim is all bark when it comes to you. As long as he doesn’t drag you to the bedroom…we all remember the handcuff story.”

“Knox.” Mom shook her head at him.

“What, Mom? I’m just speeding up the next twenty minutes of their fight.”

“He’s not wrong.” Kenna shrugged but conveniently avoided eye contact. Anger poured off me. Maybe I’d been wrong to encourage Knox to participate more.

Dad put a stop to our discussion. “All right, that’s enough. Kenna, Simon seems to be quite fond of you. Maybe see what else you can find out.”

“Of course.” She smiled then raised her hand as Dad went to move on. “I should tell you that Simon was working with Cameron to pay off his debt to the Potens.”

“What?” Dad and I both said at the same time.

“So, I need to fill you in.” She let out a long breath. “I’ve had a few talks with Simon lately, and here’s what I know.” She began to update us.

Christ, she knew a lot more than we did, and I was impressed she was able to get Simon to fill in some blanks for us. I still didn’t like the guy, but I wanted to kill him less and less, so that was a start.

I lowered my voice and leaned into her. “How did I not know this until now?”

She frowned, and in a flash, I felt like an ass because I knew the answer. “I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot to process lately, both the bad and the good.” She glanced at her stomach. “I knew a meeting was coming, and instead of explaining it all twice, I figured a few days wouldn’t make a difference.” I kissed her hand; I had a need to touch her. “Besides, you get frustrated whenever you hear Simon’s around.”

“You mean protective,” I corrected.

“Sure.” Her eyes lightened.

“Well, that makes sense.” Knox rubbed the back of his head and drew our attention back to the discussion. “Calli mentioned Griple a few times, and she seemed quite nervous of him. If he’s as involved as Simon says he is, I’m glad we’re watching him.”

“Indeed.” Mom seemed deep in thought.

A knock came at the door, and Jesse came into the room and handed me a small stack of printed emails. “Pardon the interruption, but you need to see this.”

“What is it?” I took the stack and skimmed where he had highlighted a few things. “The fuck.” I handed it to Dad. “These are emails between Cameron and Walter. Seems Walter Wallace is a Potens member and was in a position to order Cameron around.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Knox pulled out his phone. “I fucking hated him since I was a kid, and don’t even get me started on Jayden.”

Kenna stood as I did. “What? What about Jayden?”

“Nothing about him was mentioned.” Jesse held his hands open. “Who knows? If you didn’t know, he may not know a thing about it either.”

“Where is he?” Dad handed the emails to Mom.

“In holding downstairs,” Jesse answered. “Jayden too.” He shrugged. “Just in case.”

“You want me to handle this?” Knox asked. I pulled in my chin with surprise and noticed Mom and Dad looked taken aback at his offer as well.

“Let’s do this one together,” Dad suggested, and Knox nodded.

Mom lowered her head with a heavy breath. “How could so many of these people we considered close friends be secretly working against us?”

“I don’t understand it either.” Dad rubbed her back tenderly. “But let’s flush them out and keep those we know we can trust,” he looked at Kenna, “even closer.” Kenna smiled at him.

When we stepped out of the conference room, Kenna’s security were waiting for her. I didn’t have to look over to see her I-told-you-so smile; I could feel it. I should have known better. She wasn’t intentionally trying to be reckless.

I grabbed her arm and kissed her deeply then released her. “Check in with me later,” I ordered.

“Yes, Mr. Gates, and up yours in the nicest way possible.” She chuckled. She knew full well what that would do to my erection. Leal growled, and she turned to him and gave him a quick pat. It seemed to satisfy him, and he came back and stood next to his brother.

“Happy?” I chuckled and gave both pups an ear ruffle. Leal looked up at me. “I get it.” I loved her attention as much as he did. We watched as Kenna and the others headed downstairs, then I swung around to address Jesse.

“What’s your gut on all this?”

“As much as I’d like to get rid of his preppy ass, I really don’t think Jayden had any clue what his father was up to. He seemed genuinely confused when I questioned him.”

“Okay.” I let that sink in. “And Wallace?”

“He’s not saying a thing. A few blows to his fat face wiped that shit-eating grin off. He deserved it, and I was happy to deliver.”

“Sorry I missed that.” I chuckled softly. “You got the evidence we needed?”

“Yup, there for anyone to find, if you dared look.”

“Is your gut giving you any more assholes we should deal with?”

“Not really, but there’s a few I’d like to check out. Time will tell.”

Jesse looked at his phone. “How are you feeling about tonight?”

“It’s like I can feel something’s coming.” I felt myself go cold. “I just don’t know what it is yet.”

I had to hand it to Kenna; the outdoor lounge at Indulge had been transformed into a fun beach-themed party. The invited guests could enter as long as they dressed the part. Yen Hong’s clothing line was all about sexy summer wear. Even though the summer was over, and some of us were only too happy to welcome the cooler temps of fall, it was nice for those who didn’t want the heat to end.

“This is pretty nice.” Rail stood next to me and sipped his massive Hawaiian looking drink. It sported a fancy bendy straw. I cringed at his board shorts, boots, and pink tank top. He caught my expression and shrugged. “Minnie told me to blend. I’m blending. Sonny would never suspect me.”

I shook my head. “You look like a fucking Ken doll.”

“Hey,” he pointed at me, “Ken was a very important part in the Barbie movie.” He sucked in a long drink, then used his tongue to flick the straw. I shuddered and pretended to gag as he laughed.

The crowd cheered as Kenna came out on the stage. “Oh, thank fuck,” I muttered, happy for the distraction.

“You are one lucky-lucky man.” Rail made a circle with his fingers and pressed it against his front teeth. I closed my eyes as he let out a high-pitched whistle. When I opened them, I tightened my fists as a few men around me barked out comments. Kenna wore a white string bikini with a sheer wrap and sparkly gold heels. Her hair was curly and pinned up on one side by a white tropical flower. Yen Hong followed hard on her heels then joined her front and center. They both introduced themselves, then the music started, and the fashion show began.

“Anything?” I mouthed to Jesse. He shook his head. I scanned the crowd in hopes Sonny would show so we could end this shit. At the same time, I wanted this show to run smoothly for Kenna. I found myself taking note of which other Indulge employees were there. I couldn’t help but wonder who else might be a member of the Potens. Dad had cleared Jayden’s name, but nonetheless, he was let go because of his father’s involvement. He didn’t like it, but I couldn’t give a shit. I still found it strange that all these years he’d never suspected a thing as he’d told us. They were very close.

“I hope you all enjoyed that,” Yen said clearly into the microphone, and the applause had him beaming. “We’re going to take a short break, then we’ll wow you even more!” He reached for Kenna’s hand, and they both bowed. I tuned in to the crowd even more as a band struck up music to entertain them.

We had all our bases covered, so the commotion that started on my side of the stage surprised me. Trigger was the last person I thought I’d see steamrolling through the people toward the stage. I desperately searched for the threat but couldn’t see anything.

I looked up and locked eyes with Kenna and waved her back. She nodded and took a few hesitant steps toward Yen Hong. Rail, in his ridiculous outfit, was already on the stage and had a gun out. He urged Kenna and Yen toward the edge of the stage where I was.

“Shit.” I reached up, and Kenna used my shoulders to help herself jump down. Yen followed. “Go with Minnie,” I ordered, but she grabbed my arm and made me look at her.

“Grim.” I could see in her eyes she was scared but also determined. “Whatever it is, I can handle it.” I knew she could.

“Come on.” I pulled her through the sea of people and tried my best not to look worried.

Jesse met us by the door. “Get her downstairs,” I yelled at him.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Kenna’s stance told me she wasn’t going to back down.

In spite of my hope he would show up at the fashion show, Sonny had taken a big risk coming to such an event. Surely, he’d know it would be crawling with security and police. “Put this on.” I shrugged out of my jacket and draped it around Kenna’s nearly naked body.

“Where did Yen go?” she whispered and glanced around the elevator.

“We lost him in the crowd,” Jesse answered.

“Do you have any idea what’s happening? Is it Sonny?” Kenna asked.

“Not sure, but be ready for anything,” I replied. “I need you to do whatever I say.”

“I can handle it.”

I snagged her confident chin as it lifted. “I know you can.” I caught her lips with a commanding kiss.

I pulled away as the door opened and the three of us hurried out.

Jesse put his hand over his earpiece. “They’re in your office.” His voice was full of anger.

The unmistakable sound of a fist meeting bones sent a shiver of expectation through my body as it echoed down the hallway. I started to come alive at the sound of pain. I burst through the doors and came to a dead stop.

Trigger had his arm pulled back with a grip on someone on their knees, covered in blood. “Speak now ’cause I’m a hell of a lot more evil than my father ever was,” Trigger spat.

Morgan handed me his phone at my question, and my jaw sagged open at what I read. Son of a bitch.

“Does he know?” I kept my voice low so only he could hear me.

“Not yet.”

I handed it back as I looked around the room. Trigger’s men stood in a tight group against the wall. Minnie moved to stand beside Brick. “Let’s do this.”

“Oh, my God!” Kenna gasped. “Is that Simon?”

Trigger dropped him like a rock at the sound of her voice, like Kenna had just smacked him. He snapped out of his murderous rage and stepped back.

“Tell him or I will.” Trigger’s voice boomed throughout the room, and I felt Kenna step closer to me.

“Simon?” Kenna’s face was shocked.

Simon’s battered gaze caught Kenna’s, and I stepped in front of her to shield her from his lies. His shoulders slumped, and his head dropped forward as the pain overtook him. It was clear Simon didn’t live the kind of life we did. In our world, pain was a tool that fed our power, whether we were administering it or on the receiving end. I doubted he’d ever had much of it in his life, the way he gave in to it.

“Brick,” Trigger snarled, “get over here.”

The place went still while everyone’s eyes went from the bloody man on his knees in front of Trigger to Brick.

Brick’s expression went from confusion to anger, but confusion won. “What?”

“I got a DNA test run,” Trigger growled, “and that sumbitch he came up with ain’t your brother. He fuckin’ lied.”

Brick shook his head in defeat and his shoulders slumped as he shook off Minnie and brought a chair over next to Simon. “Sit.” He grabbed Simon by the collar and pulled him onto it. “Is that true?”

Simon felt around his face, and Morgan cleared his throat. “Out with it. Do it fast, or I’ll get that belt sander.”

“It’s me. I’m your brother,” Simon whispered through bloody lips.

“Liar.” Brick swung and punched Simon hard in the stomach. “I’ve earned the right to the truth, damn it. Stop fucking with me.”

“Yes, fine,” he coughed and held up a shaky hand, “just stop, please. I’m telling the truth.”

I muttered under my breath at Trigger. “This guy wouldn’t last ten minutes in our world.”

Brick stood back and studied Simon like an ant on the end of his finger. “You lie. Rowen had blue eyes. You have brown.” Simon tossed his glasses on the floor and carefully stuck his finger in his eye then looked at Brick. One eye was brown, but the other was now blue. “Take out the other one. I want to see all of you.” Simon removed the other contact and stared up at him.

“The last time I saw you was my birthday party. Your mother made quite the scene.”

Brick’s shoulders rose as he nodded at Trigger . Holy shit. The room went silent as the realization kicked in.

“More lies,” Kenna whispered, “so many lies.”

“What happened to our father?”

Simon rubbed under his nose to catch some blood. “He was killed.” He looked directly at Brick. “Good riddance, too.”

“The fuck does that mean?” Trig glared at Simon. We both knew Brick had only met his father one time, and they’d never even spoken to one another. The Devil’s Reach had filled in as many gaps as they could because his dad had been a life member. As far as we knew, he’d been a good man to the club.

“He was a nasty drunk with a mean right hook,” Simon growled. “I was the one who took the hits, and it only increased when I refused to join your club.” He groaned and stared at Trigger. “I wanted to do more with my life, and when our father was killed, I thought I was finally free of it all.”

He laughed darkly. “But Allen, your fucking father,” he glared at Trigger again, “stepped in and took over. It got worse. The more I refused to join the Devil’s Reach, the more he made me pay, until one day a dead body was found in my kitchen, and I was suddenly serving a life sentence.” He pressed his hands against his midsection. “I just wanted to be left the hell alone.”

“Simon, why didn’t you say something?” Kenna’s face seemed sympathetic, and I wasn’t having it.

“Kenna, don’t fall for all this shit. This guy’s making things up as sure as we’re standing here.” I went for Simon.

“No, Grim,” Brick held up a hand, “I want to hear it.”

“Suit yourself.” I pulled back, disappointed, and shook my head then caught Kenna around her middle and pulled her to me.

Simon wiped his mouth and took a breath. “Look, Brick, your club and the men who ran it have always made sure my life was miserable because I wanted no part in it. I was just a kid. So, my apologies for not wanting to out who I was when we met again as adults.”

Brick bit his cheek, and his mouth twisted as he let that sink in. No one spoke for a moment.

“Brick, don’t let this fuckin’ nuthin’ twist you up. It’s all bullshit.” Trigger pulled out a joint then moved to the wall. I saw Minnie move a little closer to Brick.

“Kenna, will you fill them in on the rest?” Simon’s asked, his eyes desperate.

I grabbed Kenna’s arm when I felt her move. All eyes shifted to her.

“I believe him.” Kenna pulled her arm away. “His cellmate was a Poten. They helped him get out, and in exchange, he gave them information on my father.”

“I never asked to be a part of any of it,” Simon pleaded. “I’m just trying to get my life back. Now that Cameron’s dead, I thought I could, but here I am right in the middle of it again.”

“Did you have any intention of ever letting me know who you were?” Brick looked stricken.

“No.” Simon squeezed his eyes shut. “I’m sorry, Brick. I can see how this looks, but you’re connected to the one thing I want nothing to do with. The Devil’s Reach stole nearly a decade of my life. We’re so different. We grew up in two different worlds, and we want very different things. We’re better off being strangers.”

Brick looked at Trigger and chuckled. “Well, I guess we can agree on that.” He reached out his hand and offered it to Simon, who looked at it cautiously. Brick helped him to his feet. “I spent years looking for you, years thinking I was missing something in my life, and now I see that was a huge mistake.” He pulled his arm back and punched Simon straight in the face. He flew back and hit the floor, out cold. Brick looked at Trigger. “Let him go.”

“You sure?” Morgan asked.

“It’s for me, not him.”

Brick reached for Minnie, wrapped his arms around her, and buried his face in her neck. I glanced at Kenna. I understood the need to hold something that would ground you. Her hand slipped back into mine and gave it a squeeze. She got me.

Trigger nodded. “Your choice.”

Rail stepped up and held out his hands. “What do we do with Dave?” Rail looked worried, and Morgan looked at him in shock. “I mean, the guy’s okay, even if he was used as a fake brother ploy. I’ve spent some time with him. He deserves more than to be dropped off in a Walmart parking lot. I know he can’t stay, but…”

“I’ll deal with him,” Trigger said. “I got a place in mind.”

Rail rubbed the back of his neck. “I want to be there when you do.” Trigger nodded and caught my eye. It wasn’t often Rail showed interest in anything except the female form, so Dave must have left his mark on him.

Brick whispered something to Minnie, then the two of them turned toward the door. Minnie looked excitedly at Kenna as they left.

“Morgan,” Trigger chin-pointed at Simon, “wake the bastard.” Morgan waved some chewing tobacco under his nose, and he jolted awake. “Simon,” Trigger loomed over him, and he pulled himself into a ball like the coward he was, “Brick mighta saved your fuckin’ life, but if you step out of line once, I’ll crush your fuckin’ bones, one-at-a-fucking-time.”

“Yes. Okay.” Simon’s head bobbed, and Trigger looked over at me with an annoyed expression.

“Yeah, I know, Trig. It’s a lot to process. Who could’ve ever imagined Cameron’s people had a direct connection to yours? You can’t make this shit up.”

“Ca-can I go?” Simon felt around for his glasses then seemed to second guess himself and deliberately tossed them aside as he blinked at us.

“Morgan,” Trigger looked toward the door, “get Simon back upstairs and out of our sight.”

“What are you gonna do with the fake brother?” Rail asked again.

“Guy I know has a ranch. He hires people with mental shit goin’ on, disabilities and the like. He’ll be taken care of.” Rail smiled and nodded, then suddenly looked excited.

“I’m going back up to find another of those fancy coconut drinks.” He grinned. “I mean, the party’s not over.” He rushed out the door.

When we returned, the fashion show was in full swing. Rail greeted us with a loud slurp as he pulled hard on his bendy straw.

I shook my head and looked at Kenna, who seemed to be in a trance.

“You good?”

“I’m suddenly very tired.” I could tell this news bothered her, and mix that with the pregnancy, she must be beat.

“I see Yen. I’ll let him know you’re not coming back.” I kissed her head. “Let’s go home.”

Sonny never did show his face.