Unmasked (King Morine #4)

45. Stryker

CHAPTER 45

Stryker

D espite my exhaustion, I focus on hacking Tim’s cell phone, which is too easy to access. For someone involved in the criminal world the way he is, you’d like he would’ve focused on securing his phone better.

I whistle. It’s a gold mine of information. He used it for everything, and there’s some damning evidence on it that implicates him, Delaney’s brother and father.

Their criminal network is vast. With this information, King Morine can take them down.

Zayne walks into my hotel room, freshly showered and still very much carrying a chip on his shoulder from my fuck up. Jaxson said he’d be here in about fifteen minutes to review the information I found.

He sits down beside me, his dark eyes boring into my profile. I pull my attention away from the screen, trying to keep my face stoic, even though I’m inwardly freaking out. I’ll take my beating like a man, knowing I deserve it.

“You look like shit. You’re working too hard.”

I blink, staring at Zayne like he’s lost his mind .

He crosses his arms over his chest. “I lost my head last night. When it comes to Delaney, I tend to do that. Especially if her safety is compromised in any way.”

“Understandable.”

“I didn’t let you explain. You mentioned being distracted by a woman… I was so angry I didn’t acknowledge it. But you were freaked out. Is she okay?”

Running a hand through my hair, I shrug. “Hopefully. She texted, asking if I was watching her, but I wasn’t. She asked me that once before.” I explain what happened with Steve and Jacob, including working with Ryker to burn and dispose of the bodies.

“Shit. Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve helped.” He leans forward, his dark eyes flashing. “Don’t keep this shit from me again. You’re part of the King Morine family. We take care of each other. Want me to have someone keep an eye on your woman?”

“I don’t want to pull the resources away from Delaney.”

Zayne waves a hand, his lips curling in a smirk. “We have a vast network. It’s not a problem.”

“I’m gonna see her this weekend. Lemme talk to her and see if there is anything to worry about.” I know it’s stupid, but I’d prefer to be the one to protect her.

Zayne nods. “Don’t hesitate to ask. I’m serious. I know I was pissed as hell and an irrational jackass last night?—”

Jaxson strolls into the room, snorting as he pulls up a chair. “When aren’t you an irrational jackass?”

I hide my smile behind my hand. Zayne and Jaxson are constantly giving each other shit.

“Who asked you, motherfucker?” Zayne shakes his head, a smile on his face. “As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted,” he side-eyed Jaxson before continuing. “I was an irrational jackass and should’ve given you a chance to explain before threatening to kick your ass. ”

“Oh, Christ. What the hell did you do now, Zayne?” Jaxson glares at him before turning his attention to me. “Listen, kid, I like you. If Zayne is being an asshole, let me know, and I’ll deal with him.”

“We worked it out, jackass.” Zayne slings an arm over my shoulders. “We’re buds again. Right, Stryker?”

“We never stopped being buds, Zayne.”

“See. Stand down, Papa Bear.”

I can’t help but laugh. The corner of Jaxson’s lips tilt up. “Papa Bear? Jesus, are you drunk?”

Zayne laughs. “Nah, just quick on my feet.”

“More like you got laid last night.” Jaxson rolls his eyes, changing the subject. “What information did you find on Tim’s phone?”

I have three monitors on the table, including my laptop. I lay out the information in chronological order by date, building a damning case against them.

“Shit. This is amazing.” Zayne whistles. “Kid, you’re a fucking genius.”

“Stryker, this is impressive as hell.” Jaxson squeezes my other shoulder.

Zayne eyes me with pride. “I’m giving you a $30,000 bonus for this. I’ll deposit it into your account when I leave here.”

“What?” My mouth drops open.

“I’ll match it, kid. We reward those who do good work.” Jaxson peers at me intently. “When’s the last time you got some rest?”

“There may be a slight problem.” Zayne fills Jaxson in on what happened last night.

“He’s right to be distracted by that.” Jaxson looks at Zayne beneath lowered brows. “Delaney wasn’t hurt. Stryker got to her in time. You shouldn’t have freaked out like you did.” Jaxson sighs, his attention moving to me.“He’s a hot-tempered asshole. Do yourself a favor. Pack a bag and see your woman. Make sure she’s okay. I’ll watch Delaney if Zayne needs assistance.”

Although I just received $60,000 in bonuses, which is amazing, King Morine still does not employ me full-time . “I can’t do that.”

“Yes, you can. Be back here Sunday morning. That gives you three days with your girl.”

Zayne sees the doubt on my face. “We’ve got it. I’ll watch Delaney.” The way his eyes darken, I think it’ll be more doing and less watching. “Enjoy your time away. And if you need us to send anyone to watch over your woman, we’ll do it.”

“Absolutely. Just say the word.” Jaxson smiles at me. “It’s not a burden, kid. We’ve worked for years building our company. We hire the best.”

“Absolutely.” Zayne holds out his hand, and I shake it. “You’re one of us, kid. We have your back, and we have hers, too. What’s her name?”

“Mallory Chapman.”

Jaxson whistles. “Greg and Danelle Chapman’s daughter?”

“You know them?”

“Zayne and I went to college in California. It’s where we originally started King Morine. A lot of the Hollywood elites use our equipment. Zayne and I personally oversee every install when it comes to VIPs. We installed their security system in LA and New York.”

“What do you think of them?”

“Bit self-absorbed. Always felt bad for their daughter. She seemed to be alone with tutors and nannies a lot.”

“That’s accurate. She’s not like them, though.”

Jaxson smiles. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Zayne chimes in. “Me, too.” He nods toward the closet. “ Now quit shooting the shit and get packing. Your girl is waiting.”

I’m out of my chair, rushing toward my suitcases. Time to visit my little prey.