Page 45 of Iron Heart
“Leaving only makes sense if you’re going to something, not if you’re running from something. I’m gonna be the same person, no matter where I am.”
For the first time, I wonder whether coming here to Ironwood was going to something, or running from something.
At the time, I just thought it was admitting defeat. But now, I’m not so sure what it is.
I’m gonna be the same person, no matter where I am.
I’m not so sure Dante’s right about that. I’m pretty sure the Tori who was set to conquer the world is different from the Tori who’s stuck here in southern Ohio with her broken dreams and her broken heart.
About half an hour later, I hear Savannah’s key in the front door, and then her steps coming up stairs.
I turn over and stare across the bed, at the pillow Dante was using.
I wonder if it smells like him. But I don’t check.
It takes me a long time to fall asleep.
18
Dante
Indio looks haggard.
His features are sharp, his hook nose prominent — like a scythe slicing his face into two halves. He’s a man who wasn’t blessed by the genetic lottery in the first place. But the stress of the past few weeks is still showing on him, all the same.
His men are surrounding the abandoned farmhouse where we’re meeting. Looked to me when we came in like his entire posse is out there. Seems like a bad choice to bring all his men to one place, given they’re under siege right now. But he might have figured their best chance of surviving any attack is if they have all their manpower with them.
“So, you’re sure it’s Los Caballeros,” Axel growls at him. “No one else it could be.”
“We are sure.” Indio’s tone brooks no doubt. “Our former allies have turned against us. We formed our alliance in an attempt to stand strong against infiltration by the Sinaloa cartel. But Los Caballeros have betrayed us. They are now working for Sinaloa.” Indio’s lip curls. He turns his head and spits viciously on the ground. “They will learn that they have made a large mistake. But only once it is too late.”
“So now, Los Caballeros will be turning their sights on us,” Rourke mutters.
Indio nods once. “You do business with us. This is business that Sinaloa wants for itself. Therefore, as long as you are our friends, you are their enemy.”
This is the most I’ve ever heard Indio speak at one time. While Chaco was alive, he mostly stood silent in the background, as Chaco’s right-hand man. I’m not sure what I think of him yet. But I appreciate his bluntness. A lot of new leaders in his position might try to sugarcoat what he’s saying. Because he’s got a lot to lose right now. He ain’t in the strongest of positions. I respect that he’s not trying to bullshit us.
“How much do Los Caballeros know about your business? Your comings and goings?”
“They knew too much,” Indio admits. “As you know, they knew enough to find Chaco, even in hiding. And to kill him and the men who were protecting him. Since then, I have moved our operations to a secure location. We are heavily armed, and our security system is unmatched.”
“What about once you leave the compound?” Bama challenges. I glance over at him. His jaw is hard, his pulse ticking in his cheek. “You can’t hide in there forever.”
Indio trains a laser stare at him. The two bodyguards flanking him visibly tense.
“Axel,” he says smoothly. “You ought to train your dog better. He does not seem housebroken.”
Beside me, Mal snorts.
Axel glances over at Rourke, irritated. Rourke shoots Bama a look that could melt iron.
“Bama has trouble controlling his mouth,” Axel grits out. “But you best believe, he remembers who is in charge here.”
“Let’s hope so,” Indio intones, his voice hard as flint. “In times like these, loyalty and obedience are important.” He pauses, then continues, slightly louder. “Those who cannot be trusted must be removed. Before they become a liability.”
I glance around the room at Indio’s men, all of whom are standing in place like statues. I find myself wondering who he’s talking to right now. If he is speaking from recent experience regarding removing potential liabilities.
“Let’s move on,” Axel barks. “In light of everything going on right now, the Lords of Carnage are taking steps to make sure our movement of product isn’t in danger of being intercepted. We have a new transporter.” He nods toward me. “It’s my man Dante here’s brother. He’s not a Lord, but he’s trustworthy. And he’s under the radar. We’ve set up another transport route, as well. This one will be more secure, though it’s more out of the way.” He pauses. “What I need from you, Indio, is your word that the route you use to get your product to us won’t be compromised. I can guarantee the safety of our product once it reaches us, but I need your word that you can guarantee the pipeline won’t be interrupted by this war.”