Page 93 of Frisco

“The truth. I got to give some attention to my woman, and she wants to go to Fallen Crest. We’ll take her, go from there, and meet the rest when they’re rested?”

His eyes narrowed. “No one’s going to want to be here without you.”

Yeah. I got that.

The shower cut off inside.

I had to make a decision.

I reached for my cut. “Tell them to suit up. We’ll head to The Bonfire and stay there. It’s not that far from Fallen Crest. That’s something.”

Boise gave a nod, then took off.

I finished getting my stuff together—not that I ever had much with me. A bag. That’s about it. Kali was still in the bathroom, so I went and put her stuff together too. Her phone was out. I left that alone, leaving her bag next to it. I took mine with me, heading out.

Stripes appeared once I had closed the door, which wasn’t surprising. The guy was everywhere. That’s why I’d put him on Crow.

He glanced around. “Boise said we’re heading out?”

“If you want. I’m going to Fallen Crest. The rest can head to The Bonfire.”

He nodded, his hands going into his pockets. He did this when he had something he wanted to say. “You got something to say?”

His head lifted, but went right back down. “I got history there.”

“I’m aware.”

“Boise said you’re taking Core and Road.”

“I’m aware of that too.”

We cut across the front driveway, going to my bike. Crow was waiting for me on the front porch of the main house. He had a whole bunch of his men with him, and his eyes were tracking us. I recognized the look on his face too. He had something to say as well.

“I’m thinking there might be a line of people waiting to converse with me,” I told Stripes. “Say your piece. What’s up?”

He took a breath, then expelled it. “I want to go with you.”

“No.”

“Ghost.”

“No.” I stopped, facing him. “We’re going in without our cuts. It’s not something I feel comfortable with, but I also don’t feel comfortable about some other things. You’re not coming. Cops will spot you, recognize you, and you know they’ll want payback. Or some of them will.”

He cursed, turning away.

“What else do you have to say before I go over there and Frisco’s VP finds something to talk to me about?”

Stripes shot me a grin, his hands still in his pockets. “I got nothing then. Wanted to put my pitch in to go with you. I know Fallen Crest, know where all the dirty assholes are.”

“I’m aware of your history, but my woman’s friends are putting roots down in a place called Manny’s.”

His head jerked back, his whole body stilling.

Yeah. That was the reaction I knew he’d have. He had serious history with a few people who were close to that place’s owners.

He cursed. “I didn’t think it would get that close.”

“It’s that close.”