Garcia scratched his mustache. “How about half your territory?”
Tanner couldn't help but laugh behind me. I turned around and narrowed my eyes at him. He shut up instantly. Tanner knew better than to mouth off.
“Now come on. You know that's not fair. Isn't there something else that you desire. Drugs or money?” I made sure to scan the other Mexicans, looking for any quick movements.
“We want your territory, Caleb. It's that simple. Give us some and we'll be happy.” Garcia grinned like he was my friend. I smiled back knowing his grin wasn't going to last much longer.
I knew that negotiating wasn't going to get us anywhere. The only way to negotiate with Mexicans was with blood. I scratched the back of my head and stepped aside, giving Big Mike a clear view of Garcia. A shot rang out from far away. Not even a second later, Garcia was on his knees, clutching his neck as blood rained out in spurts. Big Mike not only cooked great burgers,he was a good shot too.
The Mexicans were confused but we still didn't have any weapons. I had to speak out before they realized that it was us that did it. “I have snipers crawling all over this place and if you even lift your gun, my guys will take you out.” The Mexicans looked around, trying to spot any of the shooters. I actually only had Big Mike out there but they didn't need to know that. “Everyone put your guns down and get on your knees with your hands behind your head.”
Garcia fell over dead. His blood poured out and mixed with the dirt making a dark mud. The Mexicans did as they were told and dropped their guns. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh of relief. That situation could have gone a totally different way.
I spoke to the unarmed Death Merchants. “Your leader is dead now. I'm sure your veins are boiling with rage. Revenge will be your only savior. But let me tell you this. If you come after us, only more Mexican blood will be spilled. I hope your next leader is smarter and decides to work with us rather than against.”
I nodded to the other Black Widow members and we walked past the furious expressions. It was a miracle we made it out of there and back to our bikes. The Mexicans didn't dare move. “You think they're going to let this go?” Tanner asked, putting on his motorcycle helmet.
“Not a chance in hell. But at least they'll be disorganized with their leadership gone. We better prepare because they're going to be hungry for blood.”
We rode back to our side of Sacks County, congratulating each other on a huge success. Big Mike was the star of the show and we got him a few whores to share the night with. He deserved it. Being President was so scary but I had the experience to turn the ship in the right direction. If I ever needed guidance, Mason would be there to help me. I was going to need a lot of it soon enough when the Death Merchants came looking for vengeance. I hoped I made the right decision.
Chapter Eight
Emily
My phone buzzed on the floor next to the sleeping bag, the Beatles song blaring into the silent night. It was four in the morning and I was still wide awake. A new place and sleeping on the floor equaled a terrible night's rest.
I pulled my arms out of the sleeping bag and grabbed the phone. It was the police station. Must be an emergency for them to be calling at this hour.
“This is Sheriff White,” I answered.
“Uh...Sheriff White...it's Officer Moore...” His nervousness bled through the phone.
“Take a deep breath and tell me what happened.”
I listened as Moore inhaled sharply. “We have a body here at the junkyard on the east side of town.”
“Okay Officer Moore, can you give me directions?”
I ran to the kitchen to find a spare pen and blank piece of paper. Moore rattled off the cross streets. “Be there in twenty,” I told him, ending the call.
I rushed to the pile of dirty clothes in the corner of the bedroom and began putting them back on. I had no time to sort through moving boxes to find a fresh outfit. I brushed my hair and grabbed my purse on the way out. Ariel meowed at me as I closed the door. “Be back soon, kitty cat.”
I arrived at the junkyard and an officer lifted the caution tape as I ducked through. The sun was just barely creeping up and the birds were already singing. I found Officer Moore pacing back and forth around the body. Before I could get there, Officer Johnson surprised me. What the fuck was he doing here?
“Can I talk to you for a moment, Sheriff?” His demeanor had changed, his shoulders slouched and head down.
I walked off to the side with him, still fascinated by Officer Moore's pacing. “Are you ready to come back, Johnson?”
He nodded. “I wanted to apologize for the way I acted the other day. I was totally out of line. It's just that Sheriff Mendoza was a mentor to me and to have somebody else filling his shoes...”