Page 29 of Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind

“Fuck yes, I am. And dude, you should be, too. Look, things around here are a lot better since you came to town. Less painful, more happy, and heavier pockets, if you catch my drift. A lot of us don’t want to see things go back to the way they were. I know you’re a badass and all, but Black Eagle ain’t like the small-time losers you’ve been dealing with. He’s the big fish that eats all the little fish that ain’t making bank; you know what I’m saying?”

Tiberius processed his words—the man had an odd way of speaking—and translated it to something he understood. “Forewarned is forearmed.”

“Exactly.” Drew nodded emphatically. “And I’mforewarningyou so you canforearmyourself with some big-ass guns.”

“Do you have information on his pending arrival?”

“No, he ain’t the type to give out details, man. My sources only say it’s gonna be sooner rather than later. And it ain’t gonna be pretty. Dude likes to make a statement, send a message to anyone else who might be thinking about going indie.”

“Thank you, Drew. Please continue to keep us informed.”

“Yeah, man, I will.”

“Excellent. Gino will see that you have whatever you need. Good day, Mr. Drew.”

Tiberius and Quintus walked away, leaving a slack-jawed Drew staring after them.

“Is he reliable?” Tiberius asked.

“For the most part,” Quintus answered carefully. “He does seem to pick up a lot of information not readily available, but I don’t trust him.”

Tiberius smiled. “You do not trust anyone, my friend.”

“True enough.”

“We would do well to be prepared in case the fecal matter does find its way into the circulating blades.”

“You mean, before shit hits the fan?” Quintus laughed.

“Yes. That is what I said.”

“My prince, we really must work on your grasp of human colloquialisms.”

“Quite,” Tiberius agreed. “In the meantime, have Antonio prepare the car. It has been far too long since we have had a proper swim, and I need to prepare for mydatethis evening.”

“I hope you are right about her, Tiberius.”

“I am,” he said confidently.