Page 53 of Monstrosity

"Our surveillance says twenty, maybe twenty-five. But they won't be expecting the both of us working together. We think Bembe might have thought that you’d believe we were behind his warehouse attack."

Liam looks at Connor, some silent communication passing between them.

Then he turns back to us. "If we do this—if—I want sixty percent."

"Fifty," Runes counters immediately. "Even split, even risk."

"Sixty," Liam insists. "My networks, my risk once the product is in play."

"Fifty-five," Ivar offers. "And the Raiders owe you a favor."

Now that's interesting. Ivar doesn't offer favors lightly.

Liam considers this. "A favor from the Raiders. To be called in at my discretion."

"Within reason," Runes adds. "We won't move against allies or harm innocents."

"Fair enough." Liam stands, and we all tense. Then he extends his hand to Runes. "You've got a deal, Runes. But if this goes sideways, if this is some elaborate setup..."

"It's not," Runes says, shaking his hand firmly. "You’re our family now, Mackenzie. We want Bembe gone as much as you want your money."

"More," I add quietly. "He threatened our families. This is personal."

Liam studies me with those cold green eyes. "I heard about your wife. And now he's after your new woman?"

"And others," I confirm, not bothering to ask how he knows about Dasha.

Information is currency in our world.

"Family is everything," Liam says finally. "A man who threatens women and children deserves whatever comes to him."

"On that, we agree completely."

The rest of the meeting is logistical bullshit.

We coordinate timing, communication channels, division of forces.

Doran acts as liaison, his position in both organizations making him the perfect go-between.

By the time we're done, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Liam's still a volatile bastard, but his greed outweighs his anger.

"One more thing," Liam says as we're preparing to leave. "I want Bembe alive."

"Why?" Ivar asks.

"Because I want to have a conversation with him about trying to use me as a tool." His smile is sharp and predatory. "A long, detailed conversation."

"After we get what we need from him," Runes agrees. "He might have information about other operations."

"Of course. I'm patient when it serves me."

We shake hands again, the deal sealed.

As we're walking out, Doran falls into step beside me.

"That went better than expected," he says quietly.