Page 94 of The Vows We Keep

King leans forwards and temples his fingers. “How extensive was your career with Los Reyes?”

“Why?”

“Humor me,” King replies. “I can assure you it’s in your best interests.”

I don’t know how to take that. Does it mean my ability to stay alive is based on it? Wait, why would Niro claim me first? Unless it’s because he wants to use old lady privileges to protect me from whatever King wants.

Dios.

“Extensive. From when I was young, my father taught me to protect myself. I always knew I wanted the life he had. This.” I point around the table. “I wanted the brotherhood you have. I wanted to live outside the law. Make my own rules. Be the one percent. So I learned how to be helpful.”

“Without giving us names, tell us,” King says.

“I’m around twenty-eight for Los Reyes.” I don’t over describe. While I believe Niro wouldn’t set me up, I still can’t be sure I’m not being recorded. I don’t add the wordkillsto thetwenty-eight. “I’d like to think all were deserved.”

“Niro says you’ve done espionage.”

I look over at Niro and raise an eyebrow.

“Trust me, babe.” His shoulders are relaxed. I’ll assume it’s with reason.

“Yes. I can get where you guys can’t. I have experience particularly with Russian crime families that like to move weapons and drugs through Mexican ports.”

Clutch leans back in his chair. “You should just tell her, Prez.”

“Niro asked me to make you a brother,” King says.

My heart drops, and I can’t process the thoughts as quickly as they slam into me.

A brother?

Niro asked.

I’m here, so that must mean something.

Or maybe it was just the old lady thing.

Just the old lady thing.

“Que?” It’s all I can come up with. So many words in two languages at my disposal, andwhatis all I’ve got.

“But we can’t do it,” King says, taking all the wind out of my sails. In two seconds, a wave of hope crashes over me and then dissipates into nothing. I didn’t realize it was possible to inflate and deflate so quickly.

“Oh.” But the thought remains that Niro asked. I look to him, hoping he can see how grateful I am.

“Fuck’s sake,” Clutch says. “Stop drawing it out and just fucking tell her.”

“Tell me what?” I look to Niro again. “What do they need to tell me?”

“Catalina Flores,” King says. “We want you to be part of the Iron Outlaws. The charter is set in stone to only include men as brothers. But we understand that having you work with us but keeping you at a distance wouldn’t live up to the respect we expect of each other as a club. So, we’re creating a new position. Crew. Above a prospect. A sign of enduring commitment to the cause, in this case, the elimination of an enemy. A seat at this table when the decision revolves around club business, but not brotherhood. Salary starts at a twenty-five percent cut of a share, and it includes an annual increase, at the club’s discretion.”

“Are you okay with this?” I say and look at Niro.

“I wanted you to have a bigger reason than me to stay,” he says.

Everyone in the club looks at him as he says this. There are bewildered looks, open mouths and wide eyes.

“Yes,” I say to Niro first. Then I turn to King. “Yes.”