more intriguing was getting to know him. They laughed together, and it was comfortable just being with him, as he he was a missing part of her.
Now, though, she was waiting to hear from him. The investigator still hadn’t gotten back to them, and Ethan had gone to track him down. Brett couldn’t imagine what would be taking this guy so long. He was supposedly the best contact the Flames had, and she figured he should have turned up something by now. If he hadn’t, this was one time she didn’t feel like no news was good news.
Scrubbing her face with her hands, she sighed, and then she stretched her arms up over her head, letting her spine pop in several places and trying to relieve some of the tension. A knock on the door startled her, and she hoped it was Ethan. Unfortunately, Dennis opened the door and stepped in without invitation, and she stood, her hand on the desk drawer where she’d tucked her pistol. She didn’t trust Dennis, especially after his outburst, regardless of how quiet things had been since.
He smiled, but there was nothing pleasant or humorous about it. “Well, you managed to play the fearless leader making the run. Congratulations on getting everyone to believe you’ve really got this under control.”
She raised an eyebrow at him. “You don’t think I do?”
He shrugged, acting casual but obviously having an agenda. “Well, from what I see and hear, maybe you do, but not because you’re in charge.”
Scowling, Brett asked, “What is that supposed to mean?”
Dennis toyed with a couple of papers on the edge of her desk, not answering right away. When he did, he didn’t look up at her, his words very calculated. “I’ve heard some rumors and seen some things. And I know what you’re all about now. Not a bad idea, really, but the wrong one for our club.”
Brett tensed. “Maybe you should tell me exactly what you’re talking about, just so I know what it is you’re giving me credit for.” She had a feeling she knew, but she didn’t want to guide the rumor in any way and wanted to know what he’d actually heard.
Taking a deep breath, he crossed his arms and finally looked up at her smugly. “You know, I know how you feel about Dylan and his business. I get it. You don’t want to lead us down a destructive path and turn us into outlaws. But you did say you wanted to keep your brother’s dreams alive, and this was his decision.”
Brett clenched her jaw. “I’ll believe that when I can find him and ask him. What does any of that have to do with my being in control or not?”
“Well, my understanding is that he was getting ready to offer to patch us all over. And if he wanted that, we don’t have the power to say no. But bringing someone else in that does have enough backing to push him out? Someone he’s got a truce with? No one can accuse you of being stupid. That was a smart move.” Dennis nodded, as if conceding appreciation for her intelligence. She knew better and waited him out. “Ethan’s got everyone excited. He comes from a profitable club, one with a good reputation. He’s personable, and even if he fucked with me the other day, I think he’s a good choice. Temporarily.”
Brett feigned enlightenment. “Oh, is that what I’m doing?” She smirked. “I’ve brought Ethan in, telling Corey and the Devil’s Flames and even Dylan that I just need help, all the while plotting to put him up as our club president.”
“Aren’t you?” Dennis challenged, spreading his arms as if inviting her to deny it and bowing at the same time. “It’s a good idea, really. I mean, he’s got experience, and I think he might be a little smitten with you, so he’d definitely take your influence in his decision making process. And he’ll be great for getting the Kings to back off. Shit, he’ll probably be able to bring that truce our way.”
“Does seem pretty smart, doesn’t it?” Brett thought humorously, marveling at just how devious Ethan’s mind was to concoct this whole absurd story. “In fact, it sounds like the perfect solution, until we can clear things up and find Martin.”
The smile Dennis had been wearing faded, and his eyes sharpened. “Forget about your brother. He was leading us down the wrong path, getting involved with the types of clubs nobody wants to deal with.”
Brett