his arm.
“No? Well, maybe after I eat my burger, I’ll give you a reason why it’s the best time.”
Jaw tight, Chaos swallowed the bile rising in his throat. “How the hell did you find me?”
“I’m an ex-SEAL, same as you. Some skills you never forget.”
It was a bullshit answer, but Chaos let it go. Appetite gone, he still reached for the burger, taking a huge bite. He wasn’t that boy anymore, who let his father ruin everything with a few well-placed words…or fists.
Staying silent as Einstein powered down the burger with his beer, he tensed when his father let out a loud burp. Time to talk.
“Why are you here?”
“I’ve got information you need. It’s about last night’s shooting.”
Stunned, Chaos turned toward him. There were more lines on his father’s face, his ponytail gray instead of dark brown. Other than those, he was the same. “How would you know anything about the shooter unless it was one of your crew?”
Einstein leaned forward, resting his thick arms on the bar. “We need two more beers.” Waiting until Gus brought them over, he drew in a long swallow. “I know who ordered the shooting and why.”
“I’m listening.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d put your pistol away.”
Chaos stared at him long and hard before holstering it. “All right. What do you have?”
“Let’s go to a table in the corner. I don’t want anyone hearing this.” Einstein picked up his beer, striding to a post not far from the front door. Chaos waited a few beats before following.
The corner table allowed both to have their backs against the wall. Small comfort when Chaos’s true enemy sat before him.
“The attack was ordered by the Chicago Mob.”
Eyes wide, Chaos shook his head. “Bullshit.”
“It’s true.”
“What the hell is the Chicago Mob doing out here?”
“They’re after Teri, Katrina, and Brady. Drink your beer and listen, kid. Save your questions for later.”
Two hours and as many beers later, Chaos climbed onto his bike, his mind reeling. Einstein had provided dates, names, and reasons for the shooting. Little of it made sense at first, but the more his father explained, the clearer it became.
Along with the information, Einstein had extracted a promise. Chaos could supply only parts of what he’d learned to Wrath. Particular details, relevant in Chaos’s mind, were to be kept from the Brethren’s president.
According to Einstein, the Snowdens were innocent victims being target by the South Side Gang for crimes believed to be committed by others. Chaos had a pretty good idea who the “others” were, but his father refused to confirm his guess. He also didn’t offer a reason why the Mob didn’t go after those who betrayed them directly instead of threatening innocents.
The incident at the hospital was meant to scare those who committed the perceived crime against the Mob and not harm Katrina. Chaos’s presence had been unexpected.
Waiting until Einstein’s bike disappeared, he started his trip back, needing time to decide how to approach Wrath. The promise to Einstein not to give his prez full details meant nothing to Chaos. Wrath would get everything the Disciples VP had provided. There’d be no way to protect Katrina, Teri, and Brady by withholding critical information.
Reaching the outskirts of Liberty Lake, he headed straight through town to the turn off to Wrath’s house. He hated disrupting more of his family time on a Sunday.
Chaos didn’t completely believe the Snowdens weren’t a real target. Last night may have been a warning, but there were no guarantees the next hit wouldn’t be a kill order.
Taking the steep drive to Wrath’s house, he parked outside the impressive custom home. The knock was answered right away, Wrath opening the door to motion him inside.
“Sorry to bother you, but I need a few minutes.”
“I’ll let Cara know. We can talk in my office.” A couple minutes, he returned with a couple bottles of water, handing one to Chaos.
“What’s up?”
“First, I need to tell you who my father is.” This was the part he dreaded the most.
Wrath opened his laptop, tapping a few keys. “The official records show Joe and Sally Gerritsen. Are you telling me you lied?”
Chaos glanced away. He knew at some point the lie would come back to haunt him. At the time, he refused to connect himself with the former SEAL, a man who’d thrown all his values away to join an outlaw MC.
“I am.”
“Well, shit. Get it over with.”
“My mother’s maiden name is Gerritsen. That’s what I used. Later, I made it legal.”
“I’m guessing you did it because of your