a new old lady, and a baby. Do you really want them back?”
“She isn’t my old lady, T. Not even close.” Zeus met Gunner’s questioning gaze. “No one will ever replace Teri.”
Gunner hid his disgust. After hearing what really went down, he’d been certain Zeus would one day go after his family.
“You’ve still got the kid,” T continued, oblivious to the killing expression on Zeus’s face.
“The kid’s not mine, and you damn well know it. But that isn’t why we’re here. We’ll take Salvatore’s men and my family. The Brethren go on as if nothing happened.”
Wrath didn’t look at Gunner. “Not going to happen, Zeus. We split the spoils. You get the shooters, we take care of the family. If you want to try to work shit out with them, you do it outside this whole business. I’ll even call a truce if that’s what you want.”
Gunner held his breath, waiting for Zeus to respond.
The muscles in the older man’s jaw tensed. He turned toward his VP, receiving a slow nod. Einstein wanted him to take the deal, work out anything else later.
“Fine. But I’ll be coming back to check on my family.” This was directed at Gunner.
“You want to meet with them, I’ll set it up after the rest of this shit is over.”
Slapping a hand on the table, Zeus looked at Wrath. “Time to get the details settled.”
Gunner headed straight to his house, Raider and Fargo not far behind him. They’d be upgrading his security system and fortifying his panic room, adding weapons and ammunition. His house would become the safe haven for the Snowdens if tonight’s plan didn’t work.
Zeus agreed to provide funds for a different house, one with added security in a gated community, for his family. Gunner’s would be the backup. Still, he didn’t want to wait to make changes.
There was another plan Zeus and his crew knew nothing about. The idea presented its own dangers to the Brethren. After the Disciples left, Wrath went through it in detail, adding a couple outside people who would be the key to success.
If all went as planned, the Snowdens would be safe, the Mob doing major damage control, and the Disciples in a hell of their own making.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Katrina placed the chicken enchilada casserole in the oven before slicing vegetables for a salad. She’d buttered the bread, wrapped it in foil, and put it aside. The table was set, water glasses at each place, although she was pretty certain Gunner would want a beer.
The front door opened, Brady walking in to toss his backpack on a chair. “Hey, Kat. Where were you last night?”
Wincing at the question, she searched for an answer, coming up with nothing.
“Mom said you spent the night with Gunner.” He grabbed an energy drink from the refrigerator, slumping into a chair at the table.
“I, um…”
“It’s not as if I can’t guess what you were doing. He seems like a real good guy.”
Hiding a groan, she turned away, feeling her face heat. “How was school?”
“Same as always, and don’t change the subject.”
“Hi!”
Katrina relaxed at her mother’s voice. “Hey. How was work, Mom?”
Setting down her purse, Teri joined them, taking the glass of tea Katrina handed her. “Excellent. I still can’t believe my luck. Brodie is a great boss, and everyone I’ve met has been wonderful.” Bending down, she kissed Brady’s cheek. “How was school?”
He glanced at his sister, who smirked. “Same as always, Mom. Another day, another bunch of shi—”
“Brady,” Teri admonished, shaking her head.
Opening his mouth to respond, he stopped at the firm knock on the front door. “I’ll get it.”
“It’s Gunner, Mom. I invited him to dinner. Hope that was all right.”
Teri had no chance to respond before Gunner entered.
“Good evening.” He walked straight to Katrina, brushing a kiss across her lips before facing her mother.
“Hello, Gunner.”
“Evening, Teri.”
“How about a beer?” Katrina held up a bottle, hoping to divert thoughts away from the night before. Each time he touched her, waves of desire pulled through her body, pooling low in her belly.
“Not right now, Kat, but water would be great.” She screwed off the cap, holding it to him. “Thanks.”
“Gunner came over a little early because he has some information to tell us.”
Teri flicked a look at Katrina. “About?”
“Your ex-husband.”
Setting down her tea, Teri held up both hands, eyes sparking. “What could you possibly know about my ex?”
“He knows a great deal, Mom. What Gunner has to say is important. It won’t take long.”
Teri’s chest rose and fell in quick breaths, indicating