Before heading out, Lani went to use the restroom so Casey stepped outside with Wyatt. Icy wind stung his skin as Casey pulled his hood over his head, covering his ears. He made sure Wyatt wore his wool hat and had him bundled up in a puffer coat.
In the corner of his eye, he noticed Emmett standing under the veranda, smoking a cigarette. The waiter moved closer to them.
“You’re a baker down at Mad Batter, right?” Emmett asked, blowing a puff of smoke to the air.
“Yeah, my dad owns the bakery.” Casey gently tugged on Wyatt’s arm to keep him close to his side.
“I heard about your mom,” Emmett said. “Such a tragedy. You and your family have my sympathies.”
“Thank you.” Casey gazed back toward the door, hoping Lani hurried up. Something about that Emmett guy gave him a bad feeling, despite how kind he acted.
“You ought to be careful out there, Casey. Your family’s got a hit put out on them.” Emmett put his cigarette out in the handmade ashtray, turning to head back inside the diner. “Well, I gotta get back to work. Hope you drop by again soon.”
“Wait.” Casey instinctively reached out for the man’s arm, almost yanking him back. He didn’t expect him to be such a lightweight. “Shit, sorry. I just… What do you know? Who put a hit on my family?”
Emmett gazed behind them, as if he suspected someone listened in on their conversation. Leaning closer, Casey felt the other man’s warm breath against his cheek. “The Black Vipers. I wanted to say something at the table, but we were being watched. I also didn’t want to freak you out.”
“Why? I don’t understand. What did my family do? And why are you telling me this?” Casey asked, frowning. “Who exactly are you?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” A smirk stretched across his porcelain face. “I want to help you. Those bastards have been a thorn in my ass forever now. They love wreaking havoc on the diner, and I can’t stand them.”
Casey stepped back, eyeing the man suspiciously as he gripped his son’s hand tightly. “What kind of help could you offer?”
“Anything you need. I’m sure expenses must be tight on you, having a kid that young.” Emmett gestured to Wyatt, who peeked over at Emmett curiously as he gave him a little wave.
“Who are you?” Wyatt asked, tilting his head slightly.
“Consider me a friend.” Emmett gestured his hand out, expecting Wyatt to shake it.
Wyatt shook his head, cowering behind Casey. Emmett dropped his hand back down, frowning.
“What do you want from us?” Casey asked.
“Look, you seem like a trustworthy guy so I don’t mind letting this little bit of info slip out, but I work with the Voiceless Rebels,” Emmett explained. “I got close ties to their leader, and if you need help getting those vipers off your back, then consider it done. We can get justice for your mother too. Just say the word, and we’ll get it done.”
“I appreciate the offer, I really do, but we don’t need help from any gang. I’m sorry, but we need to get going. My sister will be out soon.” Casey walked hastily across the snow-covered parking lot, tugging Wyatt close beside him to their truck. He unlocked the doors with hasten speed, getting Wyatt situated in his car seat before locking them up inside to wait for Lani.
Emmett gave them a little wave before stepping back inside the diner, leaving Casey more perplexed than ever. What the hell did the Voiceless Rebels want with his family? Why would that waiter offer help and protection? There had to be a ghastly price to pay and Casey wouldn’t take any chance. He trusted none of the gangs. He learned his lesson long ago.
By the time Lani climbed into the truck, Casey wanted nothing more than to leave. He sped out of the lot and got back onto the main road.
“Hey, are you alright?” Lani asked.
“That waiter we had works for the Voiceless Rebels,” Casey replied.
“What? How do you know?”
“While you were in the restroom, he made a proposition to me, claiming he had ties to their leader and could get us help financially and with getting justice for our mom. It was creepy. He even knew my name and about what happened to our mom,” Casey explained.
“You think him and his gang had something to do with her murder?” Lani questioned.
“I don’t know. I just find it awfully strange how he’s offering his assistance,” Casey replied. “Like, what’s he getting out of helping us?”
“I remember something mom once mentioned,” Lani said. “The Voiceless Rebels like using small businesses to launder their money.”
“You think he wants to use Mad Batter for that in return for helping us?” Casey asked.
“Yeah, probably. It’s sketchy as hell for him to approach you and even daring, as I’m sure that’s not something they announce to just anyone.”
“That’s why he waited until you went to the restroom,” Casey pointed out. “He only wanted me to hear the offer, hoping I’d take it. But I’m not stupid enough to put our family or the business in jeopardy like that. We’re in a tough spot, but we’ll find a way out of it without using those gang members for help.”
“All these gang members showing up now is weird. It makes me wonder if Veronica has any involvement,” Lani told him.
Casey gulped, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles whitened. “I hope not.”
Veronica wouldn’t be cruel enough to put a hit out on his whole family, would she? Wyatt would end up in foster care, and Casey couldn’t imagine her wanting to traumatize their son anymore than she already had.
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