Blood and Water

Chapter 16: Devil's Dance Floor

Devil's Dance Floor - Flogging Molly

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The club pulled up to the warehouse labeled Nor-U-Bev Distributors. They walked inside as Gaalan was hanging up the phone.

"Jackson," Connor called out. "Thanks for coming on such short notice."

"Yeah, so what's so important?" Jax sighed.

Gaalan said, "It's all about the timing, son. Heard Clay made his calls."

"Yeah, everyone's locked down except the Italians. Cacuzza's undecided."

Gaalan looked at Connor, then back at Jax. "That's your biggest customer. Three families, two territories."

"I know," Jax nodded. "He's weighing an offer from the Chinese."

"I thought Jimmy was loyal to Clay?" Connor asked.

Jax turned to him. "He is."

Bobby took a step forward. "He's just trying to make us do a little dance for their business."

"So, when do you talk?" Connor demanded.

"We're on our way from here," Happy answered. "Cacuzza's meeting with us first, then the Lin family."

Jax sighed, "I figured we'd show him some of the new mods."

"Already assembled," Gaalan stated. "Got nine cases of the AK's with the new scopes and grips. We can bring 'em to the meet, help you close the deal."

"That's okay," Jax said. "I'll get Cacuzza on board."

Gaalan chuckled, "No doubt. But just take Connor. Shows respect, lets them know how much we value their business."

"Makes sense," Connor nodded. "I'll let you run it."

"No time for discussion, son," Gaalan sighed. "We need to close the deal today."

Jax questioned, "What's the big rush?"

"Why I asked you here," he explained. Gaalan stood up from his desk and walked around. "Clay's trial has been moved up. They transport him tomorrow."

"Aw, sh*t," Jax sighed.

"Aye," Gaalan said, "It complicates our plan. Gonna need some help."

Chibs was upset; he knew it was a terrible idea to help the Irish with this, but there was nothing he could do. He turned and started to walk away. "We're not part of taking down that transport," Jax stated. Tig turned, following Chibs.

"I have the vehicles, the route, the plan," Gaalan revealed. "It'll happen without a hitch. I can't get a crew here in time." Jax shook his head. "Need about six of your men."

Bobby looked at Jax, shaking his head. "And what if we say no?" Jax asked. Chibs looked up at Gaalan; he couldn't help but chuckle.

Gaalan took a step towards Jax. "You really can't, Jackson. Take it to your table, have one of your votes. But we both need this to happen. Moves guns forward for us puts 'em behind you."

Jax thought for a minute. Then, he said, "I'll get you an answer."

"Have a few more details to lockdown. Then, I can bring you all up to speed."

"Yeah, okay." Jax turned and walked out, his club behind him.

"So what," Chibs asked, "What do we do about Clay?"

Jax sighed, "I don't think we have much of a choice."

"We don't have time to take it to the table," Bobby explained. "If we don't want to do this, we gotta find somebody who will."