King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Two Hundred Ten

Sephie

We continued talking for another hour or so, running through possibilities on how to handle the situation. We went through every what if scenario we could think of for what would happen if the shipment did get out. We were going to have to trust that the dealers wouldn’t sell it if they were successful in getting the shipments switched.

“Of course, that brings up another problem,” I said, as we were discussing their success at switching the shipments. They all looked to me, waiting for me to elaborate. “Withdrawals,” I said.

The guys caught on quickly, but Armando and Giana were still confused. “What do you mean?” Giana asked.

“When you’re a regular drug user, your body needs that drug to function. When you don’t give it that drug, your body revolts and makes it painful until you give it that drug. Depending on the drug you’ve been using, the withdrawals can be, well, dramatic,” I said.

“How do you know so much about this?” she asked, her tone had a hint of accusation behind it.

Adrik caught it. I felt him tense. Before I could answer, Ivan said, “everyone knows this.” His tone was harsh, but it was exactly what was needed to end that conversation. He continued, “so, we’re going to need to give the police and the hospitals a head’s up as well, should they be successful with switching the shipments. That’s going to create its own chaos in the city.” He rubbed his face with his hands. “Fu ck,” he said. “It might be worth having a conversation with a few doctors to find out what’s needed to be able to handle that scenario.”

“I know a guy. He should be able to keep his mo uth shu t,” I said, winking at Ivan. I turned to look at Adrik. “But can we bring him here this time?” He smiled softly at me, nodding his head. “I’ll make a call in the morning,” he said. I glanced back to Ivan, who was clearly relieved.

took their leave. Chris and Keith got up to go with them, but Keith asked Viktor if they could come back once Armando and Giana were safely in for the night. Viktor nodded his head. I caught the small smile that crept up one side of his face as they walked out.

to learn,” he said. “They’ll be back once

clearly still angry about Giana thinking my knowledge of

like her tone, either,” Adrik

She’s likely led a very sheltered life up until she met Armando. It’s not necessarily her fault,” I said. I looked to Ivan, grinning, “but I’m very grateful you shu t that conversation down as quickly as you did. I’m starting to love your demons, Super Squish.” His handsome

useful,” he said, winking

Chris walked back into the office. “What did we

it wasn’t a lle, his delivery made it seem

Once I started laughing, I couldn’t stop, which made all the guys laugh as well. I wiped the tears from my eyes, saying, “Yoden for the win, ladies and gentlemen.” A few more laughs made it out before I finally gained my composure. “Ah, shi t. I don’t know why that was

usual calm and quiet manner, “we’re all

face suddenly very serious. “Sephie, is it okay if I ask

what he

your life. Armando and Giana don’t know about that, do they?”

my back and I’d like to keep

tension it brought up when she kind of implied your knowledge of withdrawals was because you’d been a user,” he said. He was trying to be careful and choose his words wisely as he spoke, as he could

years though. I have a feeling that Giana has led a sheltered, mostly privileged life. Her brain struggles to comprehend that everyone doesn’t live like she does. She has her own set of problems that come with that, though. It’s neither better nor worse than what I’ve dealt with. In her mind, her problems