“Why you two gotta feed into Shadow’s bullshit? We can’t afford to go to war with the Vipers. Not in the state this charter’s in.”

Teller shrugs. “Will you be disappointed if I don’t have a better answer than keep your enemies close?”

Murphy taps the side of his head like he’s about to Jedi-mind trick me. “Sometimes you win the war by subduing the enemy without fighting.”

I stare at him for a second. “You’ve been living with Rock for too long.”

Clearly accepting that as a compliment, he grins at me. “Seriously, Shadow knows I got no love for him. If I take his side against you, he’ll trust me more.”

“Or know he’s being played.”

“He ain’t that smart, bro,” Teller says. “Besides, he brought up some good points. Vipers are cowards. Trying to take out Sway the way it went down is right in their wheelhouse.”

“I get that, but Rooster says Shadow’s been pushing to go after the Vipers since way before this. He’s using this as an excuse to call up support to take over Jersey territory.”

“Ah, all right.” Teller frowns. “Talk to Rock about it, but I think Priest was pretty clear at National that he didn’t want any charter starting a war for territory they couldn’t finish without big losses or bringing the attention of law enforcement.”

“Yeah, I got that vibe from Niner too. Even though National keeps riding our asses to grow membership.”

“Growing membership and dominating more territory are two separate things.”

“Thank you for the semantics lecture, professor Whelan.”

Murphy’s still grinning at both of us. “Rock will be so proud of you, Z.”

“Shut up, ginger.” I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a breath. “Shit, I don’t know how the fuck he’s put up with all of us for so long.”

“Come on.” Teller snorts. “Our club’s not nearly as obnoxious.”

Murphy wobbles his hand back and forth. “Debatable where you’re concerned.”

Teller glances around the room. “You sweep this for bugs?”

“Every night.”

Satisfied the room’s clean, Teller continues. “I’m gonna sit down with Hustler and go over the books. Their reports are so sloppy, it made me twitch. I’ll see if I can get them set up better while I’m down here.”

“Appreciate that.” I glance at Murphy. “I got a lead on a house right next to yours. Want to come look at it with me?”

“No shit?” He smiles and stands. “Yeah, let’s go. Actually. I need to make a call. Meet you out front?”

“You’re really moving Lilly down here?” Teller asks after Murphy leaves.

“Yeah, I miss the shit out of her and Chance. Hate having such a long drive to see them.”