Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1237

Outside the grand gates of The Sovereign Residences, a van skidded to a stop. Out tumbled a bunch of roughnecks, looking like they owned the place.

Adorned with gold chains, their pointy shoes clicking on the pavement, they sported tattoos of a jade beast on one arm and a white tiger on the other, gripping an assortment of homemade weapons—steel pipes, machetes, and whatever else they could swing.

Leroy was right there with them, grinning up at a burly guy with a buzz cut. "We're here, Sergey," he said with a nod and a bow. "I'm counting on you and the boys to back me up later, okay?"

Sergey took a drag of his cigarette, trying to look tough. "Kid, you're asking a lot. I agreed to help you rough up this Andrew guy, and that was me being generous.

"Now you want more? That's gonna cost you."

Leroy bit back a curse. Sergey was nothing but a greedy thug. However, he kept his smile plastered on. "More money? You got it! Don't worry, Sergey. As long as everything goes smoothly, you'll get paid."

Sergey blew out a smoke ring and rocked back on his heels. "Alright, spill it. What's this 'cooperation' you're talking about? What's your angle?"

Leroy's smile turned sly. "Easy. When we get to Andrew, you and the crew knock him down first. Once he can't fight back, I'll step in and give him the thrashing of his life!"

"Hey, Sergey, do me a solid and shoot a video for me," Leroy said, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and malice. "Make sure it shows Andrew totally wrecked at my feet, head busted open and bleeding out!"

Sergey chuckled, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "Gotcha. You wanna show off a bit, huh?

"No problem, as long as the money's right, I'll take care of everything for you!"

With a grin, Leroy rubbed his hands together in anticipation.