I just got a threat. Someone called, knew my number, knew about the testimony. Slow down. What exactly did they say? Caleb repeated the conversation word for word.
Arthur was silent for a long moment. That's one of Dalton's guys. Has to be. Someone who didn't get caught in the first sweep. Arthur's voice hardened.
Give me the number that called you. Caleb read it off. What are you going to do? Trace it. Find out who owns it.
Then have a friendly conversation about witness intimidation. Arthur paused. In the meantime, you don't answer unknown numbers. You vary your routine, don't leave work the same time every day, don't take the same route home, and you keep that 9 mm close. This is insane.
This is what happens when you go after powerful people. They push back. Arthur's tone softened slightly. But you're not alone. Remember I'm making some calls right now.
By tonight, you'll have protection. What kind of protection? The kind with Hells Angels patches and a lot of guns.
True to his word, by 9:00 p.m. there was a knock on Caleb's door. He checked the peephole and found Wrath standing in the hallway looking annoyed. You going to let me in or make me stand out here all night? Caleb opened the door. What are you doing here?
Babysitting. Arthur called, said someone threatened you. So, I'm your new roommate until this blows over. Wrath pushed past him carrying a duffel bag. Which room's yours?
The bedroom. There's only one. Then I'm taking the couch. You got coffee? Yeah, but good.
I drink a lot of it. Wrath dropped his bag and pulled out a pistol which he set on the coffee table with casual familiarity. House rules, you go somewhere, I go with you. You get a weird call, you tell me. Someone looks at you wrong, you tell me.
I'm not here to be your friend, I'm here to keep you breathing. We clear? Crystal. Good. Now make coffee.
I've been riding for 3 hours and I'm tired.
Having Wrath as a roommate was like living with a heavily armed monk. He was quiet, efficient, and utterly humorless. He slept in 4-hour shifts and spent the rest of the time maintaining weapons or doing push-ups in the living room. You ever relax? Caleb asked on the third morning.
Relaxing gets people killed. You're going to give yourself a heart attack. Better than a bullet. Wrath finished his set and stood. You ready for work?