“Well,” Phoenix sighed, “I hate to say it, but there isn’t much we can do here other than threaten them.”
The majority of the brothers in the room nodded in agreement.
“All right. Let’s start with Leah.”
Shaker brought her back into the room and secured her to the chair. Phoenix pointed to a camera mounted in the corner of the room. “We’ve recorded everything that’s happened in this room, including you admitting to being a hooker,” he said.
“I never said that,” Leah interrupted.
“You implied it. So, here’s the deal. We’ll take you back to your house, and you can pretend like none of this ever happened. You will also stay the hell away from Daphne and anyone else associated with the Blackwings. If you don’t, I’ll ruin you.”
“Deal,” she said without hesitation. “I don’t want any trouble. You’ll never see or hear from me again.”
“If I do, I promise it’ll only be that one time.”
“Understood,” Leah said.
“Good,” Phoenix said and nodded to Shaker. He left the room with Leah and returned with Lewis, who seemed much more nervous than he had before.
“Look, man, I’m really sorry. I didn’t know she was one of your people. Please don’t kill me,” he pleaded.
“What are you willing to do?”
“Anything. I’ll do anything.”
“Anything? Really?” Phoenix taunted. “What if I told you to leave town?”
“Th-then I-I’d leave,” Lewis stammered.
“I’m going to be really fucking honest. I don’t believe anything you told us, but luckily for you, I can’t prove you’re lying.”
“I swear I’m telling the truth.”
Phoenix grinned. “Good. I’m glad to hear you say that. Again.” Once more, he pointed to the camera mounted in the corner of the room. “Because if you don’t do what I want, I’ll make sure the video of your confession gets into the hands of the police. Then I’ll make sure it gets sent to the people who are running the prostitution ring—after all their girls have been busted.”
Lewis nodded in understanding. “What do you want me to do?”
“Find somewhere else to get your jollies off. Stay away from the real estate agents, especially Daphne. Stay away from us. And keep your fucking mouth shut.”
“That’s it?” Lewis asked in surprise.
“Yes, but,” he said and leaned down so he was eye level with Lewis. “This is the only leniency you’ll get from me. If there’s a next time, proof or no proof, there’ll be no mercy.”
“There won’t be a next time,” Lewis said.
“If there is, it’ll be the last time,” he said.
“I understand.”
“Good,” Phoenix said. “We have a few more things to discuss, and then we’ll get you out of here.”
As he was leading Lewis from the room, Carbon loudly volunteered, “I’ll take him home.”
Lewis looked over his shoulder and visibly paled.
Phoenix shook his head but waited until Lewis was out of earshot to say, “Not happening. Dash and Duke will take Lewis home. Badger and Shaker will take Leah home. For the next few weeks, I want us riding by their houses once or twice a day, so we stay fresh in their minds,” Phoenix said. “I’ll make out a schedule and send it out to everyone later today. Church dismissed.”
“Dice,” Phoenix called and waved me over as I was getting up to leave.