Even though his words kind of make sense to me, the fact that Maddox is asking has me baffled.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head over it, Chelcie. It’s good, I promise you.”

“All right, let’s get this started. Asher, why don’t you go ahead and let us know what you need talk to us about.” Axel interrupts.

I look around and notice that all four of the other men in the room have taken their seats, all staring intently at Asher and waiting for him to talk.

Oh, God. This is it.

I dig my fingers into the armrest on the chair, willing my body to calm down and my mind to stay sharp. This isn’t about me; this is about Asher and making sure that he makes the best decision with the most favorable outcome. I know that, if anyone can see reason in his turning all of his information on Dominic Murphy over to the authorities, it will be these men. However, I also know that these men’s sense of loyalty and passion runs deep. If they agree that vengeance is the way to go, there will be no way for me to talk him down from the ledge.

“As some of you know, I’ve spent a good bit of time looking into Dominic Murphy. His empire of evil is essentially what lead to Coop’s death. You all know the details on his connection, so I’ll spare you those. I have been able to confirm from a few inside sources close to Dom that he did, in fact, put the word out that Coop’s death had been taken to call on a debt. A debt that Coop didn’t owe him. Dom doesn’t care that he killed an innocent man. To him, it is nothing but a normal day in the office.” Asher reaches out, pulls my hand off the armrest, and places it on his firm thigh before returning his eyes to the men around the table.

“It’s taken me months to get everything I have on this man. To get the proof I needed to pin Coop’s demise on him and to get enough piled up on him that I could bury him underneath prison. I’ve spent hours staking out his local businesses, places of leisure, and homes. I know the identity of each one of his closest allies. If he breathes, at this point, I’ll know it. I’ve gotten close enough to place tracking devices on six of his known vehicles as well as attached a few to his person when I was lucky enough to get close at a few restaurants he frequents. Not much, and if he isn’t wearing the jackets in question or they aren’t hanging within a close enough distance to pick up audio, they’re basically worthless.”

He looks over at me to assess how I’m holding it together. I give him a few squeezes to his leg and urge him to continue. Whatever he sees in my eyes is enough that he gives me a small nod and turns back again.

“I’ve managed to collect audio confirmation about his involvement in Coop’s murder. It might not be enough to convict him alone, but it is enough to paint him in one hell of a damning light.”

“You’ve managed to get this on your own without getting one of us to sit in on this with you? What the hell were you thinking?” Axel booms from his seat. “Brother, I understand where you’re coming from, but putting yourself in danger won’t help a damn thing.”

“Well, with all due respect, brother, this wasn’t your call to make. I’ve been safe, I’ve stayed hidden in the shadows, and trust me, he doesn’t have a clue. If he did…” He pauses, looking over at me. “If he did, then I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.”

“It was reckless, Asher,” Greg throws in.

“Maybe so, but at that time, I didn’t think I had anything to lose. Now… Now, I know better.”

I can feel my throat getting tight, and I will the impending tears away, blinking rapidly, taking my eyes off of Asher’s proud strength, which seems to be emanating from his body.

“I had a long chat with Chelcie last night. She’s helped me see things in a new light, and the reason that I—that we—called you here is so that you can help me make this decision. I’m not sure that I can trust myself when it comes to seeing the logic. I want to lead with my heart, anger, and grief. I think I can say now that, if I do that, then the outcome might not be favorable.”

“That makes sense. Hard to be objective with the target when you’re seeing your pain. Pain that he’s responsible for,” Axel grumbles.

“So tell us what you have,” Beck stresses.

Greg and Maddox remain silent, their eyes hard. It’s hard for me to judge what’s going through their heads. I know that each of these men had a different relationship with Coop. Beck’s and Greg’s were arguably the closest. I think Maddox and Coop had shared a bond as well. Hell, judging by the fury that is coming off of him in waves, my guess is that he was closer to Coop than any of us know.