Jackal took Penni’s arm, leading her to the clubroom where Hennessy waited.
As they approached, Hennessy nodded toward Core. “Go on outside. We’ll be there in a minute.”
What he wanted to say, he didn’t want his man to hear. Jackal had a feeling he knew what had his former friend incensed.
“Call them off.” Hennessy’s order wasn’t one that Jackal could follow. Trying to play peacekeeper between the two clubs was going take every skill he had.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jackal saw Penni’s attention go back and forth between him and Hennessy.
“They’ll stay back, but Ice wants to make sure Penni doesn’t end up as a casualty between you and all the shit you’ve got going down.”
A split second was all Jackal had to prepare before Hennessy launched his giant body at him. Planting his feet, he braced for the pain coming his way.
Hennessy barreled into him, and Jackal released Penni’s arm then wrapped his arms around Hennessy’s waist, putting him in a bear hug, trying to stop his momentum and keep himself from crashing to the floor.
He didn’t stand a chance of breaking Hennessy’s hold. Jackal couldn’t match his weight, but he clamped his arms tightly around him, giving himself time to reason with the raging giant.
“Ice will stay back,” Jackal grunted. How much did the fucker weigh? “If anything happens to Penni, King will kill all of us. Think about it! If you can’t find Striker, you’re going to need the Predators.”
Hennessy threw him off, breathing hard. “I don’t need the Predators.”
“Are you sure about that?” Jackal took the time to catch his breath, expecting Hennessy to attack again.
Hennessy rubbed angrily over his bald head.
“There’s going to be over eighteen motorcycle clubs at the rally. You think you’re going to deal with all off them and a cartel that wants their money back?”
“I have it under control!”
“Brother, you lost control when you snatched Penni. I’m trying to keep you and her alive. If she gets hurt, you won’t live to see another day.” He sighed out in frustration. “Let me help you. Ice won’t interfere unless you need back up. When you get your money back, I’ll take Penni, and we’ll disappear. We’ll all get what we want.”
“I don’t know what trouble you’re in, but I would listen to Jackal if I were you.”
Jackal shook his head at Penni. Hennessy would drop down dead before he took any advice a bitch gave him. Surprisingly, however, he stared across the room at him as if he was considering her opinion.
“You’ll keep Jackal’s word and not run to the cops when I let you go?”
Penni narrowed her eyes at him. Jackal expected her to spit at Hennessy for his question.
He tried to silently warn her of the repercussions if she lost her temper. Penni had been too sheltered by Shade. Bikers were notoriously controlling. They expected their bitches to do what they were told and not argue. Penni was the exact opposite.
“Yes.” Penni looked like she was about to choke on her answer.
Hennessy wasn’t convinced.
Jackal moved closer to Penni, laying an arm across her shoulders.
“She’ll do what I tell her.” His arm tightened around her, giving her the only warning he could. He could only do so much.
“That right?” Hennessy didn’t look like he believed him.
She leaned into his side. “Jackal’s the boss.” The nails digging into his back would leave marks, but at least Hennessy’s doubts had been taken away.
“Go make us some sandwiches. If we don’t get on the road, the rally will be over before we even get there.”
“I’ll help,” Jackal spoke up. “It’ll be faster.” Not to mention, he didn’t want to eat anything Penni made while in the mood that was brewing in her eyes.
“Don’t take long.” Hennessy left them, slamming the door to show he wasn’t happy that Ice was nearby.
“When this is all over—”
“You want us to make a sandwich for you?” Jackal addressed the man Penni had forgotten was lying on the couch behind her.
Her eyes widened at Jackal’s reminder that Hennessy wouldn’t be stupid enough to leave them alone.
“No, thanks. I’ll make my own.” Cruz laughed. “If I want to eat food that will kill me, I’ll eat at Chip-n-otle.”
“Be my guest—”
Jackal covered her mouth with his then hastily jerked it back. “What she means is I’ll pay for lunch. It’ll save some time.” He tossed some money at him. “Grab some burgers.”
“What do you want me to grab for you?”
Jackal stared at Penni in confusion as Cruz waited for her answer.
“Get her a burger, too—”
“She doesn’t eat hamburger; she’s a vegetarian.”
He almost burst out laughing at Cruz’s comment. Jackal had seen Penni eating too many chicken wings and hot dogs. He wasn’t going to bail her out of this one. It was going to be a long road trip without the foods she loved.