The men stared at Bishop and Angel as they walked inside the clubhouse.
Bishop looked at them. "In all transparency, Angel and I had to clear up a problem. It's now been resolved, and we move forward."
"What kind of problem?" asked Coco.
Bishop looked around the room. "Isabella and I are together."
"Finally!" said Taza. "Now that's out in the open we can all go back to club stuff."
"Agreed," replied Bishop. "Two of the Sons will stop by today with a shipment of guns, so stay on high alert. Once we have them in our possession, we'll need to bring him to the stash. Riz, make sure they get their payment."
"Cash is all set."
"Good. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Isabella sat down next to her mother as the nurse hooked up the IV to the catheter for her chemo session.
"You're very quiet over there," said Maggie.
"Sorry mama. I never wanted it to get to this."
"You mean two men fist-fighting for you?"
"This is not funny, mama."
"Not but it's flattering. I don't think Bishop would have done that if he didn't truly care about you, mija."
Isabella nodded as she flipped the page of the magazine she was reading.
"I think someone is here to see you," said Maggie as she put her hand over her daughter's.
Isabella looked up from her magazine to see Bishop walk toward them. He looked awful and it made her feel even more guilty.
"Senora Hernandez," said Bishop as he put his hand out toward Maggie, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I see who Isabella gets her beauty and charm from."
"Why thank you, Bishop," she said shaking his hand, "call me, Maggie."
Bishop nodded then looked at Isabella. She stood from her seat. "I'll be right back, mama."
"Take your time, I'm not going anywhere."
She handed the bed control box with the alarm for the nurses. "If there is anything you ring the nurse, right away."
She and Bishop stepped out into the hallway, and she finally got a good look at him. "I'm sorry Bishop," as she delicately placed her hand on his bruised cheek.
"Don't be sorry. At least it's done and we can all move on."
"I never meant for this to happen. I'd understand if you wanted an out."
He moved toward her, filling the gap between them. "Belita, I don't want an out. I didn't put myself through all of this to call it quits. Besides, I never quit and I'm not about to start when it comes to you and me."
"What about the club? What about Angel?"
"Angel and I have come to an understanding, it's not a problem. As for the club, I told them before coming here."
"So, everybody knows?"
"Yes. Which means that now, you no longer need to find excuses to come to the club. No more sneaking around and I can hold you and kiss you anytime I want," he said smiling. "Like right now," he said as he pressed his lips against hers and took her in his arms. He pulled back and stared into her beautiful doe-shaped brown eyes. "Te quiero, Belita. Tell me I'm not crazy."
She smiled as he pressed his forehead against hers. "You're not crazy. Yo también te quiero."
"I'm glad we got that cleared up. Come find me when your mom kicks you out of her hospital room."
Isabella laughed. "That won't take long, I apparently get on her nerves because I tend to hover."
"Lucky for you, you never get on my nerves," he said as he kissed her quickly and walked away.
"Not yet," she replied with a side-smile.
Bishop and the guys entered the dress factory and walked through the workers until they reached the back room where Miguel and Marcus were waiting for them. They all greeted each other.
"Marcus told me you moved the stash," said Miguel, "and I'd like to know why."
Bishop shot a glance as Taza before shifting his attention back to Miguel. "We're always careful, but you can never be too careful. I felt it was wise to switch locations from time to time."
Miguel seemed to think for a few seconds. "Smart move, but next time let me know beforehand."
"Of course, didn't mean any disrespect."
"I know, but I just like to be made aware of what happens to my merchandise. And even more with the ongoing rebel situation at the border."
"Things are still not calming down?" asked Marcus.
"No. On the contrary they are going up a notch. If this keeps being an issue, I'm going to have to find alternative routes for transport. I may need your assistance on that."
"Let us know, we're more than happy to help," said Bishop.
"I'll let Marcus know if it's the case."
Marcus nodded and Miguel looked at his watch. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a family affair I need to attend. Keep up the good work. This collaboration is turning out to be better than I had anticipated."
When he and his men were gone, Marcus looked at Bishop. "I've heard that Los Cobras are pushing North, it doesn't look good."
"If they do," said Tranq "they'll come guns blazing. We won't have a choice but to go to war."
"I'm still hoping it doesn't come to that," said Marcus, "but I think I'm being overoptimistic."
"We haven't had a territory war in a long time," said Bishop as he passed a hand over his mustache. "It will get dirty."
Marcus nodded. "If things escalate, I'll let Miguel know. I'm sure he'll provide additional men if it means that we keep our territory, partnership, and his drugs safe."
"The Flagstaff crew should be coming in two weeks. We can always call them in early as well as those from Tucson and Stockton."
"Good idea. Let's check back together on this in a day or two," replied Marcus as he walked out leaving the rest of the guys.
"You know that if Los Cobras start a war, it won't just be with us," said Riz.
"I know, which means that no one in Santo Padre will be safe."
"I don't like that," said Taza.
"Neither do I. Let's hope it doesn't get to that," added Bishop as in turn they left the warehouse.