Page 44 of Carver’s Crusade

“It’s me.”

Babe unlocks the door and Shield steps inside, expression grim.

“No sign of him,” he says. “Torch and Ranch are on their bikes looking for him.”

I nod toward Raven. “She maced the bastard.”

Shield’s eyebrows rise. “Seriously?”

Raven gives a tiny nod.

“Direct hit,” I say.

A dangerous grin spreads across Shield’s face.

“Well, that gives us something.”

He immediately pulls out his phone and hits a number.

“Torch,” he says when the call connects. “Change of plans. Check every urgent care and ER within ten miles. Raven pepper-sprayed him.”

A pause.

“Yeah. Ranch too.”

He hangs up and dials again before looking at me.

“I’m calling Maestro.”

A few seconds later he says, “Need you to run Tony Martin through every camera and contact you got. He attacked Raven tonight.”

The room goes colder somehow.

Shield listens for another moment before hanging up.

“Maestro’s on it.”

Good.

Shield holds the phone and stares at it for a minute before pocketing it. I know he was debating whether to call the precinct for backup. I’m glad he decided against it. If Tony’s smart, he’s already running. I’m hoping our guys find him. I’d like to have a chat with the asshole who thinks he can hurt one of ours.

I look back at Raven. She looks exhausted and raw. She can’t stay here tonight. Not alone.

“You’re coming back to the clubhouse with us.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Carver—”

“That’s not negotiable.”

Min pushes forward immediately. “I’ll help her pack.”

Raven looks too drained to argue as Min gently pulls her toward the bedroom.

I wait about thirty seconds before following.

Raven pulls a duffel bag from the closet. Her hands shake as she unzips it. Seeing her fearful guts me. I reach over and unzip it for her before pulling her into my arms.

“You’re going to be okay, I promise. We’ll find Tony. He won’t be able to hurt you again. Now, what do you want to bring?”