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Shovelhead’s phone rings. There’s a pause as he picks it up. “Fuck. And I was just having fun. Yeah? Be right there.” When he hangs up, he laughs harshly. “Duty calls. I’ll be back for more later, though.”
The sound of his heavy boots moving away is the best thing I’ve heard all day, only topped by the sound of the door shutting behind him. Not thrilled about the beeping of some sort of code pad and the lock clicking, but I’ll take what I can get. At least now I can panic without him watching.
I nearly jump out of my skin when Blade’s hands find mine. I didn’t realize our backs were so close he could reach, but he’s been so busy working on the ropes. “You okay?”
I consider lying, but I shake my head. “No. I’m so not okay.”
He squeezes my fingers. “You can do this, Faith. We’re going to get the fuck out of here, and I’m going to personally make sure that Shovelhead regrets ever putting his hands on you, right before I carve out Crow’s liver and feed it to him.”
I’m probably crazy, but right now, that’s about the most romantic declaration I could get. I hope I’m there to see it.
“Besides, Ripper and Alpha are probably almost here already.”
The burning gas station pops into my mind, and I try to imagine a world where they would’ve made it out without burning up or getting shot. I’m not exactly hopeful.
“You don’t fucking believe me,” Blade growls, “but trust me. Those fuckers don’t die easy.”
I nod while I try to keep my focus on his warm fingers, exploring them while trying to distract myself from the swelling panic.
31
ALPHA
“The fuck?”I look at Razor like he’s crazy. There aren’t any rules that say you can’t leave a club, of course. Both Eagle-eye and Blade did it. But make a big enough splash doing it, and they’ll come gunning for you. I have no fucking idea what Razor’s role in the Vipers is, but he’s been there long enough to be high up, and if he’s asking for asylum, this is pretty fucking big. Tossing his cut like that is a clear fucking intention. He’s done with the Pit Vipers—unless this is another fucking trap. But then why would he have helped us?
“It’s been years,” says Eagle-eye, his eyes narrowed in suspicion. “My daughter’s life is on the line here. How the fuck do I know I can trust you?”
“You don’t,” confirms Razor. “Can’t, obviously. But think about it. Am I really in Crow’s fucking pocket? Diesel’s fucking brat? I was there with you that night. Who the fuck do you think dropped off your things at your daughter’s doorstep?” Razor crosses his thick arms with faded tattoos over his barrel chest.
“You fucking what?” Eagle-eye’s fury’s barely contained. “It’s your fault Crow is doing God knows fucking what to Faith? I should fucking shoot you right here and now.”
Was there that night? Fuck, is Razor the other guy on the videotape?
Razor’s lips curl into a little smile, though there’s sadness there too. “Which is why I haven’t told you where she fucking is yet. Do you have the time to figure it out on your own? Because if you’re quick, you can save her, but Crow’s got the tape and your girl, and he’s looking forward to making your life miserable with both. I’m surprised he hasn’t fucking called already.”
“Just tell us what we fucking need to know,” growls Ripper. “Because you’re fucking right. We don’t have time for this shit.”
Razor nods his head towards me and Ripper. “I let these guys out of the Clink, along with Blade and Faith. That could’ve gotten me gutted and shot right there. Do you really think Crow’s clever enough to play you double like that?”
“Fuck.” Eagle-eye runs a hand through his grizzled hair and his jaw’s working like he’s literally chewing on Razor’s words. “Alright. You’ve got asylum, but I swear, just a fucking hint of deception or betrayal, I’m going to take pleasure in keelhauling your ass myself. We were tight in the Vipers, but it’s been over ten years, and I’ve seen folks change in less.”
Razor nods. “Wouldn’t expect any different. There’s a Pit Viper safe house in Stockdown, about halfway from here to the clubhouse. Crow uses it when he wants to keep the heat off and do shit in secret. It’s an abandoned shopping mall. Someone had big dreams, but now the town’s almost empty, and Crow took the opportunity.” He holds up his hands. “Now, I can’t be a hundred percent sure, ‘cause Crow already doesn’t trust me none. I’ve been there too long for him to move on me, but he knows you and I were tight. I can’t imagine anywhere else he’d take her. It’s close enough to be practical, he’s got it set up for defense, and outside of the club, no one knows it’s ours—theirs.That’s the best I got, but I sure as hell hope she’s there. She didn’t deserve this, and if it’s worth anything, I’m sorry I didn’t see it coming. I thought there would be some old sentimental shit in the box, not that.”
“If you’ve gotten Faith killed or hurt, fuck the asylum. Just so we’re fucking clear,” growls Eagle-eye. “I’ll slit you open, then hand you over to these two.” He nods his head towards us. “And they’re going to be at least as fucking angry as me. Clear?”
Razor looks between Eagle-eye, Ripper and me, and it pleases me to no fucking end how even a grizzled old vet like him swallows nervously, like he’s not sure if he made a good deal after all. But he nods. “Got it.”
Eagle-eye pulls out his phone to call King. He nods at me. “We ride in fifteen. Get your shit ready.”
“We’ll be waiting for you.” I have nothing to pack. Doesn’t seem Ripper does either, because we walk to our bikes together and get on.
Ten minutes later, me, Ripper, Eagle-eye and the few guys who aren’t out with King, hit the road with murder on our minds.
32
BLADE
Almost got it.So fucking close.
