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We were always a step behind. Someone was playing with us, and they knew what they were doing. But everyone made a mistake eventually, and we’d be there for it.
“His apartment didn’t have so much as a fingerprint anywhere. But there was a message.”
“Well, what the hell did it say?”
I stalked to the door, nodding for my men to follow. Gabriel was already by my side.
“The tainted king’s reign is over. We’re coming for you.”
This was personal. And a declaration of war. If only we knew who we were at war against.
I wound my way back out of the club, my hand wrapped so tight around my phone the edges dug into my skin. “Send me the address. We’re on our way.”
Once outside, I rushed to the car, Gabriel hot on my heels. “Jude found something. We’re meeting him now.”
“Finally.”
Gabriel ripped the driver door open with so much force I was surprised it didn’t break before sliding into the car. He’d always had a temper, combined with a fierce protective streak when it came to our family, and it made for an explosive combination.
I gave him the address from Jude’s text. The place was in Hammond, Indiana. The rain slowed us down, but we still made good time, thanks to Gabriel’s reckless driving. Our destination was an old ranch home that was barely visible through the overgrown yard.
We fought our way past prickly bushes and up to the faded lime-green front door that was hanging on an angle. Jude was usually more subtle than this.
One of our men was stationed out front, nodding at us as we stepped inside. The small home was turned upside down, every piece of furniture in pieces and all the cupboards cleared out.
Jude was standing amid the chaos, typing on a phone.
“Found anything?” I asked, stepping over spilled milk and ripped cushions to join him in what used to be the living room.
Maniacal grin on his face, Jude looked up. “Dead guy had a phone hidden under the floorboards. And guess who he talked to on it?”
“Any idea who pulled his strings yet?”
“They never exchanged names, but they ordered the hit on Dad. Dead guy was supposed to figure out our weaknesses. Which is where Quinn comes in, since Freya’s too well-protected. Not a chance Gunner would let her out of his sight.”
If I couldn’t look after my sister myself, I’d choose Gunner. He would give his life for hers. And he had skills none of us did. He also had access to assets we didn’t.
But having proof that they were after Quinn also meant I couldn’t see her again. If they thought she had nothing to do with us anymore, they’d leave her alone.
The thought sat heavy in my stomach. I wasn’t ready yet. Hadn’t said good-bye. But as much as I wanted to see her one more time, I knew I’d only put her in more danger. Whoever was hunting us wasn’t playing around.
They were not only brazen enough to shoot the head of the largest crime family in Chicago, but they also didn’t hesitate to get rid of one of their own if he was compromised.
The phone in Jude’s hand pinged, and we all stepped closer.
“Personal space, guys. You’re breathing way too loudly.” Jude made a shooing motion with his hand. “Go stand over there.”
Neither Gabriel nor I did as asked. Instead, we crowded our little brother even more, Gabriel going so far as to put a hand on Jude’s shoulder.
“Take that hand off me if you want to keep it,” Jude growled.
With a chuckle, Gabriel dropped his hand but didn’t step away.
Jude elbowed him. “Ugh, did you swallow a whole packet of breath mints?”
Gabriel flicked Jude’s ear but then wisely stepped back, narrowly avoiding a fist to the face. “Nothing wrong with fresh breath. Besides, I’m meeting someone later.”
“What was the ping for?” I asked, needing to get out of there.
