Drum yells, “Let’s give Lady a moment to get moving, then we’ll get rolling.”
A wave of emotion sweeps through me as I draw Marc in close, kissing her deeply, trying to imprint the memory of her taste and feel on my brain. When I pull away, I rest my forehead against hers. “Don’t take any risks, darlin’. Promise me you’ll look after yourself. Remember the babies. Need to go into this with a clear head and I won’t if I’m worrying about you.”
“Same goes for me, Heart. I love you, you know that. I need you to be here, for me…” She places my hand on her stomach. “For us.”
“Love you, babe. Fuckin’ love you.”
Her eyes look watery, and her hand rests on my chest. “I love you.”
I wished I had longer to savour the first time we declared our feelings for each other, but I’ve no time at all.
“Heart!”
“Coming.” One last look and I’m on my way. The last thing I see is her in conversation with Devil.
Then I’m putting on my bulletproof vest and throwing my leg over my bike, firing up the engine and kicking it into first gear. Prez is in the lead, the VP and sergeant-at-arms behind him, then Dollar and Blade, me and Mouse, and the rest of the boys behind with Joker bringing up our rear, and following him, the crash truck driven by Hyde with Marc accompanying him.
I’m nervous tonight, knowing how much I have to lose. The ride passes with none of the normal thrills or exhilaration. I’m trying to concentrate on the fact if together with the feds and the cops, we bring this group down, Amy and Jayden will be freed from any fear of abduction.
But apart from the location and the time, even the feds haven’t gotten wind of what exactly we’re riding into. Until Lady and Sean get inside and start feeding back info, we’ll know nothing of how many adversaries will be inside. As I keep a careful eye on my brothers in front, and in the mirror, those behind me, riding in formation, keeping a steady distance apart, the dour thought comes to me, and I hope it won’t be any of our blood that will be spilled tonight.
Lady is off on his own now, well in front and out of sight of the bikes, heading off to do what he has to do. He’s wearing no wire, but he’s got one of those tiny devices in his ear which will let him hear Devil’s instructions, and us what’s going on around him. An undetectable earpiece that won’t be found even if they search him, and search they will. With the nefarious activities taking place tonight, the organisers won’t be taking any chances.
I admit to being worried about my brother, frowning as I ride, hoping the feds know what they’re doing, and that his earpiece really won’t be found. That he won’t do something stupid and draw attention to himself. Out of all my brothers, I tend to know least about Joker and Lady, they keep to themselves.
With the truck following behind us, we meander our way through the night. My hand clenched on the throttle, I keep my place in the pack.
Eventually it’s time to leave our loud bikes. At the hastily arranged rendezvous, we meet up with a large police contingent, and another of feds—funny to think of them as brothers-in-arms tonight. I admit it gives me an uneasy feeling that for once we’re all on the same side. As my eyes watch Marc going to join her former colleagues, I also take in the various trucks and vans parked around, and notice medics talking together in quiet voices.
After a brief conversation, Drummer comes over. My brothers shift uneasily as they clearly recognise the man who’s accompanying him.
“Agent Haughton, you’ll probably remember.” Prez keeps his voice impassive as he introduces the man we all know. He’s the fed who set the club up for a fight he didn’t expect us to win. We’ve got no love for him.
“Your main job,” Haughton begins without hesitation, “is to concentrate on getting your man out. We’re going in heavy. The bidders won’t want to be taken, and the organisers will want to get away clear, but we do want some still alive to question. You hear me?”
There are various growls and nods. Far as I’m concerned, I want everyone involved in this disgusting trade dead. And if any of my brothers are in danger, I won’t give a fuck about leaving anyone breathing.
“We don’t know what we’re facing in there, but as soon as we find out where the kids are located, I want a group together to be part of that.” He turns to Drummer. “Okay if some of you join them?”
Drummer raises his chin, and with a last nod at us, Haughton walks away, joining the group of police next.
Now it’s Devil who approaches us and starts handing out earpieces, larger than Lady’s. I manage to hook it over my ear.
“I’ll be turning the receiver on and off and will be in control of what we’re transmitting. Don’t want Sean or Lady to be distracted by voices in their heads until we start giving them instructions. Got it?”
We indicate we do. Anything to keep our, and Grade A’s, man safe.
He goes back to the control truck, and a hush descends as the ear piece in my ear starts transmitting. Now I can hear what’s going on inside. It feels weird to hear voices in my head, but I can tell Lady’s already inside, and it sounds like Sean’s just entering. Lady’s been offered a glass of champagne which he readily accepts, and Sean’s polite enquiry about when the auction will get underway is answered, giving us vital information we need. The last of the guests are expected shortly, and they expect it to start within the hour.
Seth and Ryan dressed all in black, along with a few feds, are getting ready to leave. Devil gives them one final instruction and then sends them off to take out the guards as soon as the outer doors are closed and locked.
Blade offers me a cigarette. I’m tempted to take it, but with one look across to Marc, I shake my head. As he walks off, another brother approaches.
“I fuckin’ hate all this hanging around.”
“Me too, Tongue. Me too.”
“Just want to get on with it and get back to the compound. Promised Allie I’d show her a good time when I get back.”
“I bet you will.” I grin, knowing I’ll be relieving the stress of the night not in the arms of a sweet butt, but those of my old lady.
Beef’s shifting from one leg to another. Rock is surprisingly looking composed, until I see a tick at the corner of his eye. All of us impatient to get moving. Looking over at the other men milling around, the waiting doesn’t seem easy on anyone.
According to Sean’s voice in my ear, things are starting. I watch two black figures ease away from the group and start making their way to the building that’s still out of sight. Seth and Ryan are getting themselves into position.
Now I hear Devil’s order. As soon as the guards have been dealt with, we’ll have to move fast. We’ve already been over this. When the organisers lose radio contact with their men outside, they’ll become suspicious. Sean’s got the task of trying to locate the head of security and keep him occupied to give us more time. From the tinny conversation echoing in my head, he’s already managed that task.
Now after a few more moments of stomping our feet, shifting impatiently, wanting to get moving, we’re given the sign. I nod to Marc, who’s talking to one of her cop colleagues, hoping she’ll be sensible and stay safe, and back here, out of harm’s way.
Then acting on the information Sean’s managed to get and transmit to us, we divide into our groups and approach the three entrance points into the building. One at the rear close to where they’re keeping the children, and the prez has assigned myself, Blade, and Peg to go with the police and some feds with one instruction—get the kids out and away from the fighting and bring them back here to get whatever medical attention they might need.
I seem to be walking in slow motion, my brain racing at such a fast speed, mentally examining whatever could go wrong. My gun is in my hand as I move forward. No one speaks, everyone intent on the mission in hand.
The larger group, the remaining feds, police, and bikers will be taking the main entrances as soon as the auction begins. All wearing masks, they’re armed with tear gas ca
nnisters, hoping to take the bidders and ringleaders by surprise.
We’re in sight of the building now and crouch a little way back from the rear entrance. A couple of police come to the front, carrying a battering ram which will gain us entry. My free hand keeps opening and closing, ready for the fight.
Through my earpiece I hear from inside the noise starts to die down, the music is turned off, and an auctioneer can be heard from the stage.
“On my count.” Devil’s voice comes over clearly. Then, as he’s obviously switched Sean and Lady’s earpieces onto receive says, “We’re coming in five. As soon as we come in, cover your faces.”
On “Two” the police prepare, on “One” they’re swinging the battering ram. On “Go” the door has burst open, and we run inside. Blade signals to where we can hear high-pitched voices, even over the sounds of screaming, shouts and shots coming from the main room.
We rush into a room where there are a number of children, scantily clad, crying and looking so scared it breaks my heart. Two men guarding them are taken by surprise and are shot by the feds as they’re reaching for their guns.
“This way.” Two cops have gone to the children and have started corralling them together. “We’re rescuing you, understand?”
Cautious nods, one child is so disbelieving, he doesn’t move. The big cop picks him up and carries him, and now we’re outside.
A guard has been missed, or had been hiding. Whatever, he’s quick to raise his weapon and shoot before anyone can stop him. I fire a shot and he goes down. Glancing behind me, I see one of feds has fallen. I run to him quickly. He’s still alive. Knowing I have to get him out of here, I throw the fed over my shoulder in a fireman’s lift and then follow after the others and the children, their short legs slowing us down. The poor kids are screaming now as shots ring out into the night. Blade picks up one, Peg’s arms are around another, encouraging them away from the fight behind us and down to safety.
Our hearts in our mouths, we get them away. A quick count up shows our timing was perfect, before the auction commenced, which means they were still held together and we’ve got all of them out. Apart from the man I’m carrying, none of us seem injured unless we’re powered by adrenalin and can’t feel pain. Most of the fighting seems concentrated in the main arena where the auction was held, as bidders try to protect their identities and the organisers try to get away without being caught.
At last we’re back at the ambulances. Medics quickly take charge of the children and the injured man I’m carrying. As I give the fed over into their charge, his hand comes out and clasps mine. It’s a weak grip, but his eyes looking intently into mine, show me he’s thanking me. I nod and go off to find Marc.
She’s nowhere in sight. Fuck it. When Mouse raises his hands indicating she’s not with him, I just know she’s joined in with the other cops. I run around the front, feeling so fucking helpless, but Blade holds me back.
I try to fight him. “Marc’s inside,” I yell. “She’s fuckin’ gone in.” I struggle to get out of his hold. “I need to find her.”
“You’ve got no gas mask. She’s trained for these situations, Heart. Trust she knows what she’s doing.”
But all her knowledge and training won’t stop a bullet flying her way. Shit, she must have planned this from the beginning, to fight alongside her colleagues. I realise now she’s not one to back down. Fuckin’ stupid bitch. She can’t leave me. Not now she’s given me back the reason to live.
Blade’s not releasing me. All I can do is wait, hearing shots and screams in my ear, trying to analyse the voices, hoping to hear hers, but among all the shouting and shots I can’t distinguish her voice.
It seems like forever until people start to emerge. Cops, feds, and even bikers pushing men handcuffed in front of them. I see Drummer, Dollar, then Beef and Bullet. But no Marc. Then I see Mouse, Shooter, and even fucking Paladin and Road. One by one all my brothers emerge. Shooter’s got his hand around Rock, who seems to be limping. Knowing we didn’t all get away unscathed, I start to push forward.
Drummer grabs me by the shoulder. “It’s done, it’s over. Did you get the kids?” His voice sounds grim.
“Yeah, Prez, they’re all safe with the medics. But I’ve got to go in. Marc’s disappeared, she must be inside.”
“She is, but last I saw her, she’s fine. Let her do her job.”
“I can’t, Prez.” Blade’s grip has loosened, and I manage to push past him, but Peg’s quick to take his place, and now it’s him who holds me back.
“For fuck’s sake, Heart. It’s contained and controlled. She’ll be out in a minute…”
What the fuck is she doing?
But even before he finishes speaking, the most wonderful sight in the world comes into view. Marc’s emerging, her blond hair escaping from her bun and cascading around the mask she’s only just removing. Still held back, all I can do is wait until she comes up to me, my eyes examining her for any sign of injury.
As she draws closer, her shoulders are slumped, and she barely acknowledges me. Instead she’s looking at Drummer and shaking her head, wiping a tear from her eye. Even as I’m reaching for her, she takes my hand absentmindedly. Then she speaks the words I didn’t want to hear. “Tongue didn’t make it. I’m sorry, Drummer. I tried…”
As police lights come on illuminating the scene, I can see blood on her clothes.
“Are you hurt?” I ask sharply.
“It’s not mine,” she explains, her hand coming up to wipe her eyes, and again her attention goes back to Drummer. “I stayed with him, held his hand, but he slipped away.”
Conflicting thoughts run through my head—the pain of the loss of my brother, and anger that my woman had entered the fray, putting her life, and the life of my children in danger. I don’t know whether to kiss her or put her over my knee. In the end, I decide later I’ll do both.
My brothers are gathering around, all now hearing the news about Tongue. Fuck it. He didn’t deserve to lose his life. Tongue, who’s not now going to be ending the night fucking Allie. I shake my head, unable to believe I’ll never see my brother again.
“We need to get him out, Prez.” Blade’s eyes are wet, shining in the floodlights. I realised I’ve unashamedly got tears on my cheeks.
“Anyone else hurt?” Drum asks sharply, looking around, seeming to count us all up. It seems it’s only one of us that had taken a bullet tonight.
Shooter waves around, drawing our attention to who’s missing. “Rock took one in the leg. Beef was helping him down to the medics.”
Devil strolls up. He nods at us all, clearly making his own assessment, then shakes his head. “I’m sorry you lost a man.”
Prez lifts his chin. “What’s the count?”
“Just two on our side, a cop and your man. A few with minor injuries, nothing too serious. They weren’t expecting us so we had the element of surprise.” He pauses, then carries on. “The ringleaders are dead or rounded up.” His scar and his permanent scowl give him a furious look. “A good night’s work, all the kids are safe. Heart, hear you brought out a fed. Good work.”
I just nod at the recognition, and at last Marc draws close to my side, allowing me to put my arm around her. I allow myself to relax for the first time in hours.
“You okay, Detective Hannah? You took that man down hard.” A man steps up in police uniform. “Thought I was a goner until you stepped in.”
Fuck! “Marc?”
She puts her hand on my arm. “I’m fine, thank you, Lieutenant.”
“I want you checked out.” My voice is clipped.
She looks at me, then nods slowly. “I’m okay, Heart, but I will if the medics aren’t too busy.” She turns back to the cop. “And I’m not a detective. I was sacked, if you remember.”
The lieutenant stares at her. “You realise you made all this happen? That the kids are going home tonight is down to you. You’ll get a promotion for this. We need dedicated cops like you in the department.”
> But her features are set, determined. “That’s not what I want.” She snuggles closer. “Not anymore.”
He waits for a moment, then after telling her to contact him if she changes her mind, he walks away.
Then all we can do is wait until the body of my brother is brought out. No one wants to go and leave him behind. But as he fell alongside his cop brothers tonight, he’s being treated as reverently as though he was one of their own. We follow the stretcher and watch as he’s loaded into an ambulance and taken away into the night.
Only then do we go back to our bikes. Tongue and Rock’s are loaded onto the crash truck—being injured, Rock will be going back with the prospect and Marc. Rock had refused to go to the hospital, the bullet a through and through. We’ll get Doc to stitch him up at the club.
At last sorted, we make the sad journey back to the compound, keeping a space in our ranks, our brains still unable to register that one brother will never be riding with us again.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Marc…
“Well, I’m pleased to say all looks normal.” Doctor Cassidy nods to the ultrasound technician who starts to wheel the machine out of the room. We know the routine now. This is the third time we’ve been here.
“You’re over twelve weeks along now, and I’m pleased with what I’m seeing.” The doctor sits back and smiles. “Your notes, as you know, showed extensive scarring from the accident, and I wasn’t sure how that would affect you having a normal pregnancy. But from what I’ve seen today, your womb has been unaffected, and everything looks as it should be. The babies are growing and are exactly where they should be at this time.”
“That’s great news.” Heart glances at me. I’m still trying to take it in. I’d been convinced I’d lose the babies, even more worried after I’d had to take down a man in a fight, landing hard on the floor. It took awhile for Heart to stop being angry with me for that. As I remain speechless, it’s my man who continues talking for me. “Any idea of the sex?”
Satan's Devils MC Boxset 1 Page 186
