Love & Corruption: A Love & Ruin Standalone Novel

by J. A. Owenby

  “Mac.” Hendrix gently reminded her to be more sensitive with her words. But I was already used to her outbursts, and I adored her regardless of what flew out of her mouth. I couldn’t resist a chuckle.

  “I promise you guys I’ll share everything when I’m back. Right now, I have two bodyguards myself.”

  “That’s probably weird, huh?” Hendrix asked.

  “You have no idea. Listen, I hate to cut the call short, but I’ve got a meeting, and we just pulled up. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything, and please tell Franklin I’ll see him soon. I miss you all, and I appreciate you guys calling.”

  “You bet. See you soon,” Hendrix said, then disconnected the call. I flipped my phone over and over in my hand. With the loss of Dad, my life had turned upside down so fast, and I’d not had time to miss my friends. But I did miss them. A lot. I’d been with Hendrix and his family for a few years. It was almost impossible not to grow attached even though they started off as clients. Not to mention the small and intimate space of a tour bus forced us to grow closer. Mackenzie and Cade were proof of that.

  Jeffrey parked and shot me a look over his shoulder. “Are you sure about this?”

  I peered out the window, my pulse kicking up a notch. “Not really, but it has to be done. Sutton’s occupied and safe, and it’s as good a time as any to do it.” I released my seatbelt and stepped outside into the fresh air.

  “Sully, we’ll have to surrender our weapons when we go in. We’ll be fine, but do as they say.” I kicked at the gravel while I moved around the side of the car, placed my hands on my hips, and observed the place I used to call home.

  Chapter 26

  The bar appeared exactly like it had when I’d left Portland. From the parking lot, it looked like a gray wooden matchbox with no windows. It was also quiet outside, although the parking lot was filled with motorcycles.

  I squinted as we stepped inside, attempting to adjust to the darkness. “Trapped” by Caleb Steph blared over the speakers while two female strippers danced, gyrating against their individual poles. A blue hue spanned across the stage and lobby area from the strobe lights.

  A burly, dark-haired man in his fifties approached me and shoved the end of his pool stick into my chest. Jeffrey and Sully immediately stepped forward, and Sully removed the stick from me with a quick strike of his palm.

  “I’m not interested in any trouble.” I held up my hands and stopped my men from pounding the guy. Hell, I didn’t even want to be here.

  “Then you came to the wrong place,” he growled.

  “I’m looking for Lionel.”

  “Ain’t everyone?” He folded his arms across his barreled chest and rested them on top of his gut.

  Since he was so quick to introduce himself, I mentally nicknamed him Burly. “He’ll be interested in seeing me. Let him know Pierce Westbrook is here for him.”

  The guy snorted and eyed Jeffrey and Sully next to me.

  “Curly!”

  A bald, heavy-set, mean-looking motherfucker joined us. “This guy says Lionel will want to see him.”

  “Pierce Westbrook,” I added, my hands still in the air.

  “See what Lionel wants to do.” Burly kept his beady eyes trained on me.

  Curly stepped away, glaring at me the entire time. My attention returned to Burly, and I held my ground. The last thing I wanted was trouble, but I’d defend myself if necessary. Once Lionel knew I was here, the threat would be over. At least I hoped.

  “Who the hell is yanking my fucking chain?” A tall, slender man in his late fifties called from the back of the hall. He pulled on his gray and black streaked beard, his dark eyes assessing the situation while he sauntered toward us. He stopped cold, his mouth gaping open in astonishment. “Well, son of a bitch. Santa came early this year and brought me a gift.” A mischievous grin broke out over his face, and he slapped Burly on the shoulder. “He’s one of us, John Boy.”

  Aw, Burly had a real name.

  Lionel stood in front of me and grinned, flashing his crooked teeth at me. “I’ll be damned. Pierce Westbrook is all grown up. How the hell are ya?” He grabbed me for a big hug.

  I hugged him back. Although I’d wanted to remain under the radar and out of trouble, it was good to see him. He’d protected me while I was young, and no matter what, I’d always be grateful.

  “I’ve been better,” I said. “My dad passed away, so I’m in town.”

  Lionel shook his head and patted me on the back. “I’m sorry for your loss. I heard it was a beautiful funeral, too. Come on, let’s have a drink and catch up.”

  I hesitated and nodded behind me to Sully and Jeffrey. “They’re mine.”

  “All right. You know the rules.”

  “I do.” I indicated for my men to comply while we were searched and handed over our weapons. Even though I didn’t like not having my Glock with me, I knew I could take care of anything that came my way, including with these guys.

  We followed Lionel down a dimly lit hall and into his office. The room was almost as dark and dank as the hallway. A round table that easily sat six people filled the left side of the small space. His desk was in the corner with papers scattered across the top of it, and an overstocked bar was next to it. Lionel had always had his own stash of alcohol, drugs, and pills.

  “It’s been a long damned time. Other than losing your pa, how are you?” Lionel poured two shots of Jack Daniels. He handed one to me, tossed his back, refilled it, then sat down at the table. I joined him while Jeffrey and Sully remained standing.

  Lionel eyed them wearily.

  “It’s necessary these days. As you know, I’m not welcome around here.”

  “Shit is still the same, isn’t it?” Lionel asked.

  “Even after all this time, the grudges are intact.” I leaned back in my chair. “I’ll cut to the chase. I’m not looking for trouble, so please know my men and I didn’t show up here interested in a confrontation. You raised me, and you’ll always be family to me. I wanted to see how you were doing while I was in town.”

  His low chuckle filled the room. “It’s good to see you, son. From what I hear you’ve done well for yourself after the Marines and working for your pa. And now I assume you own the company.”

  I nodded. It didn’t surprise me that Lionel knew any of it. He had connections everywhere. Gossip and information flowed to him like a river did to the sea.

  “How’s it been seeing your girl again?” Lionel brushed his fingers through his beard and took a drink of his whiskey.

  “It’s been … interesting. We’ve talked a few things through, and at the moment, she’s my client.”

  “Makes sense. The minute the news reported the girls missing, I figured she’d reach out to your pa since he was someone she trusted and was familiar with. Bet you were in for a big surprise when you found out about Claire.”

  “When I left, I purposefully stayed out of the loop, so it was a shock when Sutton told me. I’d not even been in Portland twenty-four hours when Sutton knocked on my door and told me I was her next case.”

  Lionel tossed his head back and gave a deep throaty laugh.

  “She’s a good kid. She had a tough time after you left, but overall, she’s done well for herself.”

  “Thank you,” I said, keeping eye contact. “For protecting her and Mom.”

  “I gave you my word. We always watch out for our own. Even though you didn’t stick around, you’re one of us.”

  “You kept me off the street and alive. Between you and Da Shifu … Mom tried her best, but when you’re working two jobs seven days a week, it’s tough keeping up with an ornery kid.”

  “Somebody had to do it. Gotta belong to one of the gangs if you want to stay alive. So, what do you need?” Lionel asked.

  A smile pulled at the corner of my mouth. Lionel knew damned well my visit had multiple purposes.

  “I’m here to see what you know about the disappearance of Sutton’s sister,” I confessed. “But you prob
ably already realized that.”

  “I figured. When I heard you were in town, if you stayed for long, I expected you to show up.”

  “And here I am.”

  A pause lingered between us as Lionel gave me another once over.

  “You and Sutton patch things up after all this time?”

  “We’re working on it.”

  “Good. You two shouldn’t have ever been apart in the first place, but if anyone understands … I do. Life can get in the way.”

  “It certainly can take a sharp turn,” I agreed, thinking about the last time I’d seen Lionel or the club. I’d not planned for it to be my last, but the next day I left Oregon. A pang of regret overwhelmed me, but I’d expected nothing less when I arrived here today. “How’s the family? Are your boys old enough to understand what your job is?”

  “Both kids are in high school and have girlfriends.” Lionel flashed a proud smile at me. “Julie’s good as always. Loyal to me and the club. She’s earned a lot of respect here.”

  “Please tell her hello for me.” I rested my hands, palms down, and rubbed them on my legs. “Do you know what’s going on and who’s behind the girls being taken?” If anyone had the inside scoop, it would be him. A glimmer of hope rose up inside me with the idea I’d learn something new.

  “Depends.” Lionel placed his glass down. “Who’s asking?”

  “I am. I’ll tell you the information I have if that will help.”

  “Go for it.” Lionel propped his elbows on the table and stared a hole into me. Lionel was a scrawny guy, but he was tough as hell. He’d easily put the fear of the devil into men twice his size.

  “I have a source who mentioned Saul and the Sons of Chaos are behind a trafficking ring here in Portland. Apparently, a history professor at the college was threatened into helping them. They wanted some students, including Claire, or they’d hurt his family. Since he was familiar with the Shanghai Tunnels, he was instructed to move the girls through there to a meeting spot where they would be shipped overseas to be sold. I don’t know who helped him or how he did it, but he’s gone now. And so are his wife and children.” I had no intention of telling Lionel I had multiple sources. I didn’t think he’d be keen on the idea that I was working with Brian in the FBI.

  “Sounds about right. Well, most of it, anyway.”

  My eyes narrowed. “Which part doesn’t sound right?”

  “Who’s behind it. But keep going, then I’ll set the record straight. Just remember, you didn’t hear it from me.”

  “I’m still loyal to you, Lionel.” I leaned toward him, my tone full of sincerity.

  “What else do you have?” he asked, swirling his liquor around in his tumbler.

  “One of the girls showed up dead from a heroin overdose. Her body was found by the Willamette River.”

  “Hmm, didn’t hear about that one.”

  I held his gaze. “What do you know?” The MC was recognized for their loyalty to their members. They wouldn’t even hesitate to kill for each other if someone crossed them. Then they were your worst enemy. I hoped he meant what he said about being one of them. If so, he’d be my best asset.

  Lionel shot me a huge grin. “You remember when the Cobra Bastards started trouble? If I recall, you were about sixteen. They came after one of our men and his family.” Lionel snickered. “We blew up an entire block and took out their homes and families in one blast. After that, they no longer bought houses next to each other, and they didn’t cross us again. We’ve left each other alone, but I’d be willing to tangle with them again.”

  “I remember when all of that happened.” I inwardly cringed. Although it was the way it was handled, I didn’t like it. There were innocent people involved on both sides.

  “It sent a message to everyone who had ever considered fucking with us, that’s for sure. But you were under that protection, too.” Lionel stood and drained his glass. “You’re still under that security if you want it.”

  “Wait, are you saying what I think you are?” My heart hammered against my chest while I put all the pieces together. “The Cobra Bastards are behind the human trafficking? Jaci Hernandez is the head of that gang now.”

  He nodded and sauntered over to the bar and refilled his glass.

  “You say the word, Pierce, and I’m in.”

  Lionel was offering his help. It was more than I’d hoped for, but doing business with him again could be tricky.

  Lionel paused. “You’re a powerful man with lots of resources now. I can help you with information and Jaci, but I’ll need something in return.”

  This was where things had the potential to take a dark turn, but it would be worth it if I could get Claire back safely.

  “What do you need?” I asked, metaphorically dipping my toe into the water.

  Lionel sat back down at the table and propped his black army boots on top of it. He took a sip of his drink, peering at me over the rim.

  “I don’t need anything now, but I’d be happy to call in a favor down the road.”

  A small smile pulled at the corner of my mouth. “In other words, I owe you.”

  Lionel had always been a patient man, plotting and waiting for the exact moment to seek revenge or call in what was owed to him. He’d own me for a while, but if he knew how to help get those girls home. It would be worth it …

  “You help me get Claire back safely, and I’ll owe you. But … I run a highly successful and well-known company, so this is off the books. Whatever I need to help you with stays between us, and you have one year to collect the debt. Especially since I’m taking a guess it won’t be legal.”

  “Taught you well, son.” He paused and collected his thoughts. “I’ve hated that punk Jaci for a long time now, so this is definitely going to be fun.” Lionel gave me a crooked grin. “The whole Sons of Chaos being responsible for the human trafficking is just a made-up story for the FBI’s benefit … it sent them down a rabbit hole.”

  “Wait, so Saul and the Sons of Chaos don’t have anything to do with it, and Jaci and his gang are acting alone?”

  “Almost. From what I understand, Saul had warned his nephew to stop dating Claire, and when he didn’t … Saul arranged for her to be removed from the picture. He viewed her as an untrustworthy liability. So in that way, he’s involved, but he doesn’t run the trafficking ring or anything else. His money is in weapons, not women.”

  “How long has Jaci been kidnapping and selling girls?” My jaw clenched. If I’d stayed in Portland, I could have stopped this from ever happening.

  “Jaci took over a few years after you left. At first, there were just rumors, but after another year or so the news heated up. He had to be careful not to move too many at once, or it would raise suspicion. But the motherfucker is smart and started to make nice with some other gangs, bought off multiple cops and politicians, and expanded his network. It didn’t take long before they had several people in different states working together, including kidnappers and smuggling routes. The whole damned operation was a finely oiled machine.”

  “The Shanghai Tunnels have been in repair for a while. Seems as though they’re now able to use at least parts of it. And don’t they have security? Never mind, Jaci bought them off, didn’t he?”

  “Yup.”

  Although I wanted to ask why Lionel never stepped in, I knew why. Gangs didn’t normally cross each other. And if they did, as Lionel just reminded me, entire city blocks were blown up. People died whether they were guilty or not.

  “Why now?” I asked him. “Why are you willing to cross Jaci after all this time?” Lionel never made a move without it serving him as well.

  “I do a lot of illegal things, but I ain’t never been a man to make a slave out of anyone, much less a young girl. Shit’s not right. It needs to be stopped. But it’s different now, Pierce. He took one of your family members. I know you and Sutton aren’t married, but I’m guessing that’s only a matter of time. Sutton has been mine to watch, too. That made this personal
on multiple levels.”

  I nodded. “All right. Let’s do this.” I stood and extended my hand.

  “Welcome home, son.” Lionel shook my hand in return. “Let’s go on out and I’ll introduce you around. They need to know we’re working together so you can come and go as you please.”

  “Thanks.”

  A part of me vibrated with raw energy at the mere idea of fucking with Jaci. The other part? I’d just been handed the key into a dark, sinister world, and I’d accepted it.

  Chapter 27

  The ride home had been helpful. It had provided me a few minutes to mull over all the information Lionel had shared. Bottom line: Jaci Hernandez and the Cobra Bastards were running the trafficking ring, and Saul had tossed Claire into the mix to get rid of her. Not to mention I’d connected with an old ally who would prove fruitful and tricky. At some point, Lionel would call in his favor, and I’d have to be ready. But for now, I couldn’t concern myself with what might happen down the road.

  Sully and Jeffrey remained quiet as they escorted me to the penthouse.

  “I’ve really got to talk to Pierce about the job, too,” Sutton said to Redd as I stepped into the entrance.

  “Talk to me about what?” I asked.

  Sutton visibly jumped in her seat. “You're home.” Apparently it made her happy, and she was unable to hide her huge smile.

  I walked in front of her, extended my hand, and pulled her out of the chair and against me in a quick motion.

  “How was your day?” I leaned down and kissed her.

  “Better now,” she whispered, melting into me. “But we need to talk.” She batted her eyelashes at me for good measure.

  How I thought I was ever over this woman was a mystery. With one look she could reduce me to an idiotic romantic.

  “Let’s go to my office,” I said and took her hand.

  I cleared my throat and ushered Sutton into the room and closed the door behind us. In one quick move, I whirled around and backed her up against the wall.

  “I’ve missed you.” I peered down at her, my desire for her evident through my jeans. My fingers laced through hers, and I slowly moved her arms above her head. I brushed my lips against hers. This. Her. It’s what I’d needed all day long.