LYRIC (Aces MC Series Book 6.5)

by Aimee-Louise Foster

  He casually joined me. "Well done, you just saved that little girl's life."

  "Yeah but for how long?" he replied bluntly. I looked at him confused. "She just said that they would kill her."

  We didn't speak as we left the train station. Police officers and paramedics rushed past us heading up the platform in the direction of the little girl. We needed to put some distance between us before Jayden was stopped for questioning.

  It wasn't until I left the train station that I addressed Jayden's earlier comment. "We'll just have to make sure that we get to the Dyers before they can harm anyone else."

  Jayden nodded. I hoped that our plan would come together because I didn't have a plan B. I was just assuming that their drugs were worth more to them than Kate, otherwise this whole operation would be a waste of time.

  "Have you messaged for pick up?" I asked Jayden as we strolled towards the pickup point outside the train station.

  "Fallon is already waiting for us." Jayden pointed to Fallon sitting in her Mercedes, shades on looking fine as always.

  I nodded and strolled towards the vehicle.

  "Good afternoon, I understand that you would like a ride home." She stated as I leaned on the car.

  "Shotgun!" Jayden shouted as he ran around the car and got into the front to sit beside Fallon excitedly. I rolled my eyes as she sniggered at his excitement.

  "Looks like you're sitting in the back Duke."

  "Looks like I am." I opened the passenger door and sat behind Fallon.

  "So where we going?" she asked pulling out into the road at a steady speed.

  "Head home, I'll give you directions along the way but first, Jay is buying me something to eat."

  Jayden turned with his mouth wide open, mimicking shock.

  Three hours later, we pulled up outside the safe house. The anxious feeling I had earlier was still there although now I had a belly full of food making me feel sick.

  I paced the barn, back and forth waiting for our last hangaround to return. Ross was keen and I hadn't expected any issues to occur as we were dealing with kids but anything could have happened. Children fearing for their lives could easily act immoral, knowing that the consequences of losing these packages could mean death.

  A loud bang on the barn door pulled me from my thoughts and I halted, nodding for Buster to open the door.

  Ross stepped in and threw a large rucksack onto the ground. "Fuck me that was hard work."

  "Problems?" I asked hoping that no one had followed him.

  He nodded, she didn't want to let it go. Put up a fight but I had to give her a slap in the end."

  I shrugged, "We knew that it wasn't going to be easy."

  "Ours tried to jump in front of a train." Jayden said casually getting the full attention from the other guys.

  Billy let out a low whistle. "The Dyers certainly have a hold on these kids."

  I nodded, "That's for sure." I turned my attention to Recon. "How's it looking?" I asked referring to the drugs we had accumulated.

  Recon unzipped the last bag, counting our prize before returning his attention to me. "Without weighing I'd say we have around 7 kilo's."

  "Well I'd say that's got to be worth more to them than Kate. The Dyers will know by now that their drugs have been taken. The kids probably called them straight away if I'm honest." I placed my hands on my hips and glanced around the barn.

  "Not if these are anything to go by." Recon stood and handed me five mobile phones. I looked at him blankly not understanding where he had got these. "They're all from the bags."

  "Trackers?"

  Recon shook his head, "No, they're burner phones."

  "Well either way, I've gotta call Tyrese or Fazer to arrange a swap." My heart raced. I knew that the Dyers would want blood but I couldn't put any of my men at risk.

  "Fazer, it's Duke." I greeted him putting the phone on loud speaker so the guys could hear the conversation.

  "I've been waiting for you call." He answered surprisingly calm.

  I chuckled, trying to play down my nervousness. "Good news obviously travels quickly."

  "What do you want?"

  "The girl."

  "No way, there's no deal."

  "That's fine then. I'll find a buyer for the packages, I may even take them back to your supplier and explain that your little operation isn't running quite as it should." I played it cool, he had too much to lose to not take me up on my offer.

  "They'd probably shoot you for messing with their couriers." He tried to be bold but I heard a wavering in his voice.

  "Or they may just thank me for bringing it to their attention. Are you prepared to take the risk?"

  There was a short pause before he replied. "I can't give you the girl, what else can I offer?"

  Why couldn't he give me Kate? What did he want with her?

  "It's either Kate or there's no deal. Up to you Fazer but the clock's ticking." Recon drew his brows not understanding Fazer's response.

  "Why do you want the girl so badly?" His line of questioning threw me but I could've asked him exactly the same question. I couldn't let him know that I thought she was my sister so I decided to blag it.

  "Lyric has a thing for her." I blurted.

  "So you'd go to all this trouble because a member of your club likes my bitch?" he responded coldly.

  "I know it's hard for you to comprehend but it's the truth."

  "I call bullshit. Stop trying to play me Duke because you may not like the consequences." Fazer's tone had changed and I sensed his annoyance.

  "I don't think that you are in any situation to be trying to play hard ball with me Fazer. The girl for the packages, that's the only deal that I'm interested in." Again there was a pause like he was contemplating my response or checking with a third party.

  "You leave me no choice." He stated quietly.

  I sighed with relief. "That's great, send your courier to Aspell's fishing lake and then I'll send on more directions. Once I have Kate, they can have the last directions."

  "And why should I believe you?"

  "Because I am a man of my word and from where I'm standing, you don't have much choice." My heart raced knowing that I would finally get to see Kate.

  "Where do you want the girl delivered?"

  "Bring her with you to the car park in High Beach by Hang Man Hill."

  Fazer hung up. I looked at Diesel wanting some feedback.

  "Are you doing a straight swap?"

  I twisted my lip as I thought of what to do next. "I don't know yet but I'm holding on to these just in case things go tits up." Diesel nodded as I picked up the mobiles from the ground. There would be a variety of different information on them that could be used against the Dyers. I wanted to keep them as a guarantee.

  "Right, all go back to the clubhouse. You've all done your part this evening and the drinks are on me."

  The guys smiled and left the barn. Spirits were high but I knew I needed to be prepared for the worse. The Dyers wouldn't allow us to get away with this easily.

  I had decided to meet the Dyers with Recon, Diesel and TUGS as back up. I needed the rest of the guys at the clubhouse and at our other premises protecting them as they were vulnerable this evening.

  I glanced at the guys beside me, "You all ready for this?"

  There was no hesitation with their replies and I was pleased that they were members of my club.

  Recon got into the driver's seat of the 4x4 and we piled in. I quickly leaned into the rear of the vehicle to pass TUGS the phones in case we needed them later. "Keep hold of these for me."

  TUGS didn't ask any questions and placed them inside his jacket for safe keeping.

  The fifteen minute journey was driven in silence and that's how I liked it as I mentally prepared myself. I went over the plan making sure that I had covered everything. Woods was currently hidden in the long undergrowth with a clear view of the car park with Justice. I needed them to be my eyes and ears, they were also there for back up shoul
d we need them.

  I messaged various people on the journey to High Beach, making sure everything was in order. We couldn't afford to cock up especially with so much at stake.

  They are here! Woods messaged, informing me of the Dyer's arrival

  Has he got Kate? I asked hopeful.

  There's a woman in the car but I can't be sure if it's her

  Justice knew her as a young girl but was struggling to identify her.

  I think she's cuffed

  The dirty bastard was playing games. I hoped that I hadn't given him enough time to organise an ambush but anything was possible.

  We pulled into the car park. I had instructed that all toys were left behind. Recon thought I was mad but we needed to outwit the Dyers, not out gun them. We were better than that.

  We were stationary but Recon kept the engine running. He was expecting the worst and wanted to be prepared should we need a quick getaway.

  Fazer was first to leave his car. The side door of his vehicle was already wide open so we could see Kate sitting inside, paraded like a trophy. My heart lurched as I recognised her. A million questions rushed through my head but I knew I had to remain focussed.

  I watched through the windscreen as Fazer made his way towards the back of the car where Kate was sitting. He forcefully grabbed her bound wrists and pulled her to her feet. My stomach lurched but I kept my cool. As she walked hesitantly beside him, Fazer raised his other hand and placed a glock at the back of her head.

  "He's got a gun at her fucking head Duke. What are we going to use to protect her? Harsh language!" I heard Recon's frustration but he needed to trust me.

  I opened the car door and stepped from the vehicle. "Good evening," I stated calmly as I strolled towards him.

  Fazer stopped and glanced around his surroundings. "So where are the packages at?"

  "Hand over Kate first and then I'll give you directions." I kept my composure but I was concerned for her safety.

  Fazer glanced at Kate and then at me with a smirk. "How long has it been since you've seen each other?" He was trying to goad me but I wasn't biting. "She couldn't wait to leave the family home. Practically begged me to take her in and look after her because she was neglected."

  I glanced at Kate and she quickly looked towards the ground.

  "Who'd have thought that she was only 5 miles down the road keeping my bed warm!" He continued to hold the gun at her head but I kept my cool. His words were used to provoke me but I was wise to his mind games.

  "Are we doing this deal or not?" I asked calmly.

  "All in good time Duke, I wanted to be part of this big reunion." He grinned.

  "That's fine, have it your way Fazer." I turned on my heels and strolled towards my vehicle. I noticed Recon's confused expression but I needed to act like it didn't matter either way.

  "Okay Duke you've proved your point." I immediately stopped walking and turned to gaze at him.

  "I was just messing around and having some fun." Fazer knew that if he pushed me too far then this could all be over.

  "Let her go!" I ordered with command.

  He loosened the grip on her cuffs slightly. "She doesn't leave my sight until we've picked up the packages."

  I nodded and he allowed Kate to step closer. She slowly looked up and smiled as she made her way across the car park to stand beside me, where she belonged.

  "Where are my packages?" Fazer asked. His tone had changed as he was now on the back foot although he still had his gun pointed towards me.

  "Two miles up that road. You'll see a turning on your right that leads to a barn. They are all in there."

  He nodded at two members of the Dyers who were listening from their vehicles and they took off in the direction of the barn.

  "You think you're so big and clever doing this but I think you've forgotten who you're dealing with."

  I shrugged, "No, I think you've forgotten that all I want is a a quiet life Fazer."

  "That could be arranged." A few guys from the nearest vehicle laughed at his comment.

  He was only powerful because of the amount of people he had behind him. The difference was that anyone of them would stab him in the back given half the chance to take his crown.

  "They've loaded the packages." Someone shouted from the vehicle parked beside Fazer's.

  He smiled, "You see, the thing is Duke, I can't really allow Kate to go."

  Kate stepped back clearly afraid. "And why's that?" I asked calmly.

  "She's very valuable and if I let her go, then I'm going to be in a whole lot of trouble." Fazer had returned to his earlier cocky self.

  "With who?" I asked now intrigued. Who would want my sister and why?

  "Well that would be telling so I'll tell you what you're going to do. You're going to let your sister come here and get into my car without a fuss." He held the glock with two hands to steady himself and positioned it to look through the rear sight.

  Several members of the Dyers exited their vehicles and stood beside him holding various weapons.

  I heard my name being called from the vehicle behind me and held my hand out trying to calm Recon as I knew he'd be going crazy but I needed him to trust me.

  "And what if I say no?" I replied.

  Fazer laughed, "You don't really have much of a choice because I have the packages and you have several guns pointing at your..."

  There was a loud bang and I stepped back covering my ears. As I opened my eyes, I looked directly in front of me to see Fazer lying on the ground with a large flesh wound to the side of his head.

  Tyreese calmly placed his glock into the waistband of his joggers and glanced in my direction.

  "We're done here, no repercussions and our paths do not need to cross again. I'll keep my side of the bargain and see what I can do for Adie."

  I nodded and stepped back to wrap my arm around Kate's shoulder. She was cold and obviously tense but that was understandable after all that she had been through.

  I waited for the Dyers to get into their vehicles and drive off before I turned towards her. I scooped Kate into my arms and held her, not saying a word just holding her close. I placed a simple hand on the back of her head, not wanting to let her go through fear of not seeing her again.

  I heard the guys exit the vehicle and walk towards me.

  "What the fuck was all that about Duke?" I turned my head to face Recon but didn't let Kate go.

  "I did a deal with Tyreese, he was power hungry and I knew he'd go for it."

  On our journey over here, I took the chance to contact Tyreese. It was a risk and I wasn't sure if he would see it through but thankfully he did.

  "So what we going to do with that?" TUGS pointed to Fazer lying on the ground.

  "Let nature deal with him, he doesn't deserve a burial." He had robed me of my sister for years, I wouldn't lose any sleep knowing he was dead.

  Kate wriggled from my hold and held her hands up high, requesting for someone to cut her free.

  Recon removed a large knife from its sleeve attached to his belt. I raised my brows as he stepped forward and cut through the tape that held her wrists together.

  "I thought I said no toys!" I said sternly.

  He shrugged, "I needed something Duke."

  "I had a deal with Tyreese that we wouldn't bring any weapons." I folded my arms and rocked back and forth waiting for a response.

  "Well this wouldn't have protected you if a bullet flew towards your head so I'll say we're cool on that definition."

  I shook my head with humour. "Come on let's get you home." Kate's eyes widened but she didn't say anything and followed me towards the Jeep.

  I sat in the front wanting to give her the space needed. She had a lot going on and I just wanted her to be comfortable and not hound her although I had many questions that I wanted answered.

  As we pulled up at the clubhouse, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed that Kate looked happy enough. She must have had a lot going on inside her head but being stuck in
the back with TUGS and Diesel had lightened the mood as she had laughed at some of their conversations on the journey to Waltham Abbey.

  As soon as the vehicle had stopped, Lyric, Amy and Poppy rushed outside with some of the other club members.

  I exited the vehicle along with the guys and Kate. Lyric hobbled across the yard holding his stomach but I saw that he was eager to see her.

  "Are you okay?" he asked tenderly. This was a different side of Lyric that I hadn't seen before. He wasn't talking like a cock for a change and had a tenderness in his voice.

  Kate allowed Lyric to place his arm around her waist and hold her tightly as she snuggled into his chest. They obviously had a connection and cared about each other. I didn't like the fact that they looked to be an item but at this stage I could only thank him for bringing her home.

  "How you doing?" Amy asked as she joined me in the yard.

  "Have you seen these two?" I asked pointing towards Kate and Lyric.

  Amy smiled, "I think it's sweet."

  "You would!" Recon rolled his eyes and strolled in the direction of the clubhouse.

  "What crawled up his arse?" she asked watching him cross the yard.

  I shrugged, "I suppose it's my fault. I stopped him from hurting people."

  TUGS laughed as he joined us. "Does he enjoy hurting people then?"

  Amy raised her brows, "He has his moments."

  "Is Vics around? I really need to speak to her." TUGS had been beside himself. Since being released from the nick, he had tried several times to get hold of her but to no avail.

  Amy looked sheepish. "It's a little complicated Dave. She had a lot going on and the pressure from her dad and you being arrested, sort of got to her."

  "What do you mean got to her? Has she gone?" I saw the hurt on TUGS' face as Amy nodded.

  "Just give her a call, I'm sure you can talk her around." Amy placed her hand briefly onto TUGS' lower arm, trying to reassure him before she left us to it.

  "I don't get women Duke."

  I chuckled. "If you did, you'd be the only man in the world that did mate."

  "I really thought she was in to me."

  I saw the frustration but couldn't offer him anything more than kind words. They seemed compatible and I would miss having her around because the clubhouse hadn't ever looked so clean and tidy.