by Marie, Kay
“I need to get back to the clubhouse and talk to Bull,” I tell him. “We have a Cartel problem.”
“Shade, what does TJ have to do with the Cartel,” Wren asks.
“TJ looks identical to the Capo,” I tell her.
“What’s that?”
“The Capo is the head of the Cartel,” Sketch says. “And as far as we knew, he had no children. The fucker has never been married.”
“So, TJ is what? A love child,” Wren questions.
“Looks like it. Who knows how long Torres has been keeping him a secret,” I say.
“Wren,” Zack calls from the front door. He’s standing there with his arms crossed over his chest.
“I’ll be right there,” she says over her shoulder to him. Looking back to me, she gives me a sorrowful look. “Keep me updated, please.”
“I will,” I promise. She jogs up the stairs toward Zack. He lets her pass him and shoots us glares before going inside.
“I don’t like that asshole,” Sketch says.
“Me either,” I agree.
“Do you think he told you everything?”
“Probably not, but we’ll cross that bridge later,” I tell him. “I’ll call you after I talk to Bull.”
“I’ll be here,” he says.
When I get back to the clubhouse, I head straight for Bull’s office. I knock on the door and wait a beat.
“Come in,” Bull shouts.
“Torres has a kid,” I tell him.
“Tech updated me. He’s digging into whatever information he can get on Torres and the kid,” he says.
“The kid’s name is TJ. At least, that’s what he’s been going by with Wren and her boyfriend,” I inform him. “And he has Sienna.”
“Have you claimed her as your Ol’ Lady?”
“No, but I will if that’s what it takes for us to hunt this asshole down and get her back,” I admit. “I wanted her and I to work things out with Wren before talking to her about it, but now that’s too late.”
“You’re not gonna like this, but I’m calling Church for first thing in the morning,” Bull tells me. I clench my jaw so I don’t say something I’ll regret. “Tech is gonna work all night to get any information we need to track her down. We’ll need that information in Church.”
“I understand, Prez. Thank you.” I stand from my chair, turning to walk out of the room.
“Shade,” he calls, stopping me in my tracks. “We will get her back.”
I head to my room, not wanting to face anyone and not wanting to go back to the house. She has stayed with me for almost two weeks and has her things all over my room. On top of that, my bed smells like her and I can’t handle that right now. I shoot Sketch a text.
To Sketch: Church first thing in the morning. You should be here.
I toss my phone on the side table and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
24
Sienna
I startle awake, sitting upright quickly. I glance around the room and calm down a fraction. I run through the events of the day in my head. TJ lured me to the mall, kidnapped me, and brought me practically to Mexico, but why? On top of kidnapping me, he drugged me. I would imagine he did that so I wouldn’t know exactly where he brought me. The bedroom door opens and I turn to see who it is.
“Hermosa, you’re awake,” TJ says. “How are you feeling?”
“Hungry, but better,” I tell him honestly.
“Good. Rosa made us some dinner. Why don’t you come eat,” he offers.
I nod my head and climb off the bed. TJ holds his hand out to me. I hesitate but end up taking it. I have a feeling it will be beneficial not to piss him off. Walking into the kitchen, my nose is assaulted by spices. My stomach growls at the smell.
“What did she make,” I ask TJ, not seeing Rosa anywhere in the kitchen.
“Chicken enchiladas, some rice, and avocado tomato salad,” he tells me.
“It smells amazing.”
“Sit,” he orders. “I’ll make you a plate.”
I sit at the table and wait while he puts a plate together for me. After a few minutes, he brings a plate over, then goes to the fridge for a couple bottles of water for both of us.
“Go ahead and eat, hermosa,” he tells me as he walks back to the counter to make his own plate.
“This is amazing,” I announce after I’ve tried a bite of everything. TJ smiles at me as he sits and starts eating. We don’t talk the rest of the time we eat. When we’re both done, TJ takes me back to the room I woke up in.
“You can watch cable or Netflix. There’s an attached bathroom with a shower and the closet has clothes that should fit you,” he explains to me. “Make yourself comfortable, but don’t even think of trying to run. This place is surrounded by men with guns and they won’t let you get far. That I can promise you.”
TJ shuts the door, leaving me to myself. I check out the closet. It’s a walk-in and it’s full of clothes. I can’t help but wonder if they belong to someone else or if he bought them in preparation for bringing me here. Either way, it’s fucking weird. I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the black screen of the TV. I glance at the clock on the side table. It’s a quarter to seven. Shade and Cali have to know something’s up by now.
I walk back into the closet and look for some loungewear. I finally find some sweats and a cami and quickly change into them. Climbing into the bed and under the covers, I turn the TV on and scroll through Netflix. I look for something that will take my mind off this crazy situation I’m in.
* * *
The next morning, I wake up feeling like death. Since TJ drugged me, I wasn’t tired until late, and when I finally fell asleep, I tossed and turned and woke up a hundred times. I’m used to having full nights of uninterrupted sleep. Even more so since I’ve been staying with Shade. The best sleep I’ve ever gotten has been with him. That both terrifies and comforts me.
I climb out of bed and head to the bathroom to take a hot shower. I could really go for one of my earthy bath bombs right now. With the threat of men with guns guarding the house, I won’t bother asking TJ if I can go for a run. It wouldn’t have the relaxing effect knowing so many eyes would be watching me. I spend longer than needed in the shower, letting the hot water hit my neck and shoulders.
I turn off the water and grab a towel, drying my hair as best I can first. I dry my body off and wrap the towel around myself before leaving the bathroom.
“Buenas dias, hermosa,” TJ says as I walk out of the bathroom. I damn near jump out of my skin at the sound of his voice. He stands from the bed only to come stand within inches of me. He lifts a hand cupping my face. I tense at his touch. “Dress and come down to the kitchen. Rosa made breakfast.”
He kisses my forehead and leaves the room. I sink to the floor, inhaling a couple of deep breaths. I give myself a moment before I pull myself together and get dressed. I dress in some capri yoga pants and a bleach stained rock and roll t-shirt with side slits. As I walk down the stairs, the smell of coffee becomes my motivation to keep going. After a rough night of no sleep, I could use a large cup of joe.
“Buenas dias, niña,” Rosa says to me as I walk into the kitchen.
“Good morning, Rosa.” I give her a small smile. TJ is sitting at the table, drinking a cup of coffee and reading a newspaper.
“I had Rosa pick up some coffee creamer,” he tells me without looking up from the newspaper. “It’s in the fridge.”
I silently thank whatever greater being there is for TJ thinking of coffee creamer. I make my own cup, putting plenty of creamer in it. Rosa is putting together a couple of plates, so I take my coffee and sit next to TJ at the table.
“How did you sleep?” His eyes lift from the paper to mine.
“Not the greatest,” I tell him honestly.
“Was the bed comfy enough?”
“The bed and room are great,” I admit. “I think it was from sleeping so much during the day.”
“Ah, yes. I’m sorry about
that. It won’t happen again,” he says. Rosa brings our food to the table and walks away. Breakfast burritos. “I didn’t know if you would want to add anything to your burrito, so I just had Rosa put out different options.”
“Thank you,” I reply. There’s salsa, cheese, and sour cream sitting in the middle of the table. I grab the cheese and salsa and add them to my burrito. Like dinner the night before, we eat in silence. The front door opens and in walks a man who looks just like TJ, only older.
“Es esta ella?” The man is looking at me, but talking to TJ. The look in his eye fills me with dread.
25
Shade
The next morning, I drag myself out of bed and head straight for the kitchen to make coffee. I slept for maybe three hours all night. If TJ really is Torres’s son, who knows what he could have done with her in the short time he’s had her already. Church isn’t for another hour and I’m going to be antsy as fuck by the time it rolls around. I head outside to get some fresh air. When I walk out there, Rascal is sitting at one of the picnic tables.
“What the fuck are you doing up so early,” I ask him.
“I could ask you the same thing,” he replies.
“I couldn’t sleep. Figured I should just get up,” I say, sitting across from him.
“Why don’t you take a hit of this.” He hands me a joint and a lighter. I gladly take it from him and take a long drag off it. “You know we’re gonna get her back, right?”
“I know, but it’s been eighteen hours already. He could have taken her out of the state or even the country by now,” I tell him. His face drops. I take one more drag before handing it back to him. “I’m only trying to think realistically.”
The relaxation from the weed courses through my body. It puts my mind at ease for the time being. We sit in silence for what feels like hours. After some time, Sketch walks out of the clubhouse.
“Church in ten, fuckers,” he says to us. Rascal nods his head.
“I’m gonna get a refill on my coffee.” I stand from the table and walk inside. I walk past Cali and Minx at the bar and go straight for the kitchen. I refill my cup, adding some sugar to it and lean against the counter. If anything bad happens to Sienna, I don’t know what I’ll do. I dig my palms into my eyes, rubbing them. I inhale a deep breath, slowly letting it out and head to the room where we have Church. I toss my phone in the basket before walking in. Then find my seat and wait for everyone else to show up.
Bull and Tech are the last two to walk in. Tech gets set up on his computer in the corner and Bull takes his seat at the head of the table. Bull nods to Rascal, signaling for him to close the doors. Once Rascal sits, Bull starts to talk.
“It has come to our attention that Torres has a son. We think this son of his has been in the Austin area for at least six months. Tech was able to find out some info on him,” Bull says to the room. He nods his head to Tech.
“His name Travis Peterson, but he goes by TJ. From what I can find on him, his mom was just some chick Torres was banging whenever he was in the same city as her. It looks like she passed away about three years ago. I’m guessing that’s around the time TJ and Torres were reunited,” Tech explains. “TJ was smart and ditched both Sienna and Wren’s cell phones, but thanks to Wren, we have TJ number that he’s used to keep in contact with Wren’s boyfriend. I tried to track his phone and the last ping I got was in Cotulla.”
“Cotulla is about an hour away from Laredo, which is right there on the Mexican border,” Bull informs us. “It’s been said Torres has a house outside the Laredo city limits. He keeps it heavily guarded.”
“Ain’t that like four hours from here? We could easily drive out there and raid the place,” Kicks suggests.
“We ain't goin’ out there without a solid plan. I don’t want us goin’ in blindsided and getting any of our own hurt. Or even worse, killed,” Bull states. I bounce my foot, getting more anxious as time goes by. We have a good idea where Sienna is and I have to force myself not to walk out of this clubhouse and drive out there on my own. “I have a reliable contact keeping their eyes open for any sightings of Torres, TJ, or Sienna. They’re also gonna do what they can to scope Torres’s house and get a headcount of his security.”
“So what’s our plan,” I ask Bull.
“Tech is gonna stay back with the prospects and Nomads Ruger and Reaper. The rest of us are gonna ride out to south San Antonio. Once we get there, I’ll touch base with my contact and we’ll go from there,” Bull explains. “Buster, I want you, Diesel, Rascal, and Raze to go to the warehouse and load up on weapons for the lot of us. We’ll leave here in an hour. Does anyone have anything they need to add?”
Bull glances around to each of us. When no one says anything, he slams the gavel down, dismissing everyone from Church. I go straight to my room to change my clothes. I grab my gun case that holds my Glock G19 and extra clips. I slide the Glock into the waistband of my jeans and put the extra clips in my pocket. I walk out to the main room, only to be stopped by Bull.
“Shade, where’s your head at,” he asks me.
“I’m focused on getting Sienna back,” I tell him honestly.
“Will you be able to keep a level head when we get to Torres’s place?”
“Yes, sir. I know that if I don't, then I’ll be putting everyone at risk. If I find myself having any issues, I’ll fall back,” I say.
“I respect that. Not many can say that truthfully.” He grabs my shoulder. “Keep me updated. If you need to step back, just say the word.”
With that, he goes to check on the others. Cali and Minx find their way over to me, wrapping me in a group hug.
“Bring our girl home,” Minx says when she pulls away from the hug.
“My girl,” I correct her with a smirk.
“Yeah, yeah. Ya caveman.” She lets out a light giggle and I can’t help but smile.
“When it comes to Sienna, you’re damn right,” I tell her.
“Be safe out there,” Cali says to me. I nod and walk outside. I need a moment to collect myself before we head out.
26
Sienna
TJ and the man are going back and forth about something in Spanish. I only know a few words and they’re talking too fast for me to catch anything. TJ sounds pissed off at first but after a few minutes of them going at it, he seems to calm down. It’s almost as if the man talked him into something. Whatever it is, my heart is racing and I’m beginning to worry. They stop talking and both turn to me. I have the urge to run, but then I remember what TJ said about the house being surrounded by armed guards. I wouldn’t make it far if I ran.
“Chula,” the man says. “Come with me.”
I look to TJ and he nods his head. I follow the man upstairs. He takes me to a set of French doors. He opens the doors and walks in. I freeze in the doorway. This has to be the master bedroom. It’s huge. The man gets half-way into the room when he stops and turns to me.
“Come in. Close the doors behind you.” His accent is thick. His voice alone is intimidating. I do as he says and walk in, closing the doors behind me, but not walking away from them. He sits on the edge of the bed, studying me. His stare sends chills up my spine. “Do you know who I am?”
“No.” I shake my head. An evil grin spreads across his face.
“I am Miguel Torres,” he tells me like that’s supposed to mean something to me. “I’m el Jefe, the boss, of the Cartel.”
“And what does the boss of the Cartel want with me?”
“It seems as if mi hijo has a bit of an obsession with you. Which poses a problem. He should be focused on our family business, but instead, he’s focused on you. It’s making him weak,” Torres spits out. “On top of that, you’re linked to that fucking club. What my son would want with a pinche clubwhore is beyond me.”
I shift on my feet. I don’t know what he plans on doing with me, but at this point, it can’t be anything good.
“Come here. Let me see what I have to work with,” he orders. I hesi
tate but listen. I stop about two feet away from him, hoping that it’s close enough. “Take your clothes off.”
With shaky hands, I remove my shirt. I’m by no means self-conscious, but this man makes me feel disgusting on top of being scared out of my mind with the looks he’s giving me. Once I take my pants off, he twirls his finger in a circle, asking me to turn around. I do what he wants. Out of the corner of my eye, I see him stand and come closer to me. When I face him, he traces a finger from the side of my neck, over my boobs and down my stomach, stopping at the hem of my panties.
“You are muy hermosa.” He moves so he’s standing behind me. His finger doesn’t leave my skin. I hold my head high. “Perky breasts, a firm ass. I could get a lot of money for you.”
My heart leaps into my throat. Money for me? Does he mean . . . ?
Knock knock!
“Que?” he shouts, irritated that he’s being interrupted. The door opens and a man starts talking to Torres in Spanish.
“Hijo de puta,” Torres shouts, startling me when the other man is done talking. “Put your fucking clothes on. We need to leave.”
I throw my clothes back on and follow him out of the room. He lets me go into my room to grab shoes, then we head downstairs to the kitchen. TJ is sitting in the same spot he was when we went upstairs.
“TJ, we’re leaving. Now,” Torres tells him.
“What? Why,” TJ asks.
“There’s no time for all your fucking questions. Let’s go.” Torres grabs my arm and drags me out of the house. There are two black SUVs with blacked-out windows waiting. Torres says something in Spanish to one of his guards before we walk to the first SUV and climb in. I watch out the window as TJ gets ushered to the second SUV.
“Why isn’t TJ coming with us,” I ask Torres.
“He is going somewhere different than us,” he states.
A sense of unease washes over me as the SUV starts moving. We drive through miles and miles of desert. We come to the Mexican border and cross over with no issues. I’m sure Torres has people paid off so he can come and go as he pleases. The second SUV is nowhere in sight. I can’t help but wonder where TJ was taken. He didn’t make me feel near as uncomfortable as his father does.
