by Wilder, L.
As soon as we spotted Stark enter the building, we knew it was time for the second phase of the plan. Viper looked over to Menace and gave him the nod to proceed. After checking security cameras to make sure Stark had made it upstairs, he pressed the button on the detonator and triggered the IED.
It was just a small explosive, barely enough to blow up a car, but once it blew, the gas line in the basement had taken care of the rest and a rush of blue flames skirted across the basement floor. Seconds later, another, even larger blast sent flames and mortar soaring through the entire building. The discharge was so intense that we felt the vibration rattle the windows of the SUV.
We needed to ensure that no one was able to exit the building, so as soon as the fire had taken hold, Viper turned to us and ordered, “Let’s move.”
We got out of the SUV and being careful to stay out of view from onlookers, we rushed across the street and over to the burning building. I could feel the heat of the flames as we inched closer, and the smell nearly choked me as we came up next to Shotgun. “Keep your eyes and ears open. If anyone tries to come out, end them.”
Through the haze of smoke, I noticed some movement at the second-floor window. Moments later, glass sprayed out as a chair crashed through the window. With fire blazing behind him, Stark leaned out the window and started waving his hands as he called out, “Hey! Over here! Help!”
Stark leaned out a bit further but stopped the second he spotted me standing below. A wave of satisfaction washed over me as I watched his jaw drop. He knew it was my brothers and I who’d set the explosion and put an end to his plan and his life. “I’ll kill you for this. Each and every one...”
Before he could finish his thought, Shotgun aimed his Glock at Stark’s head and squeezed the trigger, sending him flailing back into the flames. We all stood there, waiting and watching, and when a second man stumbled by the window, I raised my weapon and fired. After him, there was no further movement. Just the flames burning bright. We were all standing there silently watching the smoke billow into the night sky when Country grumbled, “Damn, that was a little disappointing.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I argued. “We just blew up a fucking building.”
“Yeah, but I was hoping I’d get to at least put a bullet in somebody, but nooo, you and Shotgun had to go and beat me to it.”
“Really, Country?” I shook my head. “You need therapy, brother. Lots and lots of therapy.”
“I know. Killing somebody was gonna be my therapy!” He threw his hands up as he fussed, “I mean, come on. We just blew up my memory lane!”
“Why don’t you step a little closer and see if you can singe some of that stupid out of that thick skull of yours.”
“It’s a good thing you’re a brother, or I might just have to kick that ass.”
“You could try.”
“Could you two knock it off for two fucking seconds,” Shotgun barked. “We have a job to do here.”
“Yeah, Rafe.” Country nudged me with his elbow. “We have a job to do.”
I might’ve countered once more but decided against it when another loud explosion erupted, making it look like the Fourth of July as the building was consumed with fire and smoke. Once we were certain there were no survivors, we headed back to our SUVs and made our getaway just before the police and firemen started to arrive. We left there knowing the deed was done. Soon, Stark would be nothing more than a distant memory.
Chapter 22
Marlowe
After leaving Kate at the bar, I went home and waited for some word from Rafe. Sadly, there was none. In fact, there was no word from anyone. I went to bed having no idea what had happened with Eric and the ledger I’d given him. I hated to think something terrible had happened, but after all the terrible threats Eric had made, it was impossible to keep my mind from drifting to the worst possible outcome. I was a wreck. Tension filled my entire body, making it impossible to get comfortable. I spent the entire night tossing and turning, and when I finally pulled myself out of bed the next morning, I felt like I’d been hit by a Mack truck.
I needed coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. On my way to the kitchen, I turned on the TV, and with the news blaring, I shuffled over to the counter and started my coffeepot. I was zoned out, my mind fogged from exhaustion, and was fighting to keep my eyes open when something on the TV caught my attention. I made my way back into the living room and was surprised to find a reporter standing in front of what used to be Crockett’s. Smoke and ash billowed behind her as she said, “Investigators are saying last night’s explosion was the result of a gas leak.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. The place I’d once loved was now nothing more than a pile of rubble. I was completely stunned as I stood there listening to the reporter say, “This once mom-and-pop bar called Crockett’s was recently purchased by Joseph Stark, the owner and developer of Stark Realty.”
My jaw dropped with surprise when a photograph of Eric was displayed across the screen. “It is uncertain if Stark or his associates were on the premises during the explosion, but investigators have uncovered the remains of at least four individuals. Check back later tonight for more information on this unexpected tragedy.”
Before I even realized what I was doing, I’d changed out of my pajamas and into a pair of jeans and a hoodie. I grabbed my keys and purse, then ran out the door and to my car. For whatever reason, I had it in my head I needed to see Crockett’s for myself. I guess I hoped I might find some answers there, but with all the yellow tape and police scurrying around, there were none to find. My heart sank as I looked at all the destruction. Crockett’s was a place that had once meant a great deal to me. It was where my new life had begun.
I guess I owed that piece of luck to my biological father. Turned out, I owed more than that to him. If he’d just stayed out of my life and left me alone, none of this would’ve ever happened. But then, without him intervening like he had, I would’ve never met Gladys or Country. And without them, I would’ve never crossed paths with Rafe. That was something for which I’d be forever grateful.
I was about to pull away when I spotted Gladys standing next to an older lady I’d never met before. The distraught look on Gladys’s face had me pulling over and parking. I got out and rushed over to them, hugging Gladys tightly as I said, “I’m so sorry this happened. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, dear. It’s just so sad to see this place in shambles.” She gave me a tight squeeze as she said, “It sure is good to see you. How have you been?”
“Pretty good.” I released her from our hug as I told her, “It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I have a feeling things are about to settle down.”
“I hope they don’t settle down too much.” She smiled. “A young girl like you needs the crazy to keep you from getting bored.”
“Being a little bored actually sounds really nice right about now.” I looked back over at the disheveled mound of brick and mortar that used to be Crockett’s and said, “The reporter said something about a possible gas leak.”
“I heard that. Find it awful hard to believe.” She shook her head. “I never had any problems with the gas lines, but I guess I got lucky. Could’ve been one of us in that pile of rubbish.”
“Very true.” I turned my attention to the woman next to her. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Marlowe.”
“The name’s Ada. Nice to meet ya.”
Gladys leaned towards her as she whispered, “This is the girl Country was telling you about the other day. She’s the one who’s dating Rafe.”
“Is that right?” A smirk crossed her face as she told me, “That boy sure is a handsome fella. Got himself some good manners too. Um-hmm. Always thought a lot of that young man.”
“Yeah, he is pretty great.” I took another quick glance around as I told them, “I’m actually surprised he isn’t here. Country, too, for that matter.”
“You know how things are at that club of theirs. I’m sure they will be by when
they can.” Gladys took one last mournful look at Crockett’s, then said, “I guess we best be getting back to the house. Ada’s got a roast in the crockpot, and I need to get the beans on.”
“Sounds like you two are getting along pretty well.”
“We are indeed. I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate.”
Ada smiled as she added, “I couldn’t agree more.”
“Well, I’m glad to hear it. You guys be careful getting home.”
“We will, and you and Rafe come by for a visit soon. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
“That we do.” I gave her another hug and said, “I’ll see you soon.”
I watched them both walk over and get in Gladys’ car. Once they pulled away, I searched once more for any sign of Rafe or Country. I was looking at the front of the building when I spotted the coroner pushing a gurney with a black body bag. The sight sent a cold chill down my spine. It was at that moment I decided it was time for me to get the hell out of there. Without stopping for another glance, I got in my car and drove back to my apartment.
I was almost home when I remembered the necklace Eric, or make that Joseph Stark, had forced me to wear. He’d threatened to hurt Kate or Rafe if I removed it, but he was no longer around to make good on that threat. Unable to stand it a second longer, I reached up and yanked it from my neck. I wadded it up in my hand, then rolled down my window and tossed it out onto the street. As soon as I got home, I rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the camera he’d planted on my shelf. I dropped it on the ground and stomped it with the heel of my shoe, shattering it into a million little pieces. I then went into the living room and bedroom, doing the same with both of those cameras as well. Even though I knew he wasn’t watching me, I had an uneasy feeling being in my apartment alone, and I was relieved when I heard a knock at my door.
Thinking it might be Rafe, I rushed over and opened it, only to find it was Kate. She was a sobbing, blubbering mess with red swollen eyes and a snotty nose. With her hair a mess and her wrinkled pajamas, she was almost unrecognizable as she lunged at me. Tears were streaming down her face as she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me. She stood there clinging to me for what seemed like hours, sobbing, then finally pulled herself together long enough to say, “He’s gone, Marlie. I lost him. I’ve lost everything. What am I going to do?”
I knew she would be upset about Eric’s death, but I never expected her to be this distraught. The girl could barely hold herself up. I patted her on the back as I whispered, “I’m so sorry, Kate. I know this has to be really hard for you.”
“Did you see the news?” She pulled back, looking at me with horror in her eyes as she shrieked, “He was murdered!”
“Murdered?” I’d watched the news. At no point had anyone mentioned any sort of foul play. They certainly hadn’t said anything about the suspicion of murder. “Who do you think murdered him?”
“Those people who sold him that stupid bar! There was a gas leak, and they didn’t even have the decency to tell him about it!” She stormed past me and into the kitchen as she wailed, “Oh God, Marlie! I don’t know what I’m going to do!”
“You’ll be okay. You’ll get through this,” I replied sounding less than enthused. She dropped her head into her hands and started sobbing once again. A part of me wanted to tell her what a creep Eric was, how he’d threatened her life, but she wouldn’t have believed me. She had it in her head he was some wonderful guy who was going to love her until the end of time, and who was I to tell her she was wrong. It wasn’t like she would listen anyway. Eager to get her gone, I asked, “Have you talked to Mom and Dad?”
“Yes. I called them on my way over here.” She went to lay down on the sofa, curling into one of my pillows as she muttered, “They’re picking me up here tomorrow morning.”
“Here?”
“Um-hmm.” She looked over at me with her best pouting face as she said, “I couldn’t bear the thought of being alone, so I told them I’d be staying here tonight.”
Well, damn. After the way she’d treated me over the years, I was tempted to give her the boot, but as I looked at her balled up on my sofa, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for her and didn’t have it in me to force her to leave. I walked over and grabbed the blanket off the back of the chair. After I covered her up, I went to the kitchen and fixed us both a cup of coffee. By the time I made it back into the living room, Kate had cried herself to sleep. Relieved by the momentary silence, I placed her cup of coffee on the table closest to her, then went to my room and lay across the bed. As I stared up at the ceiling, I thought about everything that had transpired over the past twenty-four hours, and the more I thought it about it all, I found it less and less of a coincidence that a gas leak caused the explosion that killed Eric.
While I had no idea how, I felt certain Rafe and his brothers were somehow involved. It was a realization that should’ve bothered me, at least a little, but it didn’t. They’d done what needed to be done to protect not only me but the brothers. A smile crossed my face as I remembered how Country had referred to the brothers as a pack of wolves. He’d been very matter of fact when he said, “There’s a reason why wolves are at the top of the food chain. Live together, hunt together, and protect their own—to the fucking death.” Turned out, he was right. The Ruthless Sinners were on the top of the food chain, and I had a feeling they would remain there for years to come.
The more I lay there thinking about Rafe and his brothers, the more I found myself missing him. As much as I hated to bother him, I needed to know if he was okay, so I took out my phone and sent him a message.
Me:
Hey. Are you okay?
I waited several minutes, and when I didn’t hear back from him, I started to worry. As much as I hated to pester him, I sent him another message.
Me:
Hello? Is everything okay? I haven’t heard from you, and I’m starting to worry.
Rafe:
Sorry, babe. Tied up at the moment.
Me:
Tied up as in need of rescue or tied up as in busy?
Rafe:
Busy. I’ll be over to your place as soon as I can.
Me:
Okay, but be forewarned. Kate is here.
Rafe:
I take it she heard the news about Eric?
Me:
That she did. She’s planning to stay here tonight, and my folks are picking her up in the morning.
Rafe:
You okay with that?
Me:
Don’t really have a choice in the matter. And I thought you were busy?
Rafe:
I am, but this chick keeps messaging me. So ...
Me:
So, get back to it, and I’ll see you later.
He didn’t respond, but I didn’t expect him to. I knew how he and his brothers felt about the club coming first. It was one of the things Country tried explaining to Gladys a million times, but she never really understood. She never understood the secrets either. We all knew there were things going on at the clubhouse that no one spoke of, and it always got under her skin when she thought Country was keeping secrets from her. It was times like these that made me understand her frustration, but I trusted Rafe. I trusted Country too. For that matter, I couldn’t think of one of the brothers I wouldn’t consider to be a good man, so I’d give Rafe and Country their secrets. At the end of the day, none of it mattered as long as they were happy and safe.
I lay there, my thoughts all over the place, and it wasn’t long before my restless night started to catch up with me. I nestled up to my pillow, closed my eyes, and the next thing I knew, my mattress started to move and a warm body eased up behind me. I didn’t have to open my eyes to know it was Rafe. Only he could make my entire body tingle just by being close to me. I felt the warmth of his breath against my neck as he inched closer and slipped his arm over my waist. I glanced over my shoulder and my heart swelled the second I saw his green eyes staring back at me. “Hey,
I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Probably because you were snoring so loud.”
“Snoring!” I gasped. “I was not snoring!”
“Yeah, you were.” He chuckled as he teased. “I thought a bear had gotten in here with you. Was afraid I’d have to come in and rescue you.”
I nudged him with my elbow as I fussed, “You are so full of it.”
“Maybe a little.”
“How did you get in here anyway? I thought I had the door locked.”
“You did. Kate let me in.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize she was awake.”
“Not sure I’d say she’s awake. Poor thing is looking pretty rough.”
“Yeah, she’s taking this thing with Eric really hard.” I rolled over to face him as I said, “I’m not sure if she’s more upset about losing him or the future she thought she was going to have with him.”
“So, you didn’t tell her about him—”
“No,” I answered before he could finish his thought. “I didn’t see the point. It’s not like she would believe me, and even if she did, it would only hurt her more to know she was in love with a man like him.”
“You’re probably right.”
“What happened anyway?” I knew how he and the brothers felt about club business but hoped he might tell me something since Kate and I had been involved. I could tell by his blank expression he wasn’t going to answer, so I pushed, “After I dropped off that ledger, I was hoping to hear something from you, but ...”
“You did good with the ledger. That’s all I can really tell you.”
“Really? You can’t even tell me if there really was a gas leak?”
“Telling you what did or didn’t happen isn’t going to change anything, Marlowe. He’s dead. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
“You’re right.” I reached over and placed the palm of my hand on his cheek as I said, “I’m glad you’re okay. I was really worried there for a minute.”
