24. West
24
WEST
The minute Haze opened his mouth and told us about Willow, it’s the first time I’ve felt there was hope. Rock and Jett are busy tracking her cell, and if pacing while cursing under your breath was an Olympic sport, I’d surely have a gold medal.
Fuck me! This is taking too long!
Then again, Audrina has Willow, or at least, Haze believes she’s infiltrated the gang. Tracing her cell is proving a little more difficult than they first thought because of her firewalls, but if there’s one thing the twins are good at, it’s breaking through those online barriers.
“She’s gonna be pissed,” Haze mutters. “But that’s not my concern right now, she’s been within the ranks of the gang for months, that’s long enough to get what she needs.”
“I don’t see why we can’t just deal with bad people the old-fashioned way.” Brew makes a handgun gesture and pretends to shoot. “Or feedin’ them to the gators out in the bayou works just as well.”
“No evidence that way,” Bronco agrees. “I really fuckin’ hope we get this asshole alive. Payback is gonna be a long, drawn-out bitch.”
I always knew I loved Audrina, but until someone is nearly taken away, you don’t know shit. You think you do, but you don’t.
Every single memory I have of her, from when we first met to when we danced at Priest and Bella’s wedding, to our first kiss and the first time we got naked together. When I held her in my arms and we told each other we loved one another... one precious memory rolls into the other until my chest tightens and I can barely breathe. I don’t want this life without her in it.
That’s something I know for sure.
“He’s mine,” I bark, then add, “And Nevada’s.”
Nevada was sent with the second crew to go find intel around the 3rd ward, but really it was so he could keep busy. He’s taken it really fuckin’ hard. I can at least hide how I’m really feeling, but Nevada is a mess.
“Pipes is bringin’ Star,” Cash says. “With her intel in private investigatin’, we might be able to find whoever else is involved in case this Griffin piece of shit goes underground.”
“Good idea, more people on deck, the better,” Ryder agrees.
“If the pigs are there and Willow’s undercover, it means we can’t shoot or stab anyone,” I mutter. “We better make sure that we grab Griffin above anyone else, if the cops get to him first, I’m not gonna be happy. A prison sentence is like a slap on the wrist after what he’s done.”
“Willow’s a tough little cookie,” Haze says. “She’ll wanna be takin’ him in, there’s no doubt about it, so we’ve gotta expect some resistance from her.”
“Then she can have another members, all the fuckin’ members!” I spit. “But she’s not havin’ him.”
“I’m with Dad on that,” Priest says. “There’s prison justice, and it’s likely he’ll be protected with his connections, then there’s MC justice. And I think we all know what we’d prefer to happen here. The piece of shit deserves no mercy to bring Audrina into somethin’ that I did.” I know my son feels sick to his stomach. I rest a hand on his shoulder and give it a squeeze.
“We’ll get through this,” I tell him. “You and me together.”
He nods, his eyes still on the floor. “I wish I could’ve done somethin’ sooner.”
“No need to talk like that, nobody could’ve predicted it,” I say. “You takin’ a piece of shit like him out was a blessin’ on the world. You didn’t think it’d come to this.”
“But I put the family in harm’s way.”
“Not purposely, this was over a decade ago. You couldn’t have known.”
“Don’t need to worry about that. Boys have got the warehouse ready,” Cash says. The club has a shipping yard down at the port and a large warehouse where we conduct other business, such as torturing bad guys who deserve to suffer. “Long as we grab Griffin, like Hustler said, let the cops get whoever they want.”
A few minutes later, Star arrives with her laptop in hand, followed by Pipes, who gives Cash a quick update on what’s going on at the club. Aside from the women going stir crazy, not much.
“How are you holding up?” Star gives me a chin lift.
“I’ll be better when Audrina is back where she belongs.”
She nods, sympathy in her eyes. “Nevada is distraught, to say the least, but I’ve been working on getting as much background information as I can. Pipes filled me in on the way over here about Willow, that’s great news.”
“Well, I did pray for a goddamn miracle. What did you find out?”
She sits, her laptop on her knee, because the boys are taking up all the space in the office.
“I got an address downtown where Griffin’s girlfriend lives,” she says. My eyes go wide as she continues. “Figured if he escapes or goes AWOL after you storm the place, that’s the first place we should go looking.”
I smile. “Nice work, you done this before?”
She snorts. “A few times. I also got the names of a few associates from prison that could be useful if we need to get information out of them. Still think it’s a good idea to put someone outside her house, if she has access to the HQ, then they could easily follow her,” she goes on.
“Remembering that it’s more than likely Griffin has no clue we’re onto him,” Bronco reminds us. “He’s also not asked for anything in return yet, but he will. They all have a price.”
“He wants me,” I say. “And I’m more than happy to trade places, but that’s what he wants. A spectacle, and we’ll give him one when he’s hanging upside down bleedin’ out.”
Bronco makes a face, and I know he’s squeamish, but what’s done is done. He doesn’t have to be around for it, but I’m looking forward to taking out my revenge and anger on this asshole.
“I think what Star suggested is a great idea,” Cash says. “I’ll get Giggs and JJ to go watch her place.”
Star looks down at her laptop. “Sending you a text with her address now.”
“On second thoughts, can’t we just raid the girlfriend’s place?” I run my hands through my hair. “That way we can grab her and find out where their fuckin’ messed up headquarters are.”
“Can’t do that,” Cash says. “If she’s home, she’ll alert him, and all of this will be over.”
“Fuck,” I mutter. My brain is scattered, and my thoughts run rampant. There is no easy way around any of this, and Griffin has certainly covered his tracks because gang members rarely go by their real names, so finding anyone except ex-cell mates has proven to be difficult.
I’m pacing like a wild animal, caught in a cage, unable to stop my erratic thoughts and what could be happening to Audrina. Why didn’t he make the exchange? Why didn’t I offer myself up? I’ve gone about this all wrong; meanwhile, my baby is suffering.
A few moments later, Brew and Haze emerge, their faces triumphant. “Got a ping on an address.” Haze waves a piece of paper around.
“Fuckin’ fantastic.” I rush toward him as he hands me the paper. I stare down at it.
“Little under fifteen minutes, five on a sled,” Brew puts in.
We all look toward Cash. I’ve done enough waiting, but even I know if we go rushing in, it could mean we’d be putting Audrina in the firing line. It feels like eons since I’ve seen her face, and I know damn well I’m gonna see her again. The hollow pit in my stomach seemed to lessen, but I’m no fool. I won’t be breathing easy until she’s back in my arms, where she belongs.
“Gonna hear the straight pipes a mile away,” Cash says. “Need to grab the vans.”
“I’ll make the call, we can head out now.” Ryder moves toward us. “Tag and Harlem are on standby. Think we’re gonna need backup?”
Cash shakes his head. “If I did, I’d call Bane, plus Rowan’s sending his men as soon as I give him the okay. Text him the coordinates.”
Ryder nods.
The vans are parked at the warehouse and only get used when we’re doing shit we don’t want any trace of. It’s easier to head over there, park our motorcycles, and then head out in the vans. I know all of that, but I want to find Audrina.
The panic inside me doesn’t dissipate. I know that by now, we should’ve had a ransom or exchange. If it’s me the assholes wants, then why the fuck didn’t he make the moves? Why didn’t he fuckin’ try harder?
It makes me wonder what the bigger picture is. If those assholes in the alleyway were sent to snatch me, then they didn’t do a very good job. I’ll make sure every last name associated with the Cut City Boys gets what’s coming to them.
I wanna mount up my sled and race over there. Find my woman and get her the fuck out of dodge. But we still have the element of surprise, and I can’t jeopardize that. I need to keep my shit together for a little longer. That’s all. Just until we get there.
I take a breath, then I feel Priest’s hand on my shoulder. “We ready, Dad?”
I turn to look at my son. “As ready as I’ll ever be, son.”
It didn’t even occur to me that we may not find Audrina. It was a given because I’d spend the rest of my life dedicated to the cause if that’s what it took.
So when we find their lair — because really, could it be anything else? We move carefully, quickly, but also without any sound. It’s imperative we get the drop on them. The sewer, which is the nicest thing you could say about their HQ, is buried behind a clearing in a part of the city that rarely gets used. The building is condemned, and there’s high, steel fencing all around it. Either the city have cordoned it off and the gang have squatted on the property, or this is their doing and it’s kinda smart, which ain’t a fuckin’ compliment.
The entire club is in place, aside from a few of the boys left at the clubhouse to look after the women and children. Since two of the boys are out, it’ll be up to Chains, Bullet, and Rodeo to keep tabs. They’d be pretty fuckin’ stupid to go after the clubhouse. Another rival club tried that a few years ago, and let’s just say the NOLA Rebels were the ones left standing.
The plan is we go in the back, and the second team led by Tag and Harlem goes in the front. Not that the front nor the back are easily distinguished, but it is what it is.
Gun in hand, my heart racing with Cash in front, along with Nevada, Priest, Rock, Jett, Bronco, Riot, and the Nomad brothers, we storm the place.
We came equipped with bulletproof vests, night-vision gear, the fuckin’ whole enchilada. Since Tag and Harlem are in charge of weaponry, they leave nothing to chance. We don’t even know if the fucker is in there, and since Willow is an innocent — and who knows who else — we have to find Griffin fast. We’ve all had a visual, thanks to the prison records, and it seems good old Griffin served time himself. I don’t give a shit how big or tough he is, he’s no match for any of us. Especially me and Nevada. We’re out for blood, we just don’t want anyone from Willow’s team caught in the crossfire.
It’s quiet inside; the main entrance is guarded, but since the asshole is asleep on the job, it isn’t hard for Bronco to put the sleeper hold on him and its lights out. Kinda ironic when you think about it. Is this shit meant to be hard?
Brew signals for three to go left, three right, and four of us forward. Leading the fray, I’m behind Brew, Cash next to me, and Bronco. We all have our roles to play, and now that we’re here, it’s game on.
There’s a large open area that could’ve been a dining room at one point, but since the walls are knocked out and the bricks are still loose as evidence of its demise, it’s now just one big, combined room.
And they have no fuckin’ clue we’re here. It’s dark inside, but not completely blacked out. A small lamp up ahead lights the room up, and we hear talking.
We don’t wanna leave a ton of carnage because it’ll lead back to us, but since all bets are off when you snatch any NOLA Rebels MC property, especially an ol’ lady, I’m not gonna hold back.
Brew shoots one, two, wounding a third with his silencer before anyone is any the wiser to our presence or what’s going on. Shouting inevitably ensues as the others gathered around a card table realize what’s going on and they make a run for it. Some make it out of their chairs, others are not so lucky. Really, it’s a pretty pathetic effort for a gang. If only the idiot on guard could stay awake.
I grab the one who’s wounded, blood pouring from his shoulder. “We want the girl,” I snarl. “The prisoner, where is she?”
“I don’t kno?—”
I punch him in the guts really fuckin’ hard, then hold the gun to his head. “Speak, and I’m trigger happy so hurry the fuck up.”
“Basement.” He drops to his knees. “To the right.”
I grab him by the hair. “Better be tellin’ the truth because if you’re not, you won’t have a dick when you wake up.” I punch him hard in the face, knocking him out on my second blow. He falls to the ground, and I take the gun from the holster inside his jacket.
“Gettin’ rusty, old man?” Bronco snickers.
“Shut the fuck up.”
“You’re right, he’s not gettin’ up anytime soon.” He laughs, and we move together behind Brew and Cash down the end of the room toward the opening. It stinks like stale cigarette smoke and beer. A couple of girls scream as rooms are entered up ahead by Nevada, Priest, and Riot. We let them pass by, and judging by the attire they’re not wearing, they’re clearly hookers.
“Goin’ to the basement,” I tell Cash.
He nods. “Take Bronco, we’ll find Griffin.”
“He’s mine,” I remind him.
Rock, Jett, and Haze are at the other end of the building where it’s darker still, but I don’t have time to worry about them or Griffin; I need to get to Audrina.
“The fuck?” A woman’s voice whisper-shouts, her gun drawn toward me. “Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?”
I turn and point my gun at her, but before I even get a word out, Haze is moving toward me. “Don’t shoot!” he bellows.
I don’t know if he means me, or her, but judging by how she’s holding that weapon and her stance, this has got to be Willow.
“Haze?” She keeps her gun on me, but turns her head for a fraction of a second. “I don’t fucking believe this!”
“Believe it, baby, they’ve got one of ours,” Haze says when he joins her side.
She gapes at him. “How did you find me?”
“I have my ways, now you wanna move before you get hurt?”
“I could say the same to you!” she snaps. “I’ve been working this case for?—”
“We don’t have time for that now!” I grunt, moving past her, not caring if she shoots me. “I’m here for Audrina.” I don’t want to ask the next words, but I need to know. “Have you seen her?”
Willow’s small in stature, with curly, brown hair and olive skin. I can tell even though she’s small and unassuming, she could do some damage with that weapon if she wanted to. Time stops as her lips part. “The redhead?”
“Yes! The redhead, is she fuckin’ okay?”
“She’s alive,” Willow says. “She’s hurt and bleeding, but she’s alive.”
“Fuck.” I make for the basement, the handle turning as I switch on my flashlight. Then the entire house goes black.
“Move!” I hear Cash from further up the hall. “Can’t let him get away!”
“Wait,” she calls. “5-0 will be here any minute, they know the mission is compromised. There’s a girl down there, Jackie, she can’t be trusted.”
“Got it.”
“And you?” I hear her balk at Haze. “What the hell?”
“Time for talkin’ later, honey,” he says. “Gotta move.”
“Don’t tell me what to do!”
I can just imagine her jabbing a finger, or the end of her gun, into his chest as she tells him to back off, but I don’t have time to think about that. I dismount the stairs as fast as I can.
“Audrina!” I bellow.
“What the — who are you?” A crowbar comes flying at me as I narrowly dodge it and realize this bitch as to be Jackie.
It’s completely dark down here, but I keep the flashlight on her. “You try that again, I’ll fuckin’ shoot you.”
She holds her hands up. “I don’t want any trouble.” She’s clearly unarmed and not somebody of importance.
“I’ll deal with her,” Bronco says.
“Get her the fuck outta my sight.” I glare at her. “If I hear you hurt my baby, I’ll slit your fuckin’ throat.”
“She’s fine... I never...”
I shine the flashlight into the cell. Holy fuckin’ shit…
“Audrina? Baby?” I bark.
I see movement in the corner, and my flashlight moves at the same time Audrina’s eyes meet mine. She’s barely recognizable. Blood stains her face. Her mouth is gagged. Her tears...
“Peaches! ” The words get stuck in my throat as I scramble toward her. Her hands and feet are bound with painful-looking ropes. “Audrina!” I pull her gag down, and she sobs as she flops into my arms. Tears prick my eyes at the relief on her face.
I kiss her head. “I’m here, baby. Ain’t nothin’ ever gonna happen to you ever again, got me? I’m here. You’re safe. I’m gettin’ you outta here.”
“Holy fuck,” says Bronco when he’s done dealing with that crazy bitch. He starts to untie her ropes around her ankles, cutting through the knots with his blade. I start at the ropes on her hands. They’re tight, cutting into her skin and leaving red welts.
“West?” she cries. “Oh, God, West, I... I knew you’d come for me... I knew it.”
“Don’t move, baby, we’re gonna get you outta here?—”
“Mom?” Nevada cries as he bursts into the cell.
Seeing her appearance, he drops to his knees as I move to the bench beside her as he stares at her unmoving.
“Asher?” she can barely even talk.
“Mom, we’re gonna get you out of here, okay?” He glances at me. “Get these ropes off her, fuck!” He helps Bronco at her feet as the ropes slowly come off.
My ol’ lady is safe. Audrina is safe. The rest we can deal with.
When she’s free, Nevada takes her into his arms and holds her as I wipe the couple of tears that escape my eyes.
“Mom, are you hurt anywhere?” he asks, panic in his tone.
“I’m okay, just sore and dehydrated,” she whispers. “And scared.”
That last part is what does me in. “Everythin’ is okay now, we’re gonna take care of you.” I look up at Nevada. “Griffin?”
“Got him, but Willow wants to take him in. 5-0 are en route. The rest of the gang members have either fled or are barricaded into a locked room,” he tells us. “The cops can shoot it out with them, we’ve got Griffin and his main men, they didn’t even see it comin’.”
“Gotta get the fuck outta here,” Bronco chimes. “I’ll cover from the front.”
“I’ve got the back,” Nevada says, kissing his mom on the forehead. His eyes meet mine, then he hands her back to me. “Let’s get her the fuck outta here.”
I pull her into my chest. She’s so weak she can’t even hug me back, but that’s okay. That I can deal with.
“I’m gonna pick you up, you hurt anywhere?” I gently ask.
“My ribs, I was kicked. I blacked out after that man took me from the shelter...” She can’t even finish the sentence when she starts to cry.
I kiss her stained, tear-soaked face; the pain in my chest hurts so bad I can’t even believe she’s in my arms. But she is, and we’ve gotta move.
“I’m so sorry, baby,” I whisper. “I’m gonna make it all better, okay? Hang onto me, I’m gonna lift you now.”
“I love you,” she whispers. “I knew you’d come.”
My throat thickens. “I love you, too, Peaches. I’ll always come for you, no matter what.”
I lift her as we stand and I carry her to safety like the devil himself is chasing my tail.