Chapter Seventeen
IONA PREPPED THE coffeemaker as the sun rose and pushed the button to start the brewing process. The interrupted night’s sleep was telling on her. Iona’s brain cells weren’t firing, and her energy button appeared to be broken. All she wanted to do was sit somewhere and take a nap.
That wasn’t an option, however. The operatives had an agenda today.
After last night’s combined attack, they couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
A visit to Christopher Merriweather was at the top of their to-do list. If they could identify the location of the weapons stash and ammunition, Seth could report it to Fortress, who would pass the location along to the FBI agents waiting to move in and capture the loot and the group waiting to make a profit from the sale.
Iona didn’t know or care who the profit-seeking group was. Her goal was to shut down the sale and get out of Dodge. Her primary concern in this deal was keeping Elias out of his father’s hands and out of the crosshairs of Trish and her cronies.
Needing to keep herself busy, Iona perused the contents of the refrigerator, then poked through the cupboards, where she found a beaten-up but serviceable waffle maker.
Iona pumped her fist in victory. Waffles sounded like a winner this morning.
If Echo unit wanted eggs or bacon, the men could persuade one of the other women to give her a hand.
Iona grabbed ingredients from the refrigerator and the meager pantry where she and the rest of Artemis had agreed to leave the dry goods. After assembling her ingredients on the counter, she measured out the dry ingredients, then the liquid ones, and mixed them.
When the batter was perfect, Iona plugged in the waffle maker and prayed the old cooking tool wouldn’t short out or cause a fire.
She had a nice stack of waffles already finished when Elias walked into the kitchen. “Good morning. Again.”
“Something smells amazing in here. I can’t decide if it’s you or what you’re making.”
Her cheeks burned at his compliment. “Thanks.”
“How can I help? Keep in mind that I can’t cook, but I can follow directions.”
“Do you want scrambled eggs with the waffles?”
He gave her a deer-in-the-headlights look. “Um, yes. Asking me to make them will be a disaster.”
She grinned. “All you have to do is follow my directions.”
He blew out a breath. “Okay. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Noted. Grab the eggs from the refrigerator along with the milk.” Step by step, Iona guided Elias through the process of making scrambled eggs.
Fifteen minutes later, Elias laid a platter filled with perfect scrambled eggs on the breakfast bar next to her stack of waffles, paper plates, maple syrup, and plastic utensils.
Iona set disposable to-go cups on the counter next to the coffeemaker.
She also set out a carafe of hot water for those of her team who might prefer hot chocolate or herbal tea this morning.
She had a feeling, though, that most of them would go for the coffee.
Caffeine was a must after interrupted sleep.
The rest of their teams straggled into the kitchen in pairs. “What do we have here?” Seth peered down at the food. “Who’s the gourmet chef?”
“Iona,” Elias said.
“I had help from Elias.”
Noah paused while lifting a spoonful of scrambled eggs. “Elias? You’re kidding.”
“It’s the truth. He followed my instructions to the letter, and the result is the perfect scrambled eggs you’re getting ready to eat.” She stared him down, daring him to back out.
Noah was smart enough to follow through on adding the scrambled eggs to his plate. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
Iona prepared a plate for Elias and motioned for him to sit down. “Try your eggs, Elias.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he murmured, looking as reluctant as the rest of his teammates. However, he grabbed his fork and stabbed some of his scrambled eggs. He took a bite and chewed. His eyes widened. After Elias swallowed, he said, “It’s good.” He motioned for his teammates to dig in.
One by one, they each sampled what he’d prepared under Iona’s supervision and expressed their amazement at how good the eggs had turned out. If she had her way, Elias would turn into a decent chef himself.
Reassured of the safety of the breakfast food, the operatives loaded their plates and wolfed their meal. After they cleaned up their trash and washed the few pans used, they gathered at the table again, this time for a quick meeting.
“Anyone object to talking to Farmer Merriweather today and getting out of Red Rock?” Seth asked. “We’re targets for two motorcycle clubs, and I’d rather not be caught in the crossfire.”
“Maybe we’ll get lucky, and the MCs will shoot each other.” Elias rubbed his shoulder.
Violet looked at Noah, who left the room and returned a minute later with her mike bag. “Shirt off, Elias.”
Seeing his discomfort, Iona said, “Who is going on the field trip to the farm?”
“Unless anyone objects, I am plus you, Elias, and Teagan.”
She frowned. “We’ll have to backtrack to pick up the rest of the team. I have a feeling we need to get out of Red Rock as fast as possible.”
Seth watched her for a beat, then said, “Agreed. Change of plans, folks. We all go on the field trip.”
“The four of you should be the ones to talk to Merriweather. The rest of us will keep watch outside so we don’t overwhelm him with our team.”
“Noah?”
“It’s a good plan, Seth. I think Iona’s right. Too much is at stake to take chances. We’ve already seen both factions overnight. This isn’t the time to tempt fate. I think we must assume we’re the enemy of both MCs and get out of here as soon as we leave Merriweather’s place.”
Grant helped Elias remove his shirt and stayed close by in case Violet needed anything. “Do you think the MCs will give up after their defeat last night?”
Elias shook his head. “No way. If anything, they’ll ramp up their plans. Their pride took a hit, and they can’t allow that to stand.”
His friend sighed. “I hoped they would hold off.”
“Fat chance.”
“Seth? What about you?”
“He’s right. The impression I got from Dutch last night is he won’t stand for a hint of disrespect for himself or his MC. Grab your gear and prepare to load the truck.”
Except for Seth, Elias, Grant, Violet, and Iona, the operatives scattered to collect their belongings. When the room was empty, Seth said, “I’m concerned about Merriweather. If we found out he was the victim of Blackthorn, they may decide he’s a threat to them.”
“I’m worried about the same thing,” Iona said. “We shouldn’t delay leaving this morning. I have a feeling we’re on borrowed time.”
“Same.” Elias flinched at something Violet did to his shoulder. “I think we should load the truck from the back door. No need to announce we’re leaving without the courtesy of telling Dutch our plans.”
“I’ll move the truck,” Grant said. “Violet, will you need me to help with Elias?”
He scowled. “She doesn’t need help. It’s not like I’m going to throw a punch at her.”
“Not if you want to keep your pretty face,” Noah said as he walked into the kitchen.
“See?” Elias motioned for Grant to go on. “Noah will monitor me.”
After Grant left the cabin, Violet changed Elias’ bandage. “Your shoulder looks good, Elias. I think you can use your arm a little. Be careful not to overdo it, though.” Violet finished with Elias’ shoulder and stepped back. “Do you want to help him put on his shirt, Iona?”
“No problem.” She copied the movements she’d seen Grant use to help Elias pull on his shirt with a minimum of pain.
The operatives returned to the kitchen with their bags in hand. Before they could load the back of the truck, Seth’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen. “Dutch.” Echo’s leader placed the call on speaker. “Dutch, you’re up and moving early.”
“No choice when someone dumped six bodies and two injured men on my front porch. Do you know anything about that?”
“You think I had something to do with that?”
“You’re the only strangers in these parts. Do you blame me?”
“Is it possible you have another motorcycle club in your territory?”
“How did you….” Dutch fell silent for a beat, then said, “Have you seen another MC around here?”
Seth laughed. “How would I know? I haven’t met all the members of Blackthorn. I sure wouldn’t recognize someone who wasn’t from your MC.”
“That’s true,” Dutch conceded. “I could use a hand with these bodies. My Old Lady is very upset.”
“I understand. I’m sorry we can’t be of service to you. We have a meeting with our president in about five minutes.”
“I see. I’ll let you get to your meeting then. I’ll see you later today.”
Iona frowned. After Seth ended the call, she said, “Was that a threat?”
“I’d take it as one,” Elias said. “That call was a feeler. Dutch is suspicious, but he doesn’t have any proof we’re to blame for losing Blackthorn and Reckoner members.”
“All the more reason we should leave Red Rock as soon as possible.” Noah helped Violet clean up the medical detritus. “Need anything else from your mike bag?” he asked.
She shook her head. “The bag should go in the truck’s cab in case someone needs a Band-Aid.” She stared at Elias.
He chuckled. “I think I’m fine for the moment. Thanks.”
“Still, I want the bag in the truck’s cab for quick access.”
Grant walked into the kitchen from the back door. “Truck’s ready.”
“Load up,” Seth ordered as he made a call. “Z, it’s Seth. We need an address for Christopher Merriweather and anything else you have on him.”
“What’s your plan?”
“Early morning house call, then we’re leaving Red Rock.”
“Do you have the information?”
“We’re hoping Merriweather has it. Even if he doesn’t, things are growing too hot here. I don’t want our teams caught in the crossfire.”
“Copy that. You should see the information I’ve put together in your Fortress email now.”
“Thanks, man.”
“Yep. Let me know when you leave the cabin and make sure you have your comm devices in your ears. I’ll monitor things from here.”
“You have a satellite in range?”
“Several. I might use a military satellite and two of ours in the next few minutes. But you didn’t hear that from me.”
“Hear what?” Seth grinned. “Thanks, Z. We owe you.”
“Just come back safe. That’s all the thanks I want.”
“Same. I’ll tell you in about two minutes to join the loop, so you might as well stay on the line with me.”
“Copy.” He went silent.
“Grab your gear and load up. Comm devices in your ears.”
The operatives grabbed their bags and headed for the back door, one at a time. Once they’d slipped the earpieces into their ears, Seth said, “Z, join the loop.”
“Copy that.” A moment later, his voice came through their comm devices. “Loop connected.”
“I hope this is overkill.” Seth glanced at the distant Blackthorn clubhouse.
“Something tells me it isn’t. Noah, take the wheel of the truck with Violet, Iona, and Elias.
Head for Merriweather’s place. We’ll join you one couple at a time.
If Dutch or one of his men stop you, we’re meeting for a club ride on the main road. ”
Grant tossed Noah the key fob and caught the motorcycle keys Noah tossed his way. “Let’s get out of here. My skin is crawling.”
Seth looked grim. “So is mine. Grant, you and Rayne follow the truck. Andre and Riley will be next. Teagan and I will bring up the rear.”
A moment later, Noah drove across the field to the dirt road and hung a right. “Be alert and keep your weapons handy.”
“Way to ratchet up the tension, babe,” Violet said.
“I want you safely out of here. That means we watch and stay ready to act if necessary.” He tapped his earpiece. “We’re on the move, Z.”
“Copy that. So far, you’re clear although the clubhouse has a lot of activity around it.”
Noah chuckled. “I bet. Dutch is cleaning up his own mess before a passing police officer notices the bodies on the front porch.”
Ten minutes later, he parked at a scenic overlook to wait for the rest of their teammates. One by one, they parked near the truck.
Over the earpiece, Seth said, “So far, so good. Head for Merriweather’s place, Noah.”
“Copy.” He put the truck in gear and drove toward the other side of Red Rock, taking the back roads to avoid attracting law enforcement attention.
Iona and the others maintained their vigilance during the journey. Other than the occasional sighting of a motorcycle in the distance, no one stopped them.
At the forty-minute mark, Noah turned into the long, rock-covered driveway leading to a large white farmhouse. He parked in front of the two-story house. “It looks deserted. Is he back in the hospital, Z?”
“Not according to the hospital’s records. He was released after treatment of his cuts the night he went to the emergency room.”
“I’ll check it out.” Elias opened his door and exited the vehicle with Iona on his heels. Seconds later, he stepped onto the porch and rang the doorbell.
Nothing.
Elias rang the bell a second time. After a pause, he twisted the knob. It gave way easily under his hand.
“That’s not good.” Iona palmed her weapon.
“No, it’s not. I can’t imagine that he would leave his door unlocked.”
Elias withdrew his Sig and held it down by his side. He pushed the door open. “Mr. Merriweather? We’re doing a wellness check.”
Amusement slid through Iona. A wellness check? She supposed that was as good an excuse as any to enter a man’s home without his permission.
Elias signaled Iona to clear the first floor while he searched the second floor. He entered the farmhouse and stopped. “Iona.”
She eased into the dwelling. Her breath caught. “Holy smoke. Would you look at this?”
The living room looked as though someone had become angry and pitched a royal fit. The overturned furniture and smashed coffee table looked as though someone had fallen on top of them.
Elias headed for the stairs. “Clear the first floor, Iona.”
One room after another, Iona checked for signs of Christopher Merriweather and more signs of an intruder. The last room she entered was the kitchen, where she found the body of a man dressed in overalls on the floor.
“Elias,” she called. “The kitchen.” Iona hurried to the farmer, crouched beside him, and checked for a pulse. Nothing.
Elias strode in, expression grim. He tapped his earpiece. “We found Mr. Merriweather in the kitchen. He’s dead. One shot to the forehead.”
There went the chance to learn from Merriweather if Blackthorn intended to use one of his buildings for the sale of guns and ammunition.