14. Dutch
I'd barely tapped a few keys on the computer when the burner phone buzzed on the desk.
"Talk," I answered.
"Makari's not at the shop, boss. I checked everywhere, but it was dark inside."
Blood drained from my face, and my heart slammed against my rib cage. Fuck, no, this couldn't be happening.
"Fuck you mean she's not there? You just said everything was okay. Did you check the coffee joint on the corner?" I asked.
"Yeah. She's just gone."
Damn, that stubborn ass woman . I thought, wondering like hell where she'd gone. "Keep searching, I'm en route. Call me if anything changes." I ended the call, grabbed my helmet, and exited my office.
I barked out orders to the few lounging around. "Saint, Trigger, you're with me. I need the rest of you to fan out and keep watch.
Saint and Trigger were already moving. They knew what Makari meant to me and what could happen if Jahlil had gotten his hands on her.
Outside, I swung my leg over my Harley as Saint and Trigger mounted up next to me. I realized I was holding my breath and finally took a breath.
"Boss, we'll find her," Trigger assured me, kicking on his engine.
I nodded, unable to speak. I didn't know what I'd do if anything happened to Makari. The wind whipped by as we weaved through traffic. Blowing through red lights, I had tunnel vision, only seeing the asphalt in front of me.
Fuck, where the hell was she? I barely registered a car horn blaring at me as I cut them off and passed over three lanes. All I could think about was Makari in some trunk or bleeding out in some fucker's basement.
Stop, I couldn't go there.
Saint and I leaned into the final turn. My tires screeched as we pulled up the shop with Trigger not far behind. Before I could even stop fully, I was dismounting my bike and scanning her storefront window.
I spotted her clearly bent over a client. Her locs were pulled into a messy bun, and she'd taken off her jacket, revealing an old tank top. She was whole, safe, and oblivious to the panic she'd caused me.
A painful relief flooded me. "Jesus Christ!" I bellowed out.
"Is she in there?" Trigger asked.
I nodded. "Yeah, clear as fucking day working on a client," I stated.
"Rico," I barked. "Why'd you tell me she wasn't here?"
Rico strolled over to us and shifted uncomfortably. "I checked, boss. Makari wasn't inside."
"How the fuck you didn't see a woman with purple dreads through this big ass window?" Saint questioned.
"Honestly, I think she slipped in through the back because I swear she wasn't in there. My bad."
Makari peered out of the window and caught my eye.
Shit.
The next thing I knew, she was headed outside the door, and I braced myself as her eyes darted between me and the guys.
"Looky here. Look who decided to join the party." I smirked.
"What's going on, Dutch?" Makari's stance was guarded.
I faked nonchalance and leaned against my bike. "Nothing, darling. The boys here thought they might want some new ink," I lied.
Trigger caught on and rolled up his sleeve. "I was thinking a skull or some shit, ya know?"
Makari pursed her lips, not buying it.
I pressed further. "Can you fit a few ugly mugs into your schedule?"
Makari crossed her arms. "Uh-huh, but you mean to tell me you,Saint, and Rico are here for moral support for Trigger?"
"You know how they can be when it comes to needles." I chuckled.
Makari's glare told me she wasn't in the mood for my shit, but it was hard to know because her expression stayed neutral. I knew she didn't fully believe me, but at least she didn't call me out.
"If you're serious about getting some ink, you'll need to make an appointment. I don't take walk-ins, not even for big burley bikers."
I couldn't help but chuckle. Her fire was what made her so damn irresistible.
Trigger gave a subtle nod. "Cool, will do."
"All right, I have a client waiting if that's all you're here for. Dutch, I'll text you when I'm finished, okay?" Makari stated.
I admired the way she stood her ground even when she knew something was off. It was her independence that got me every time and reeled me to her.
"See ya," she replied.
I watched her fine ass as she returned to the door and entered. I couldn't help but think about how respecting her boundaries and keeping her safe at the same time was one hell of a juggling act.
I turned my attention back to Saint and Trigger. "Let's roll."
"Nigga, I could fit a Mack truck in your nose it’s open so damn wide," Saint joked as we mounted our bikes.
I revved my engine in an attempt to drown him out. "Shut the fuck up. That was Rico's fault." I grinned, knowing they called my bullshit.
We peeled out into the street, weaving through traffic. However, this time, it was more of a joy ride.
At a red light, Saint pulled up next to me. "You need to set up some cameras at her shop or something so you can keep an eye on her."
I nodded. He was right. It was fucking driving me crazy that Makari valued her independence more than her safety. The light turned green, and we were at it again, intimidating the streets of Columbus with our presence.
I plotted my next moves as we rode because, in this world, a fuck up could mean game over. Something I knew all too well, and with Makari, I wasn't willing to take that risk.
Trigger and Saint flanked my sides as we rode down the street. I caught Trigger's eye, and he nodded. I swear these two had my back through hell and high water. Still, there was a mole somewhere, and I had to figure out who it was. I'd been silently testing my guys to see who would give resistance.
As we rounded the corner, we pulled into the lot at the club.
"You know I expected y'all to bail on me back there?" I confessed.
Saint snorted. "Nah, Prez, someone has to keep your lovesick ass in gear."
I scoffed. "Keep talking, and you two will be on diaper duty at the next family picnic."
"Fuck that shit!" Trigger bellowed out, and we laughed.
We killed our engines, and I sat for a moment, still coming down from the adrenaline high I'd been on.
"We need to tighten up the ship. We can't afford any more false calls," I pointed out.
Saint dismounted his bike. "Real talk. I know Rico was telling the truth, and you need to check your lady about leaving."
My jaw clenched. "For one, she didn't know I put a detail on her, and two, she's a grown woman. At the end of the day, she probably went for coffee or something?" I shrugged. "I hear you, though."
"Yeah, whatever," Saint said, in motion to the door with Trigger on his heels."
Because what were my alternatives? Losing Makari like I'd lost… wasn't an option. I'd burn this city down to the ground before I'd let that happen.
Like it or not, Makari had the full force of the Sons of Shadows behind her.