19. Jax
Chapter nineteen
Jax
J ax rubbed his eyes, feeling the fatigue deep in his bones after a sleepless night. His fingers drummed impatiently against the table, and he adjusted his glasses before turning to his brothers.
"Alright," he said, his voice low and determined. "We've got everything in place. Nash, you'll work your contacts to gather intel on the staff at Easy Gal strip club. Blake, you're on recon duty. I'll monitor their security systems and coordinate our actions. The moment I find a backdoor in their security, it’s all systems go."
Nash nodded, his green eyes sharp and focused. "You got it, bro.” He paused, his eyes narrowing. “Can’t say I’m happy about being drafted into this operation at the last minute. You should have told us about this weeks ago, Jax. But I understand why you did it, and I’m committed to this a hundred percent.”
Blake clenched his fists, his jaw set with grim resolve. "We'll find Viper, Jax. We'll make him pay for what he's done."
As they continued to discuss the operation, Jax couldn't help but steal glances at the closed door that separated them from the playroom. The muffled laughter of Mia, Savannah, and Rosie reached his ears, and warmth spread through his chest. Despite the weight of their mission, knowing his Little was safe and happy gave him the strength to push forward.
"Guys," Jax interjected, his tone serious. "I need you to promise me one thing. No matter what happens, we stick together, and we protect the girls. They've been through enough. There’s no way I want them to suffer anymore."
Nash's gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Jax's shoulder. "You have our word, little brother."
"Count on it," Blake added, his voice resolute.
Jax nodded, his resolve solidifying. With his brothers by his side, they would face anything—even Viper. And together, they would bring justice to those who had suffered at his hands.
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting soft light through the windows of the Den. Jax took a deep breath, steeling himself for the coming mission. He stood up, his muscles tense from the long night of planning. It was time to say goodbye.
"Let's do this," he said, determination etched on his face. His brothers nodded in agreement, each one wearing their own expression of resolve.
Jax headed toward the playroom door, opening it gently. The sight of Mia, Savannah, and Rosie playing together brought a bittersweet smile to his lips. He couldn't help but be grateful for the solace they found in one another, especially his babygirl.
"Hey, Mia?" he called softly, trying not to disturb the others. Her green eyes met his hazel ones, curiosity and concern flickering in their depths.
"Everything okay, Daddy?" she asked, her voice laced with worry. The weight of her question hung heavy in the air.
"Time to go, sweetness," Jax replied, swallowing the lump in his throat. "But I promise I'll be back soon."
Mia stood up and approached him, her small frame trembling slightly. Jax pulled her into a tight embrace, breathing in her familiar scent. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before leaning down to whisper in her ear, "I love you, Mia."
Her eyes widened, tears threatening to spill over. "You love me?”
Jax nodded. “I'd give my life to keep you safe.”
“I know you would, Daddy," she whispered, her voice trembling. "But I don't want that. I don’t want you to die for me. Or anyone. I admire what Savannah and Blake are doing, fighting for justice and all . . . but I can't live like that. I want a normal little life somewhere. Peace and quiet. I’ve never had that, and I’m desperate for it."
Jax looked into her eyes, seeing the vulnerability hidden behind her tough exterior. "Babygirl, I understand. All I want is for you to be happy and safe. I'll do whatever it takes to give you the peaceful future you deserve."
Mia's eyes shimmered with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Daddy," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist for one last hug.
"Take care of each other," Jax instructed, addressing all three women in the room. "We'll be back before you know it."
"Promise me you'll be careful, Daddy," Savannah called after Jax, her eyes searching Blake's for reassurance.
"Always," Blake replied, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "We're doing this for a better future—for all of us."
Jax's heart swelled with pride as he watched his brother's determination to right the wrongs of their world. He knew the sacrifices they were making, and it only fueled his own resolve to see Viper brought down.
Across the room, Nash leaned against a wall, his arms folded as Rosie approached him, an impish grin on her face. "So, big guy," she teased, poking him in the chest. "Gonna show those baddies who's boss?"
Nash smirked, meeting her gaze with a playful glint in his eyes. "You know it. Just make sure you don't miss me too much while I'm gone."
"Who said anything about missing you?" Rosie shot back, tossing her hair over her shoulder defiantly.
A knowing smile tugged at the corners of Jax’s mouth. "You two should just admit you like each other already," he called out, unable to resist teasing his eldest brother.
"Keep dreaming, little brother," Nash retorted, rolling his eyes, but Jax could see the faint blush creeping up his neck.
Blake chimed in, grinning widely. "You two have more chemistry than a high school science lab."
“That’s ‘cause he’s as boring as high school science,” Rosie jabbed.
"Ha ha, very funny," Nash muttered, but his lips betrayed his annoyance with a slight smile.
With their goodbyes said, the brothers steeled themselves for the coming battle. The air in the room grew heavy with anticipation, but despite the danger they faced, Jax knew in his heart that they would prevail.
The neon lights of the strip club bled into the dark alley, painting the grimy walls with a lurid, pulsating glow. Jax, Nash, and Blake approached the building, their footsteps nearly silent on the damp pavement. The air was thick with tension and the faint scent of stale cigarettes and cheap perfume.
Jax's heart pounded in his chest as he took in the scene. This was it—the moment that would decide the rest of forever. He could feel the weight of their mission pressing down on him, the lives of countless innocent women hanging in the balance.
"Alright," Jax whispered, his voice barely audible above the muffled thrum of bass coming from inside the club. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his hazel eyes scanning their surroundings one last time. "I've disabled the security camera outside the club. The ones inside are impenetrable, but who cares? We're not here to be subtle."
He turned to face his brothers, noting the determination etched on their faces. "I say we go in fast. They won't be expecting an attack first thing in the morning. Nash, you take the front door. Create a distraction, draw their attention. Blake, you're on lookout. Keep an eye on the street and the neighboring buildings. We can't afford any surprises."
Jax paused, his jaw clenching as he thought about what they might find inside. "I don't need to say this, but hell, I'm gonna say it anyway. No woman gets hurt. Not on our watch."
"No woman gets hurt," Blake and Nash echoed in unison, their voices filled with quiet resolve.
Nash moved into position, his muscular frame tense as he scanned the area for any signs of trouble. Blake melted into the shadows near the entrance, his keen eyes alert for any potential threats.
With practiced ease, Jax approached the back door. He pulled out a small set of lock picks, his fingers moving with swift precision. Within seconds, he heard the satisfying click of the lock giving way. "We're in," he breathed, pushing the door open.
The brothers slipped inside, immediately assaulted by the stench of stale beer and sweat. The dimly lit hallway stretched before them, lined with closed doors. Behind those doors, Jax knew, innocent girls were being held against their will. The thought made his blood boil, fueling his determination.
"Let's split up," Jax suggested, his hazel eyes glinting with resolve in the low light. "We'll cover more ground that way. Remember, our priority is getting the girls out safely."
As they moved through the club, they encountered several armed guards. But the Marks brothers were ready. Nash's fist connected with a guard's jaw, the crack of bone audible even over the pulsing music. Blake executed a perfect leg sweep, sending another guard crashing to the floor. Jax ducked under a wild swing, countering with a swift uppercut that left his opponent unconscious.
At the end of the hall, Jax discovered a heavy metal door secured with an electronic lock. Sweat beaded on his brow as he pulled out a small device, attaching it to the keypad. His fingers flew over the touchscreen, bypassing firewalls and cracking encryption. After what felt like an eternity, the lock disengaged with a soft beep.
Jax pushed the door open, his heart clenching at the sight before him. A group of young women huddled together in the corner, their eyes wide with fear and mistrust.
"Hey, it's okay," Jax said softly, holding his hands up to show he meant no harm. He offered a small, reassuring smile. "We're here to help. You're safe now. We're going to get you out of here."
Suddenly, a chilling laugh echoed through the club, stopping Jax in his tracks. He recognized that sinister tone all too well—Viper.
"Did you really think it would be that easy, Jax?" Viper's silky voice cut through the air as he emerged from the shadows. His steel-gray eyes burned with malice, a sneer twisting his lips.
Nash stepped forward, his voice cold and steady. "Let the girls go, Viper. It's over."
"Or what?" Viper challenged, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "You'll kill me? I'd like to see you try."
"Enough!" Jax roared, his anger flaring. "This ends now!"
The brothers lunged at Viper, fists flying in a blur of motion. The room erupted into chaos as they fought to overpower their enemy. Jax seized an opening, tackling Viper to the ground with a bone-jarring thud.
Viper laughed, a chilling sound devoid of humor. "Thing is, doesn’t matter what you do to me now. You can’t win. You've already lost, asshole. I ruined your life years ago."
Jax's grip tightened. "Not true. My life became infinitely better the day I turned you into the cops."
"Oh yeah?" Viper's eyes glinted with cruel amusement. "I'm not sure Chloe's did."
The words hit Jax like a physical blow. His throat went dry. "Wait. What do you know about Chloe?"
Viper's grin widened. "If you kill me, you'll never find out exactly what happened to her."
A heavy silence fell over the room. Nash snarled, "What the hell did you do to her?"
"Let me sit up and I'll tell you," Viper said, his tone dripping with false reasonableness.
Jax looked at his brothers, his voice clear and deliberate. "You trust this jackass?"
"Nope," Blake replied flatly.
"Nuh-uh," Nash echoed.
With one final, powerful blow, Jax rendered Viper unconscious. He stood, his chest heaving, adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
"Let's get these girls out of here," Nash said determinedly. He and Blake began guiding the freed captives to safety while Jax secured Viper, leaving a detailed note for the police. It would be enough to put him away for a long time.
As Jax finished, a familiar voice called out, "Jax!"
He whirled around to see Mia standing in the doorway, clutching a gun in her trembling hands. His heart clenched at the sight.
"Babygirl, what are you doing here?" he exclaimed, concern etched on his face.
Mia's green eyes blazed with determination. "I couldn't let my Daddy fight all my battles for me," she said, her voice shaky but resolute. "And I couldn't let you do this without telling you I love you too."
Before Jax could respond, a menacing chuckle filled the air. Chad, Mia's abuser, stepped out of the shadows, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"Well, well, if it isn't little Mia," he taunted. "You think you can take me down?"
"Damn right I do," Mia spat, raising the gun. Her finger trembled on the trigger, but her gaze never wavered.
"Go on then, shoot," Chad challenged, inching closer.
"Back off, Chad," Jax growled, tensing to intervene. "Mia, you don't have to do this. I'll deal with him for you."
But Mia had made her choice. With a burst of courage, she pulled the trigger. The gunshot rang out, deafening in the confined space. Chad's eyes widened in shock before he crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
"Got him," Mia whispered, her voice a mix of disbelief and fierce pride. She looked up at Jax, tears glistening in her eyes. "I did it, Daddy."
"You sure did, babygirl," Jax replied, pulling her into a protective embrace. "You're so strong. I'm so proud of you. Now, we'd better get out of here before the cops find us."
Jax's fingers flew over the security room controls, methodically erasing all traces of their presence. With each deleted frame, a mixture of satisfaction and unease churned in his gut. They'd won, but at what cost? Viper's taunting words about Chloe echoed in his mind, an incessant, maddening whisper.
As he reached for the last tape, something caught his eye. There, tucked away in the corner of a dusty shelf, was a single VHS tape. Unlike the others, this one wasn't labeled with a date or location. Instead, a single word was scrawled across its spine in faded black marker:
"Chloe"
Jax froze, his hand hovering inches from the tape. The world seemed to narrow, all sound fading away except for the thundering of his own heartbeat. He stared at that name—his sister's name—feeling as though he'd been punched in the gut.
Viper was behind it. Somehow, Viper was behind her disappearance and death.
With trembling fingers, he reached out and grasped the tape. It felt heavier than it should, weighed down by years of questions, guilt, and unresolved grief. Jax turned it over in his hands, searching for any other markings, any clue to its contents. But there was nothing else.
He knew that whatever was on the tape would be heavy viewing. He'd watch it, but not today.
As he stepped out of the security room, Jax's resolve hardened. He'd come here to save Mia and the other girls, to bring down Viper's operation. He'd accomplished that. But now, a new mission was taking shape—one that had been years in the making.
As they climbed into the car, Jax could feel Mia trembling beside him. Her fingers dug into his arm, seeking comfort and reassurance. He pulled the car onto the street, pushing the accelerator and leaving the chaos behind them.
"Open the sunroof, Daddy," Mia said suddenly, her voice shaky but determined.
"Are you sure, babygirl?" Jax asked, casting a glance at her.
"Please," she insisted, her eyes pleading.
With a nod, Jax opened the sunroof, and Mia hoisted herself up, letting the wind whip through her hair as she stuck her head out. A whoop of pure joy escaped her lips, echoing through the morning air.
"YEAH! WOO!" She yelled, embracing the freedom she'd fought so hard for. The sound of her laughter warmed Jax's heart, filling him with a sense of deep satisfaction.
"Damn, babygirl, I never thought I'd see the day you'd be this happy," he thought, a grin spreading across his face as he drove faster, leaving their past behind them.
"Neither did I, Daddy," Mia shouted over the rush of wind, her eyes alive with newfound hope. "Neither did I."