Chapter 19 #2
Cutting through the darkness from above, the overpowering brightness burning the loading bay into a blinding wash of white as Foster’s chopper climbed up over the hospital’s roof, dropped down into the bay like a bird of prey.
Crushing downwash swept across the pavement, whipping dirt and stones through the air.
The side doors slid open, two figures peeling out on ropes, firing off controlled rounds as their feet hit the ground.
The engine in the SUV blew, steam pouring out from the hood, tires popping and hissing. Bodie and the others joined in, canister skipping across the asphalt, erupting into smoke and sound. The siren on the ambulance wailed to life, the strobe lights reflecting off the rain and the puddles.
Nick took off the second the helicopter crested the roof, pushing up the incline, arms pumping, his deep-seeded rage spurring him on. He didn’t draw his weapon, counting on his brothers to have his back as he zeroed in on Hill.
Gunfire erupted around him, men dropping and running as his teammates pushed ahead. Nick stayed focused on Hill, quickly closing in on him.
The man slumped against the hood, the visual and auditory overload rattling his head.
He took a staggering step, tried to reach for the Glock tucked in a holster beneath his jacket as Nick closed the distance, slammed into him like a man possessed.
They bounced off the grill, tumbled onto the ground, smacking the wet pavement with a resounding slap.
Hill got in a quick elbow, knocked out some of Nick’s air, but he recovered, grabbed the bastard by the neck.
He surged to his feet, his hand wrapped around Hill’s throat as he tossed the guy against the hood, again, pinning him with his forearm.
He leaned in an inch from Hill’s face. “Fuck you.”
One hard strike, and the man jerked back, slowly sliding down the vehicle and onto the wet pavement.
Nick braced his weight on the hood, tried to clear the scatter of dots, when a gun cocked beside him.
He snapped his gaze around as one of Hill’s operatives staggered to his feet, pistol aimed at Nick.
Nick reached for his Sig when a blur of black fur raced up the incline, hitting the guy like a battering ram.
Teeth flashed in the dark, a menacing growl vibrating the air as the guy screamed, tried to kick the dog off.
Kash appeared a second later, rifle notched in his shoulder. He whistled, and Nyx retreated, circling Kash before sticking to his left side, teeth still bared, hackles raised. Kash knocked the operative out, flipped him over, then wrapped a couple zap straps around his wrists.
He looked over at Nick, swept the area one more time, then headed over. “You hit?”
Nick shook his head. “Not this time.”
“Sounds like you’re slipping, Colter, though, you still look like shit.
” Kash smiled when blue lights lit up the fog, sirens drawing closer.
“Law’s here. Greer’s gonna be pissed she missed the action.
Avery, too.” He motioned to the ambulance.
“Looks like your better half’s waiting for a SITREP, and she’s definitely seen better days.
You might want to grab her before she passes out, and Chase loses his shit.
I’ll make sure Hill doesn’t crawl away.”
Nick took off, limping and stumbling back to the ambulance. Sloane slumped over the front seat, eyes closed, looking a breath away from tanking and falling out the door and onto the asphalt.
He tripped to a halt, reached in and killed the siren before pulling her into his arms. Her head fell against his shoulder, the solid thud dropping his stomach.
He gathered her in his arms just as Rowan raced down the hill, pointing to the back. Nick circled around, jumped in the rear. Chase had Dalton on the seat, shirt off, supplies strewn across the rig.
Chase swept some bandages off the gurney, tsked when Nick placed Sloane in the middle. “You know, I’m not sure which of you is more reckless, though, Sloane’s topping my list, right now.”
Rowan shuffled in behind, took her vitals as she pushed a few meds. “She’ll need the stitches replaced, probably another unit of blood, but she seems okay, all things considered.” She arched a brow. “Did I hear Kash correctly? You didn’t get hit?”
Nick huffed. “I’m not that bad.”
“Trust me, you really are.” She moved over when Avery bolted around the back of the ambulance, barreling in like a hurricane.
She stared at Sloane, skipped her gaze over to Dalton, the color draining from her face before shifting her focus back to Sloane. “Jesus, is she—”
Nick held up one hand. “She’s okay. Just pulled out a couple stitches. Pushed a bit too hard. We’ll get her back inside, cleaned up. But as soon as she’s strong enough, I’m taking her home.”
Avery hitched out a hip. “Don’t you need a home, first?”
Nick frowned. “Figuratively speaking. But you’re right.
It’s time I found a place that’s more than just a weigh station.
” He slipped Sloane’s hand into his. “It’s time to put down some roots…
” He paused, locked his gaze on Avery. “Assuming it’s over.
That all the lights and sirens mean Hill’s going to jail. ”
Avery grinned. “Going, yes. Staying depends on the lawyers but… Kessler’s evidence is pretty damning. I see why Hill wanted him dead. All of which we can discuss once everyone’s gotten some rest.”
She climbed down, poked her head in one last time. “Just know this, Colter. For some unknown reason, Sloane loves you. Rumor has it, you love her back. Which is great. But if you hurt her…”
“I’m familiar with the threat.”
“Good, because I know how to make a body disappear, and there’s nothing I won’t do for my best friend. Now, get inside. We’ll pick this back up in a couple days.”
Nick relaxed against the side of the ambulance as Bodie climbed in the front, got it moving.
His limbs felt heavy, the sudden drop in adrenaline stealing his strength.
The immediate threat was over, but a bigger uncertainty still loomed on the horizon, and he knew he wouldn’t truly relax until Sloane had kept her promise.
Until he’d convinced her she needed to stay.