I stand, anxiety racing through me, but Zero raises his hands to placate everyone. “Not in the form of another attack, as in I sent Texas and Chains on a mission.”
Everyone moves to the center of the main room, our curiosity piquing.
“What kind of mission, pres?” I ask.
Zero focuses directly on me. “Actually, this might be hard for you, Kevlar. So, I need you to prepare yourself for what you’re about to see.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means we found out who the dirty cop is who helped make all this fucking shit happen with the Baron and Damir.”
It hits me, this is the little niggling feeling that’s been sitting in my gut. I need to know who the asshole is on the force who’s crooked. My muscles tense when Texas and Chains walk in, holding none other than Tom Hammond. The man who trained me as an officer. The man who made me believe in being a cop on the right side of the law. The man who tried to convince me not to leave the force. The fucking man who was there trying to help get my kids back.
My teeth grind together, my muscles jolting in undeniable rage. I clench my fists together in a tight ball, my body flushing in a fire so hot I’m not sure I can control myself.
“You have got to be fucking kidding me, you sonofabitch!” I race forward, but Neon grabs hold, pulling me back as Texas and Chains drop him to his knees. His hands are bound, his eyebrow swollen and bloody like they’ve hit him over the head.
My pulse races, staring at my mentor in disgust. “How could you?”
Hammond doesn’t even seem surprised he’s here but does appear deflated. “I had no other choice, Liam.”
I shrug out of Neon’s hold, storming right up to him but stop just short. “What did the Baron have on you? Huh?”
Hammond’s eyes shift up to mine, they’re distant. Vacant. Lost. “It’s not on me, it’s on Casey.”
I jerk my head back. “Your daughter?”
“I was trying to protect her. He had dirt on her. She was in deep with this guy. The bastard was bad news. She got into some trouble, I pulled her out and got her into protection. The Baron was threatening to tell her ex where she was, and if he found her, he’d kill her.”
“So, the Baron used your weakness against you and used you as a pawn against us?” Zero concludes.
“I’m sorry… I didn’t want to help the Baron and Damir get out of prison, but what choice did I have? If it were you, you’d protect your family, too?”
“How? How did you do it?” I grunt.
Hammond frowns. “I know a guard on the inside. Called in a favor. He let them out for me in exchange for the Baron’s estate wiring him one hundred grand and a visa out of the country.”
“So, the guard who let them out?”
Hammond exhales. “Long gone. But you have to understand, I did this for Casey.”
Zero rubs the back of his neck. “I understand where you’re coming from, Hammond. The problem is… we can’t let something like this go unpunished. The crime is too great.”
Hammond’s eyes shoot to mine, pleadingly. I shake my head, even though regret swarms through me. “We’ll protect Casey, Hammond. I swear on my family, I will protect yours.”
“You’re a better man than this, Liam.”
I inhale sharply, guilt wracking through me. “And you’re a better man than doing what you did. But we all do things that don’t sit right with us… take him to the Chamber,” I instruct.
Texas and Chains look to Zero for confirmation, and he gives the nod.
Texas and Chains lift Hammond, as Wraith walks off with them. “What the hell is the Chamber? Liam! Liam, you don’t have to do this. Please! What would your kids think?”
“Shut him up,” I yell out, and instantly Wraith slams his fist into the side of Hammond’s head, knocking him out cold. He falls limp in Texas and Chains’ arms, then they drag him through into the Chapel, ready to head down to the Chamber, where Wraith will end his life in the most vicious of ways, and his body will end up incinerated in the oil pit.
“Okay, everyone, business as normal,” Zero calls out, and everyone turns to head off.
I spin, Jovie’s standing back, arms crossed over her chest by the kitchen door, a somber expression on her face. I make my way over, pulling her into a tight hug. She doesn’t hesitate to hold me back.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
“This is the part of the club you haven’t yet seen. We’re good guys, Sunshine, but if you come after us or our families…”
“Then you need to pay the ultimate price. I get it, Kevlar. Lucas and Sadie were here during the attack because of that cop. They were in danger… he needs to pay. I’m fully on board.”
“Do you understand what’s going to happen to him?”
She shrugs. “Not completely, but I can only imagine it’s going to be painful, and I’m good with that.”
I pull her closer to me, leaning in to press my lips to hers.
There’s nothing better she could have said right now.
It was perfect.
She is perfect.
I kiss her, not caring who is watching. My tongue slides into her mouth, kissing her like I damn-well mean it.
JOVIE
It’s been a few crazy days.
After Kevlar and I made out in the middle of the clubhouse, I needed to walk away, or I would have ended up taking him right there on the floor. But if I am being honest, I don’t think the rest of the guys would care if we did. I’m sure they’ve probably seen and done that, but the thing is, I care. I’m not about public displays of whatever that would be.
So, I kissed him goodbye, and now I’m off in search of Savanah. I need some quality girl time. I also have to tell her Kevlar claimed me. It’s not public knowledge yet, though I am sure most of his brothers know by now, but I want to tell her myself. And honestly, I’m not sure how she is going to take it. I just hope it goes well.
Stopping in front of her door, I gently rap on the woodgrain.
“Come in,” she murmurs softly.
I open the door, popping my head through. She’s resting on her bed with one earphone in her ear, peering down at the screen of her camera. A smile lights my face as I walk inside, then shut the door behind me. “You been taking pictures?”
“Mainly of the scenery. The brothers don’t like their pictures being taken.”
“Yeah, I have noticed that.” I make my way over to her bed and sit on the edge. She sits up, placing her camera down and yanking out her earphones.
“You look worried, has something happened?” she asks.
“No, nothing like that… but I do want to talk to you.”
“Me too, actually, but you go first.”
I reach out for her hands. “Sav, you know I love you. You’re my best friend. I never want you to feel like you don’t have a place in my life.” She narrows her eyes on me. “So, I’m sorry if I’ve been the worst friend in the world and not spending enough time with you.”
Savanah lets out a mocking laugh. “Are you kidding? Babe, don’t be ridiculous. I’ve been having a ball here. I fucking love it.” She exhales like there’s sadness running through her. “I’ve adored watching you and the big man grow together. Seeing you get all mommied up and taking on that role…” She smiles. “It suits you. I never thought I would say that, but, girl, you’re supposed to be a mom. I hope you and Kevlar have your own kids one day, too.”