“No.”
“Why not?” Country pouted. “I risked my life to go in there and set up that IED. It’s only fair that I get—”
“No,” Viper repeated, putting an end to Country’s pleading.
Country didn’t persist. Instead, he simply leaned back in his seat and looked out the window, watching for Stark’s return. The SUV grew quiet as we all turned our focus back to the building. Waiting was always the worst part. It was a time when any doubts and second-guessing would start to roll in. Soon that anxious feeling would grow stronger. I could feel the tension radiating off my brothers.
As soon as we spotted Stark enter the building, we knew it was time for the second phase of the plan. Viper looked over to Menace and gave him the nod to proceed. After checking security cameras to make sure Stark had made it upstairs, he pressed the button on the detonator and triggered the IED.
It was just a small explosive, barely enough to blow up a car, but once it blew, the gas line in the basement had taken care of the rest and a rush of blue flames skirted across the basement floor. Seconds later, another, even larger blast sent flames and mortar soaring through the entire building. The discharge was so intense that we felt the vibration rattle the windows of the SUV.
We needed to ensure that no one was able to exit the building, so as soon as the fire had taken hold, Viper turned to us and ordered, “Let’s move.”
We got out of the SUV and being careful to stay out of view from onlookers, we rushed across the street and over to the burning building. I could feel the heat of the flames as we inched closer, and the smell nearly choked me as we came up next to Shotgun. “Keep your eyes and ears open. If anyone tries to come out, end them.”
Through the haze of smoke, I noticed some movement at the second-floor window. Moments later, glass sprayed out as a chair crashed through the window. With fire blazing behind him, Stark leaned out the window and started waving his hands as he called out, “Hey! Over here! Help!”
Stark leaned out a bit further but stopped the second he spotted me standing below. A wave of satisfaction washed over me as I watched his jaw drop. He knew it was my brothers and I who’d set the explosion and put an end to his plan and his life. “I’ll kill you for this. Each and every one...”
Before he could finish his thought, Shotgun aimed his Glock at Stark’s head and squeezed the trigger, sending him flailing back into the flames. We all stood there, waiting and watching, and when a second man stumbled by the window, I raised my weapon and fired. After him, there was no further movement. Just the flames burning bright. We were all standing there silently watching the smoke billow into the night sky when Country grumbled, “Damn, that was a little disappointing.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” I argued. “We just blew up a fucking building.”
“Yeah, but I was hoping I’d get to at least put a bullet in somebody, but nooo, you and Shotgun had to go and beat me to it.”
“Really, Country?” I shook my head. “You need therapy, brother. Lots and lots of therapy.”
“I know. Killing somebody was gonna be my therapy!” He threw his hands up as he fussed, “I mean, come on. We just blew up my memory lane!”
“Why don’t you step a little closer and see if you can singe some of that stupid out of that thick skull of yours.”
“It’s a good thing you’re a brother, or I might just have to kick that ass.”
“You could try.”
“Could you two knock it off for two fucking seconds,” Shotgun barked. “We have a job to do here.”
“Yeah, Rafe.” Country nudged me with his elbow. “We have a job to do.”
I might’ve countered once more but decided against it when another loud explosion erupted, making it look like the Fourth of July as the building was consumed with fire and smoke. Once we were certain there were no survivors, we headed back to our SUVs and made our getaway just before the police and firemen started to arrive. We left there knowing the deed was done. Soon, Stark would be nothing more than a distant memory.
Chapter 22
Marlowe
After leaving Kate at the bar, I went home and waited for some word from Rafe. Sadly, there was none. In fact, there was no word from anyone. I went to bed having no idea what had happened with Eric and the ledger I’d given him. I hated to think something terrible had happened, but after all the terrible threats Eric had made, it was impossible to keep my mind from drifting to the worst possible outcome. I was a wreck. Tension filled my entire body, making it impossible to get comfortable. I spent the entire night tossing and turning, and when I finally pulled myself out of bed the next morning, I felt like I’d been hit by a Mack truck.
I needed coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. On my way to the kitchen, I turned on the TV, and with the news blaring, I shuffled over to the counter and started my coffeepot. I was zoned out, my mind fogged from exhaustion, and was fighting to keep my eyes open when something on the TV caught my attention. I made my way back into the living room and was surprised to find a reporter standing in front of what used to be Crockett’s. Smoke and ash billowed behind her as she said, “Investigators are saying last night’s explosion was the result of a gas leak.”
I couldn’t believe my eyes. The place I’d once loved was now nothing more than a pile of rubble. I was completely stunned as I stood there listening to the reporter say, “This once mom-and-pop bar called Crockett’s was recently purchased by Joseph Stark, the owner and developer of Stark Realty.”
My jaw dropped with surprise when a photograph of Eric was displayed across the screen. “It is uncertain if Stark or his associates were on the premises during the explosion, but investigators have uncovered the remains of at least four individuals. Check back later tonight for more information on this unexpected tragedy.”
Before I even realized what I was doing, I’d changed out of my pajamas and into a pair of jeans and a hoodie. I grabbed my keys and purse, then ran out the door and to my car. For whatever reason, I had it in my head I needed to see Crockett’s for myself. I guess I hoped I might find some answers there, but with all the yellow tape and police scurrying around, there were none to find. My heart sank as I looked at all the destruction. Crockett’s was a place that had once meant a great deal to me. It was where my new life had begun.
I guess I owed that piece of luck to my biological father. Turned out, I owed more than that to him. If he’d just stayed out of my life and left me alone, none of this would’ve ever happened. But then, without him intervening like he had, I would’ve never met Gladys or Country. And without them, I would’ve never crossed paths with Rafe. That was something for which I’d be forever grateful.
I was about to pull away when I spotted Gladys standing next to an older lady I’d never met before. The distraught look on Gladys’s face had me pulling over and parking. I got out and rushed over to them, hugging Gladys tightly as I said, “I’m so sorry this happened. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, dear. It’s just so sad to see this place in shambles.” She gave me a tight squeeze as she said, “It sure is good to see you. How have you been?”