Murderous raiders of val.., p.5
Murderous (Raiders of Valhalla MC Book 7), page 5
One slides directly in front of me so I pick it up and look at the timestamp on the right side. “Are these from a surveillance camera?”
“Yes, a marina in Miami. These were taken three days ago. I had Vanir work with one of the Steele’s hackers. Together they were able to obtain these.” Vanir is the club’s designated tech man, the best hacker we have. Whenever we fuck up something with our phones or laptops we always take it to Vanir. Usually within a few hours he has it fixed, functioning better than it was when we gave it to him. I don’t understand any of what he does, though I can say he doesn’t understand what I do either.
“When did you get these?” Logi questions.
“This morning. Roque owns the marina that they were at. We know he has a lot of resources and surprisingly he’s paid someone very well to make sure everything he has is safe. Fortunate for us, the Toad isn’t as good as me.” Vanir smirks at the end.
The Toad is the hacker who works for Roque, and he’s arguably one of the best hackers in the world. He’s the man who’s behind hiding Roque’s true identity and his nefarious activities.
“You can’t be that good if you had to get help from the Steele family’s hacker,” Kraken points out and every brother around the table smirks. We can’t help but humble Vanir from time to time. While he’s talented with what he does, there’s no time for his cockiness right now.
“If you had to do my job I can guarantee it wouldn’t get done. None of you realize the great lengths I have to go to from time to time when it comes to finding shit out for the betterment of the club. Roque fooled us all, and only recently have we discovered what kind of person he really is.”
“If I had the ability to do your job I wouldn’t need to ask others for their help.” Kraken snaps.
Runes slams the gavel down on the table. “Enough. I don’t care how we’re making headway on this as long as it’s happening. I’m sure that the group of you want us to find out whatever we can about Mord and Roque as much as I do. It’s why I’ve authorized Vanir to go to whatever lengths he needs to, even looking on the dark web.”
“Fuck, you think the two of them could be that deep? You think they might be somewhere on there?” I don’t know jack shit about the dark web so I have no other choice but to ask this question.
“I think I can find out more information about them on the dark web, yes. You have to understand everything you do leaves an electronic footprint. All of those apps on your phone that you allow to track your location at all times do just that. They track the ever loving shit out of you. Sometimes I can gain access to your phone carrier’s GPS information, but there are some people like Mord and Roque who know how to hide and do it well. However, everything is obtainable on the dark web for a price. My guess is that Roque sells the children on the dark web and I’ll be able to discover a lot more about him on there.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to find them?” Fenrir questions, leaning back in his chair a bit more. He’s been very quiet for this meeting, likely analyzing everything that’s been said thus far.
“You’re speakin’ to the man who managed to find Hillary. I’m sure I can find them both as long as I have some time to do it. Nothing happens overnight, only with hard work and dedication.” Vanir replies.
“I for one am calling dibs on Mord,” Logi speaks up, rage thick in his voice. If I were in his shoes I’d want Mord too. That man ruined his life. He took Skadi away from him for many years and if that wasn’t bad enough he’s the reason she got kidnapped. It’s a fucked situation all around.
“None of us have a problem with that.” Runes speaks up. “I brought you all here to give you an update on what’s been going on, and to inform you about the changes I’ve made to ensure we find both of these bastards. Good things are happening for us personally, but we can’t let that distract us from the business that needs to be finished.”
Runes is likely speaking about Kraken and Magnolia’s recent wedding, as well as all of the babies that are due here in November. Charm and Fenrir, Vanir and Vail, and Gwen and Rati are all having additions being made into their small families.
No one says anything in response to what Runes recently stated, so he slams the gavel down to end kirkja. “We will meet again when I have another update. Until then, keep your eyes peeled. We don’t know if either of them could be back or right under our noses.” It’s best to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to our families and those we love.
All of us begin pouring out of the room where we hold kirkja and head out to the main area. I figure it’s time for a beer so I head over to the bar and grab a clean glass from underneath. I pull down on the tap and a locally crafted ale called Skald comes out. I don’t know how Runes found a Viking inspired beer, but more power to him. It’s light and buttery while a lot of the other beers we have on tap are harsh.
“I noticed you didn’t leave alone the other night,” Logi’s taking a seat on the other side of the bar. There’s an amusement in his tone which tells me he’s playing around.
“No, I did not.” I confirm with a smile.
“I’m glad. I thought the two of you would be a good match. It’s about damn time you two made something of it.”
“I don’t know if we are,” Esperanza hasn’t reached out and she has the ability to. If she’s still quiet for a couple more days I’ll end up biting the bullet and reaching out to her.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Logi questions.
“Brother, she hasn’t called or texted me once. I made it a point to leave my card so she could reach me and nothing. Complete radio silence. I’m used to women like the horas coming up and crawling all over me. Esperanza hasn’t.”
Logi raises both of his brows and chuckles. “A woman like Esperanza isn’t like the horas. They have standards. They want to be wined and dined.”
I roll my eyes. “I know that, brother. I’m not stupid.”
“You mean you’re not that stupid.”
“If I was stupid I wouldn’t have a law degree.”
“Yeah you would, they’ve set the bar really low.” Logi cracks up at his own joke and I stare at him wondering when his jokes got so corny. “Get it, they set the bar low.”
“I got it,” I shut my eyes and shake my head, not able to believe him. Who knew he’d settle down and turn into the pun-king?
CHAPTER SEVEN
Esperanza
It’s just past five o’clock in the morning and I’m starting my day. I pulled my hair up in a tight ponytail and have just changed into a matching sports bra and legging set from Savage X Fenty by Rihanna. It’s one of her newer releases, called the Wildcat. It’s a cropped strappy tank with a halter and V-neck silhouette that has elastic criss cross bands on the back, giving me the support I really need. I’m wearing the matching high-waisted leggings. It has a lace-up keyhole on the hips which add to the elastic criss cross my top has. There are beiges, nudes, black, and yellow running throughout the fabric in something similar to tiger stripes.
I work out every single day, only taking a day off every weekend or so. I’ve tried a lot of brands for workout wear, but my favorite designer is Rihanna. Her and her team really knows what women need as far as support and sweat absorption.
I threw on a lightweight black workout jacket and brought my umbrella when I walked over here a few minutes ago. I’m lucky enough to have my gym right across the street from my condominium complex. The weathermen have been calling for scattered thunderstorms throughout the day which isn’t unusual for this time of year. The last thing I want to be is soaked when I’m done with my workout so I came prepared.
I’m currently on the treadmill after doing some exercises with the kettlebell for upper arm strength and doing a little bit of work with the leg press. I’ll be on the treadmill for at least another forty minutes. By five after six I’ll be back in my condo stripping out of these sweaty clothes and getting a shower before I head into the office.
I have my noise canceling headphones on while listening to Megan Thee Stallion. I love any sort of upbeat music whenever I’m working out and all of Megan’s songs are great to run to. I’m on my second mile and keep up my pace. I usually don’t start feeling sore until around my fifth mile, so I keep going and push through.
Eventually, I hit my fifth mile and right after I cross over into it I get an eerie feeling. I’m unsure as to why, although there’s been a few times in my life where a gut feeling has just settled over me. I take in a deep breath and the sudden urge to look behind me strikes over my body. I slow down my pace on the machine and go from running into a walk. I look behind me and am surprised at who I’m looking at.
Jamal.
My ex-boyfriend from years ago who never wanted to level up our relationship. What is he doing back in Tallahassee? I thought he moved away.
I slide my headphones down over my neck. “I can hardly believe what I’m seeing right now,”
“Likewise. I figured you’d moved away and started some hotshot firm by now.” I don’t know if I should take what Jamal is saying as a dig or not.
“I didn’t need to move away to start a firm. I have one and I do very well for myself. You might have left to upgrade your career, but some people work harder to ensure their success in the city they’re living in.” He got a little bit crappy with me so I’m only throwing it right back at him.
Jamal smirks and laughs at me. He’s in a neon yellow tank top and a pair of black basketball shorts with new Jordan’s from what I can tell. “I can see you haven’t changed a bit.”
“Quite the contrary, I’ve done a lot of changing. Have you?” Our break-up wasn’t exactly the best. I went through a long phase of anger for him choosing to leave and give up on us. I wasn’t going to go with him, especially if we weren’t engaged. There was a time where I felt like I wasn’t enough for him, but only after being on my own for a little while did I realize I wasn’t the problem. I might not have been the perfect partner, but I was a damn good one.
“I have, actually. I’ve done a lot of growing up, so much so that I went out of my way to try and find a job in Tallahassee. I saw you had a law firm here online and I hoped you weren’t tied down with anyone else. I made a mistake all those years ago and I want to try and undo it.”
So, he lied when he said he figured I moved away. Obviously, he knew I was still here. “You can’t Uno reverse your past, Jamal. You made choices. I made choices. We can’t change them.”
“Maybe not, but we can change the future. Why don’t we go out for coffee, or maybe dinner? Whichever you want.”
Jamal might not seem like the best partner right now, but he was. We were good at keeping each other level headed, bouncing ideas off one another, and we’ve always been respectful whenever we’ve debated on an issue or even bickered about something. It’s not like I’m dating anyone, so why not go out and see what he has to say?
“Friday night, Mexican. We can head to Santa Maria’s. It’s a new joint since you left and the food is amazing. The drinks are really good too.”
Jamal smiles so widely that it almost looks like his cheekbones are raising up. “Perfect. Where’s your phone? I’ll put in my new number.”
I pull my phone out of the pocket in my leggings and go to my contacts, creating a new one for Jamal. I deleted his number years ago and since then my phone number has changed. I hand the phone over to him and he inputs his information, then hands me the phone back a few seconds later.
I slide my phone back into my pocket and turn the treadmill off, get off the side and start doing a couple of stretches. I always stretch before and after my workouts.
“I’ll see you on Friday. Seven work for you?” Jamal questions.
“Yeah, that should work.” I reply and he walks off toward the bench press. I take notice at the work he’s done to his body. He used to have an athletic sort of build before, more like a swimmer or someone on track. It used to be lanky, there was muscle definition but never anything crazy. Now it looks like he eats a lot of more protein, takes more vitamins, and more specifically works on other parts of his body. He isn’t huge by any means, though his muscles are protruding a lot more than they used to. Basically, he’s gotten hotter.
After I finish stretching I go to my locker and put on my lightweight jacket, grab my umbrella and open it the second I get outside. It’s raining like cats and dogs so I rush back to my apartment building and sigh in relief once I’ve gotten under the safety of the parking garage. I close up my umbrella and get back to my condo in no time. The first thing I do is put my phone on my kitchen counter and head into the bathroom, stripping my clothes off one by one. I take a look at my hair in the mirror, thankful not a bit of it got wet and put on my bonnet so my wig doesn’t get soaked. This is one of the newer ones I got from Soledad’s store.
I turn my shower on, wanting the water to be warm but not too hot. I recently purchased some new epsom salt scrubs so I rub those along my body and get every speck of dead skin to go down the drain. Once I feel like I’m clean enough I get out, grab a towel off of the heated towel rack I had installed not too long ago and dry myself off. Every time I get out of the shower I rub cocoa butter all over my skin. It’s one of the few things I do for my own self-care and keeps my skin glowing and hydrated. There’s nothing worse than looking ashy.
It’s not too long before I’m unlocking the front door to my office. It’s so crazy to me that I happened to run into Jamal this morning. It’s been years since the two of us have seen each other and I don’t think anything will come out of us going to dinner, but it will be nice to catch up and see how he’s been doing. I never harbor any ill will toward my exes, even if they did hurt me pretty bad at the time. My mother always says if you wish bad things to others it will bring negative karma to your life. So, I guess that’s why I don’t.
I push open the firm’s front door, flick on the lights and make my way back to my office. Rosie should be here within the next twenty minutes and knowing her she’s going to stop by the breakfast truck around the corner to grab us both some goodies. The only thing I’ve had this morning is my pre-workout shake and I’m starving. My stomach has been grumbling the last twenty minutes.
I’m placing my purse on the hook under my desk when my cell starts going off. I figure it’s Rosie. Whenever she’s grabbing breakfast she’ll call me to see what I want to order. I tap the green button without even looking to see who it is. “Hello,”
“Hey. I know it’s early but I’m about to have a truck delivered with new products. What are you doing Friday night? I’m in desperate need of a girl’s night.” Soledad tells me.
“Morning. Um, Friday night I already have plans. Want to do Saturday instead?” I sit down in my desk chair and turn on my desktop.
“What do you mean you already have plans? You can’t ever be too busy to see me.”
I wasn’t planning on telling my sister about running into Jamal, but it looks like I have no other option. “Remember Jamal?”
There’s a long pause on her end before she replies. “You mean your ex?”
“Yeah. I ran into him at the gym this morning. It turns out he moved back into town. He asked me to go out to dinner and I said yes.”
“Why? I’m not trying to be a bitch, but why would you say yes? Jamal’s always been an arrogant prick, and one who never saw your worth. Even when it was right in front of him for so many years.”
“He wasn’t a prick. Jamal’s always been determined and ambitious.”
“Sure, okay, and I’m not a bitch when I’m PMSing. Now we’ve both said blatant lies. He’s a prick, Esp. He’s always spoken down on people and that hasn’t ever helped my opinion of him. I went out to dinner with you guys so many times and he constantly treated the people serving us like they personally worked for him, or like a bug stuck on the bottom of his shoe.”
Jamal was a little bit rough around the edges sometimes. It wasn’t ever anything I thought was a dealbreaker. “So many years have passed. I’m going out to dinner with him. It’s not a date, it’s just to catch up.”
“You’re making a huge mistake and you don’t even realize it. Jamal didn’t even treat you well. You’re trying to move on from your past, not repeat the same bullshit.”
“Soledad,” I’m trying to calm my sister down, but I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t some emotion in her voice.
“Don’t. You told me you weren’t giving that nice guy Dag a real shot with you because you wanted to sleep around and have your freedom. Now you’re going out with Jamal. You can say it isn’t a date, but I know you. It’s a fucking date. Why won’t you give Dag a chance if you’re willing to give the first man who tore your heart into pieces one? It’s super fucked up, Esp.” Soledad has never been one to hide her true feelings. Especially from me. If my sister is thinking something about someone, she’s going to make sure you know how she feels about it.
“What about next weekend? I have a few really intense cases right now so I’ll be working the rest of the weekend.”
“I guess. My truck’s here. Gotta go,” The phone call ends before I have time to process it and I set my phone down on my desk.
Soledad is right in some circumstances, though I don’t believe she is in this one. Jamal is familiar to me and I do want to catch up with him. I’m going to on Friday night. All we’re doing is going to get some food. That’s all it is. It’s dinner.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dag
I’m sitting out on the back deck area with Runes drinking a cold Pepsi. When we bought the place we did a couple of renovations. One of which was using this glorified sunroom as an open-concept porch area that we could use in the summer months. It wasn’t really a sunroom, but the back part of this wall was already halfway taken down so we did the rest of the work to give it an indoor outdoor sort of feel. When we have barbecues outside we can come under here to get away from the sun, or escape the occasional storm that passes through. It’s completely shaded and the door behind us leads right into the clubhouse.
