“What happened then?”

  Stunner shook his head. “Not really sure. El Diablo gathered me and a man called the Reaper, El Segador, in for a meeting. Only the meeting was actually a ride back to the U.S. via private jet incoming to a private airstrip. There had been a falling out with him and whatever organization he worked for years earlier. It was why he was in Argentina. Once he had an excuse to get back to the States, he took it, moving me and Reaper with him.

  “His plan was to start his own operation. To do that, he needed cover. While he was well dressed, well mannered, and well spoken, he didn’t have the time to integrate into that kind of society. Instead, he figured he’d be better suited to some kind of gang. The decision to fit into an MC was an accident.”

  Stunner glanced around the room. It was hard to tell if they believed him or not, but no one was getting impatient or frustrated. That alone gave him the courage to continue.

  “I was in Nashville. We were researching places and available resources. I’d been looking for some action out of sheer frustration and found myself in a biker bar. That’s where I met Gremlin.”

  Suzie gasped and she sank into a nearby chair. Angel knelt beside her, urging her to leave, but she just shook her head. Her lovely face had gone pale, and her breathing was ragged. Stunner hated causing her pain, but it was best to just get it all out.

  “The man had been beaten horribly. He was upright, but I had no idea how. The bruises on his face looked to be a couple days old, but it was hard to say. I had the feeling this guy was El Diablo’s way in. The answer to setting up whatever operation he wanted. So I got him drunk and, as I’d hoped, he started talking.

  “Kiss of Death was into all kinds of shady business dealings. But that wasn’t important. The club was connected, ripe for the taking. That’s what I needed information about. Apparently, there was an element inside the club not happy with the way the president, Crow, was running things. Gremlin thought they were all pussies, but then, Crow was his daddy.

  “After that, he didn’t give me anything else I wanted to hear. It was all rhetoric and nonsense. I was about to leave when he told me his daddy was the one who’d beaten him up. Naturally, given my past, that got my attention.” He took a breath, glanced at Angel, then plunged on. “Apparently, Angel had just escaped. But he was hoping his dad would forgive him after the prize he’d just scored.” Stunner found Suzie’s gaze and locked on to her. “An innocent little eleven-year-old. The boys were an added bonus, but he was most excited about the girl. The plan was to mold her into the perfect club whore.”

  A tear dropped from Suzie’s eye. Then one from the other eye. Her whole body shuddered. Angel had her arms wrapped around her daughter but was no longer trying to get the younger woman to leave the room.

  “I got inside that very night. I found where the children were being held but managed to keep out of their sight. Assuming I was able to help them, I didn’t want anyone identifying me with them so my cover would be intact. Any time Gremlin tried to get me to help with them, I found something else to do. I kept some of the men off them, but couldn’t keep everyone safe. Not and set the club up for a takeover. I’d never done anything like that before, and I was in way over my head. I knew I needed help but getting in touch with either Reaper or El Diablo was tricky. I managed, though. After working out all the angles, we were convinced the only way to stop the whole fuckin’ mess was to take them all down. Only, I had myself, Reaper, and El Diablo. Not nearly enough manpower.

  “I knew there was no way any of the kids would last long enough for us to take over Kiss of Death. In fact, by that time, El Diablo had things in place for him to take over Black Reign. He just had to sit back and wait for things to move in his direction.

  “So, I gave Cliff and Daniel the information they needed to get themselves and Suzie out of Nashville. I sent them to Bones because Bones had been one of El Diablo’s targets of clubs to take over. He loved the idea of Bones being closely affiliated with ExFil. In his mind, that gave him far greater access to goods and muscle than any other club in the country if he could take it over. While Kiss of Death or Black Reign were the easier targets, Bones was the one he wanted most.”

  “Motherfuckin’ Goddamn!” Cain swore, knocking a chair to the floor. Suzie whimpered, wrapping her knees to her chest and rocking herself. “How fuckin’ compromised are we, you son of a bitch?” Stunner had never heard Cain so angry.

  “You’re not. I came to Bones to make sure the kids were OK. I got Shadow to vouch for me so you’d let me in to prospect, and I was able to keep an eye on all three of them.”

  “How did you know Shadow?”

  “We grew up together in Oklahoma,” Shadow supplied. “I had no idea he was even still alive. He seemed broken when he came here, and I wanted him to have a second chance, Cain. He was always a good person. Even now, I can’t help but believe he had good intentions. Especially with Suzie.”

  “Fuckin’ finish, Stunner. I want this over before we leave here tonight.”

  “Not much else to say. I made a home here. Fell in love with Suzie pretty soon after I got here, though not romantically or sexually. That came later. I always kept in touch with El Diablo, but only enough to fulfill my end of our bargain. I always gave non-answers. It’s why I learned not to say much.”

  “Go on.”

  “After Magenta showed up and El Diablo established himself as her father, I had less and less contact with him. I wanted to break entirely, but I gave my word. If he needs me, I’m there. But only if it doesn’t interfere with or contradict my loyalties to ExFil, Bones, or Suzie. When I first met him, everyone knew if you were with him, it was for life. If I break clean, he’ll be the one to kill me. I’m not afraid of him. I’ve more than paid my debt to him. But if I’m dead, I can’t protect Suzie.” He found her again, but she turned her head. “No matter what, I’ll always protect her.”

  “You’ve put me in a helluva position, Stunner. I can almost understand why you did it. What you should have done was fuckin’ come to me! I’d have helped you! As for Suzie, me and the rest of the club have her back. Ain’t nobody gettin’ through all of us. Not even fuckin’ El Diablo.”

  Stunner nodded. “I hear you.” With a heavy heart, he shrugged out of his vest, handing his colors over to Cain. The other man snatched the vest from him without a word.

  “I know there’s gotta be hell to pay,” Stunner said to Cain. “I accept whatever punishment you see fit for betrayal. Even death. Don’t give a fuck. I paid my debt to El Diablo, but I gave you the right to my life when I didn’t give you a full disclosure. The only thing I ask is that you let me get rid of this assassin hangin’ over me. I know you can protect Suzie, but there’s a soft hit on her as well.” He shook his head. “I can’t let this touch her any more than it already has. Let me get rid of this threat. Then my life is yours.”

  Suzie made a sound, pulling herself together with a shuddering breath. Her father was about to pass judgement on Stunner. She had to know taking a patch away from a member was no small thing. She’d never witnessed it that Stunner was aware of, but she’d certainly heard it talked about. When it happened, it tended to be brutal, even if the club intended to leave the guy alive. For his infraction, Stunner didn’t think he’d be that lucky.

  Even though Stunner could see by the anguish on her face her heart was in shreds, Suzie made one last stand for him. “Daddy, wait.”

  “Suzie,” Angel started, but Cain waved her off gently.

  “Just because he’s broken doesn’t mean you should throw him away.” She turned to Stunner then, still speaking to her father. “And just because I don’t believe you should give up on him doesn’t mean I’m taking him back. Just means I know how much I owe him. Besides, you can’t abandon him now.”

  Cain gave her an annoyed look. “Well aware of that, baby. We cut him loose, every club who finds out what happened will know they can take us apart one member at a time. So here’s what’s happenin’. Stunner is still Bones.” He tossed the vest back to Stunner. “We take care of our own. To the death. Once this is over and settled to my liking, we’ll discuss what to do next.”

  “I can put this to rights alone,” Stunner said. “I fucked it up myself. I can damn well fix it.”

  “You take one step out that door, Stunner, and I’ll shoot you right here. I already owe you a beatin’ for breaking my daughter’s heart. No matter what happens after this, you’re getting the beatdown of your life. Until it’s settled, though, we’re all in this together.”

  “Cain, we got company at the main gate requesting entrance.” Data checked a tablet he carried, scowling. “Bigass fuckin’ limo.”

  Cain stilled, looking over Stunner’s shoulder out the window. “Well Goddamn motherfuck,” he swore. “Your buddies are comin’ to your rescue, Stunner. Let’s go greet them properly, shall we?” As he strode to the door and approached Stunner, Cain lashed out with a left cross, catching Stunner in the jaw.

  Stunner grunted, his head snapping to the side. It was by no means Cain’s strongest punch. The man had even delivered it with his off hand, but the message was clear. Stunner stood there as each man in Bones took a shot at him as they passed. It wasn’t the worst beating he’d ever had, but then they all went easy on him. Still wasn’t comfortable by any means. And he was bloodied and sore. The last man to leave the room was Shadow. Stunner winced, but took a breath and stood, hands at his sides.

  When Shadow did nothing, Stunner raised an eyebrow, holding his palms up slightly as if to say, “Well? Take your shot.”

  For long moments Shadow just looked at him. He was a big, intimidating man, heavily muscled and, despite his easy-going manner, was like dynamite when he exploded. He looked ready to explode.

  “I trusted you, Stunner. You were my best friend as a kid. Once you came here, I knew you’d changed, but I thought your integrity was still strong. Did I misjudge you?”

  “That’s for you to decide.”

  Shadow nodded slowly several times, as if trying to make up his mind what to do. Then, just like Stunner knew he would, Shadow exploded into action. He swung a haymaker at Stunner’s head, knocking him to the floor, then he was on him, punching and pounding. Stunner didn’t lift a hand to defend himself or to block Shadow. He deserved everything the other man dished out.

  Somewhere in the background, he heard a woman’s anguished cry, but others stilled her. Then Shadow was off him, stomping away. It took him a while to get his bearings again. Again, not the worst he’d ever taken but he definitely felt it and would for a while. In his heart, he knew he deserved worse. He also knew he’d get worse once this was over.

  He groaned as he crawled to his feet, blotting the blood dripping from his nose with his shirt. One of the club girls was there with a towel and a bag of ice. Stunner searched the room for Suzie, not taking the offered items. When he didn’t find her, he sighed heavily, taking the towel and ice. He’d lost her. His Suzie. The stinging in his eyes and the way his throat tightened had nothing to do with the beating he’d just received.

  Stumbling outside, Stunner came face to face with both El Diablo and El Segador. The Devil and the Reaper. How much torture was he going to have to endure before they just let him die? The waiting was worse than the fucking beatings.

  “Ah, there you are, Stunner.” El Diablo frowned. “Everything all right?”

  Instead of answering, Stunner shrugged.

  “You know, you always have a home at Black Reign. No strings. No conditions.” Stunner gave him an impatient look, and El Diablo chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. “I’m just making sure you understand. I’ll always welcome you with open arms.”

  “Home is here,” Stunner said quietly. “Don’t belong anywhere else.”

  “Well, then,” he addressed Cain. “I’ve come to offer my services. Stunner has an assassin after him. Your daughter as well.”

  “We can handle this,” Cain said, though he looked resigned. Stunner knew they’d be accepting help from Black Reign in some form.

  “I’ve brought my best hunter,” El Diablo said with a bright smile. “El Segador --”

  “The Reaper. Yeah. We know.” Cain sighed. Stunner knew what he was thinking. He didn’t want Black Reign anywhere near Bones, but he also needed to know where the other club members were at all times.

  “Where are the others?”

  El Diablo looked confused. “I brought myself and El Segador. Rycks is here, but he’s here as chauffeur. You’re welcomed to make use of his talents if you like. I know he helped your sister club in the past. I’m sure Thorn or Vicious can attest to his skills.”

  “Fuck,” Cain muttered, scrubbing a hand through his hair. “Who is the best hunter?”

  “Both are equally good,” El Diablo said. “But in rural areas, I’d give the edge to El Segador. Reaper was born in Appalachia. He has a feel for the hills. Have you found your prey’s region yet?”

  “Trackin’ him,” Data offered, glancing at Cain. “We plan on intercepting him in West Virginia. Know more the closer we get.” He glanced at his watch then at Cain.

  Cain looked at the Reaper. “Get your shit ready. You’ll ride in the cage with Trucker. Make one move I don’t much like and I’ll take you out myself.”

  Stunner was surprised at how much relief he felt that Cain had allowed Reaper to join them. Though Reaper was completely loyal to El Diablo, Stunner was willing to bet his life Reaper wouldn’t do anything to put any member of Bones at risk without warning Stunner first. He wasn’t above killing anyone if necessary, but he wasn’t a sociopath. He just marched to the beat of his own moral compass.

  “We head out in two hours,” Cain said. “That will put us on schedule with our assassin’s movements.”

  “He’s being deliberate,” Data offered. “His communication suggests he believes Stunner headed back home, but he’s not cutting corners. He’s investigating places Stunner and/or Suzie visited over the past couple of weeks. Mostly since Stunner showed up at MIT. Still digging into his background, but at least he’s methodical.”

  “Good practice, but makes him easier to track,” Reaper muttered.

  “My thoughts exactly,” Cain said nodding at Reaper. “Stunner, get some sleep. And some ice for your face. You need the rest. Shadow, get Stunner’s bike ready. You’ll be his wing. You don’t take it seriously, you get the same punishment Stunner gets when this is over.”

  “I’m good, brother. Said my piece.”

  “Good. We leave in three hours. Mark it… now.” Watches set, they all went their separate ways.

  Stunner went back inside, hoping to find Suzie, but she wasn’t in the common room. One of the club girls, Vanya, approached him. “I think she’s done, Stunner. You need company, I’m right here, sugar.”

  He nodded at the other woman, being polite but knowing that wasn’t happening. He’d never touch another woman as long as Suzie was alive. No matter if she took another man or not. Stunner just wasn’t built that way.

  With a heavy heart, knowing he had work ahead of him, Stunner headed to bed. Sleep came instantly, but not without his own nightmares. Ones of Suzie at the mercy of a shadowy figure Stunner was one step too far away to stop.

  Chapter Eight

  Helvetia, West Virginia. Population 59. Currently. It was a pretty little place. Stunner hated to mar it with the violence getting ready to happen. The guy they were after called himself Grim. As expected, Reaper took exception. The man actually fit in nicely with Bones. He was as quiet as Stunner remembered, but punctuated moments with a wicked sense of humor. Stunner knew it was all a front, but they all had defense mechanisms.

  Grim was staying in a small hunting cabin in the woods. When the group of them staked out the place, they heard him bitching about the accommodations.

  “What did the little fucker expect in this area of the country? The fuckin’ Four Seasons?” Shadow was pissed. Probably because he was ready for a fucking fight. Not a slaughter.

  “We sure he’s not the distraction instead of the target?” That was Reaper. Man just shook his head in amazement. Obviously he knew the answer to that question but was so stunned at the stupidity he had to ask.

  “Yep,” Data said, his voice coming softly from the earpieces they all wore. “That’s the man, the myth, the legend. Grim.”

  “Fuck,” Reaper chuckled. “Who the fuck hires someone like this guy?”

  “Hey, even assassins gotta start somewhere.” Bohannon pulled out his gun with the suppressor attached. “Too bad this one started with this particular job.”

  Cain just growled. No secret he hated assassins. He stood, obviously seeing enough. “We got the go ahead, Data?” With Data being their eyes and ears -- they’d flown in makeshift surveillance with drones -- he had the final go/no-go. “It’s a go. Teach the motherfucker a lesson.”

  With one mighty kick, Cain splintered the door. Blood winced, shaking his head. The man was normally stoic, but he and Cain thought alike. Likely one of the reasons Cain had brought the man in from Salvation’s Bane. He’d made the trip sometime between when Stunner had left to go back to Cambridge and when he’d returned. Good thing, too, because they were going to need his services more than once.

  Grim’s head whipped around in surprise. He reached for his gun, but Cain was quicker, kicking out again, sending the gun flying and breaking Grim’s hand with an audible crunch. To his credit, the man didn’t scream. Instead, he sprinted across the small room, putting the bed between him and his attackers.

  Reaper lunged for the man, snagging him before he could reach the weapon he was going for. He and Bohannon zip-tied his hands and feet, sitting him in one of the hard-backed kitchen chairs. Cain toed another chair around and straddled it, facing the other man head on.

  “You the assassin called Grim?”

 

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