CLUB TIES (The Trinity Falls Series)

by Mara McBain

“I know. It’s scary how things change. I keep thinking about that time I helped you bandage him up after he wiped out on the dirt bike, and now it’s a bullet wound. That scares the hell out of me, and I’m a mother.”

  Smiling at the familiar saying among mothers in their neighborhood, Ginny sank down in the chair beside the bed.

  “I know he’s a big boy, but I appreciate you calling me.”

  “Not a problem. If Garrett’s home alone, he’s more than welcome to go over and hang out with my men.”

  “He’s at the clubhouse kicking some of the older guys’ butts in some videogame at the moment, but I appreciate the offer.”

  “Anytime,” Ami said, giving her shoulder a comforting squeeze before continuing her rounds.

  Ami’s comment about the dirt bike on her mind, Ginny studied the sleeping man. Only the long lashes resting on his cheeks reminded her of the little boy she loved. He was all grown up. It was hard to reconcile the man that could kill for her with the little boy they’d taken into their home and hearts. She shook her head, a smile curving her lips as she remembered the time he’d busted into the master bedroom. Maybe it wasn’t so hard. There had been a fire and determination in his eyes that night, as he stared down Zeke, that couldn’t be matched by a lot of full grown men. Mox was protective and loyal, almost to a fault.

  She shifted in her chair and reached for the extra blanket at the foot of his bed. Curling up, she wondered what had gone through his head when he’d made the decision. The official ruling on Kramer had been suicide. How had Mox made it look like the rat bastard had taken his own life? Her heart twisted, thinking of the burden he’d been carrying in the months after her rape. She’d been so wrapped up in trying to get her shit back together that she’d brushed his pain off as the same guilt the other men in her life were carrying. She should’ve known better.

  “You have to let me go.”

  Ginny jumped at the soft words. That determination she’d seen so many years ago blazed from his pale eyes.

  “You aren’t going anywhere. Besides the fact that you have a bullet wound, you fell and broke your crown, and you have a target painted on you. That Rocco asshole wants you dead, in case you didn’t get the memo.”

  “And if that were you, what would be going through your head right now? What one thought would be keeping you going?”

  Ginny’s lips pressed together, and her chin came up a notch as she shook her head. “We’re not talking about me.”

  “Tell me that you wouldn’t be sitting there thinking, hoping, praying that Zeke was coming for you.”

  “You’re not Superman, baby. Bullets aren’t going to bounce off. You can barely stand. I promise you that Zeke is doing everything he can.”

  “Would that be good enough for Zeke if it were you? Would it be good enough that someone else was doing everything they could? Would you be thinking of someone else coming through that door, or would you be praying for the one man that you know will die for you, will kill for you?”

  “Apparently I have more than one of those,” Ginny whispered.

  Mox’s intensity softened and he squeezed her hand.

  “Yes you do, but Eva only has one. I love her. I promised her that I would be the one to protect her.”

  “I know you do, and you may have the constitution of an ox, but you’re in no shape to be kicking in doors right now. Right now you’re going to have to rely on your family and friends.”

  He stared out the window, his other fist clenching in frustration. Ginny leaned forward in protest as he tried to sit up. The motion was too much for his head, and he slumped back against the pillows with a tortured groan.

  “Let the law get this one. Please. They owe us.”

  “Have you talked to Zeke?”

  Ginny nodded, biting her lip. His gaze searched her face.

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  She hesitated, weighing the information. Finally she sighed. She couldn’t lie to him. “The Feds have a raid set up on one or more of Rocco’s properties for tonight.”

  “So CPD can’t go anywhere near him right now because the fucking Feds don’t want anything to blow their bust.”

  “And we can’t either because he’s under surveillance.”

  Mox looked at her in surprise. “It was discussed?”

  “Of course it was. He shot two Lords,” Ginny said, fear and sadness in her husky voice. “Did you think your brothers wouldn’t want revenge and to get your old lady back?”

  “So, what’s the deal? The Feds know about Eva, and we have to pray she lives long enough for them to get her out in the raid?”

  “I don’t know, baby. Zeke’s working on it. You know he’s got a soft spot for Eva. He’ll do everything he can.”

  “She likes him too,” Mox murmured. “Go figure.”

  “He has a certain charm,” Ginny said with a smug little smile.

  A silence fell between them. Mox stared out the window, his thoughts closed to her. Stroking a thumb over his knuckles, Ginny sent up a little prayer. She was doing all she could to keep him physically safe, but she was going to need some help with his heart. He didn’t look at her when he spoke again, and a chill worked down her spine.

  “I don’t know if letting you know about Kramer was the right decision, but maybe I needed you to understand. The case is closed. Only you, I, and Zeke know. As long as we keep it that way, I’m safe,” Mox said and then paused, still staring out the window. When he turned, there was a look in his eyes that Ginny couldn’t quite place, a haunted desperation. “It wasn’t something that I wanted to do, but it needed done, and I don’t regret it. I love you. I need you to believe that I’m still the same person, no matter what.”

  Chapter ~ 40

  The rhythmic crash of the waves under the floor was soothing. Cold had seeped into her bones until it numbed the pain. Blood was frozen on her skin. It hurt to breathe. Her eyes were closed, reaching for the peace of sleep, but her heart wouldn’t allow her to give in. A soft sob bubbled from her lips, and she tried to curl her battered body into a tighter ball.

  He loved her. She’d betrayed him. She’d left his ring behind with a scrap of paper that held words inadequate to describe the love and gratitude in her heart. He deserved better, but he wanted her. She just wanted a chance at happiness. Was that too much to ask? Would he come for her? No, he was hurt.

  Tears seeped from under her lashes, feeling scalding against her skin. The mocking, disjointed voices in her head reminded her it was her fault. She whimpered, hearing Lee’s terrified voice as she screamed her man’s name. Reaper’s bad, baby, Ginny had whispered. Eva pressed her forehead into the floor, trying to quiet the voices, but the images were still there.

  The crimson had stained the light blue of Mox’s new shirt, pooling on the wet asphalt under his head. Clumps of dirty snow had drawn his life blood, taking on the pink flush of health as he paled under the street lamps. The swirling emergency lights had reflected in the dark puddles. She had clung to him, praying, promising God He could do anything He wanted with her if He would just spare Mox. Obviously He’d taken her at her word.

  She could just make out Chelios’ still form in the gloom. Rocco had shot the loyal enforcer without even blinking. Her stomach churned. There had been a frightening glint in Rocco’s dark eyes. He had always been cold and calculating, but now there was a flicker of madness that was terrifying.

  She held her breath at a sound. Her eyes strained in the dark. The seconds ticked by until her lungs screamed for oxygen. Letting out her breath, she slumped, heart pounding. Where was Rocco? Were the Lords still at the hospital with Mox? He was vulnerable in his weakened state, and Rocco would think nothing of exploiting that. If nothing else, maybe the shooting would’ve drove home how dangerous Rocco really was. He’d taken great delight in whispering sinister threats against her new friends and Eva believed every word.

  “Miss me?”

  Eva’s startled scream cut off into a squeak as Rocco ha
uled her upright by the ropes. Her muscles, cold and stiff, protested the movement, and she cried out. Sharp stabs of pain up under her ribcage made breathing difficult. She wasn’t going to be able to take much more. Fresh tears rolled down her frozen cheeks. She’d waited as long as she could.

  “Don’t tell me you’re still pining for that white trash biker. Really, Eva? After everything that I’ve given you, what can he give you that I can’t?”

  Biting into her lip, Eva tasted blood.

  “Cat got your tongue?” Rocco asked, nuzzling her ear.

  Eva shook her head, eyes focused on the floor. She shivered as his fingers curved around her chin and tilted her face up to his. She met his smug smirk, and then with everything she had, she spit in his face.

  “An orgasm,” she whispered.

  Rocco roared in rage as his fist smashed into her cheekbone. She heard a sickening crack. His knee drove into her gut and she crumbled, hanging slack and breathless in her bonds. A tooth crumbled as another punch snapped her head around. The ropes suddenly gave way and she slumped to the floor. The hard heel of his expensive loafer glanced off her temple. He buried the toe into her curled body, scooting her across the floor with the ferocity of his kicks. He bellowed as he stomped her viciously. The blows continued to fall, and this time, when darkness beaconed, Eva took its hand.

  The whisper of voices penetrated her sleep-fogged mind. Cold made her muscles stiff as she tried to lift her head. Her ribs screamed in agony. Panting for breath, Eva struggled to lift a hand to push away the rigid blanket that covered her. Everything was black. She couldn’t even tell if her swollen eyes were open. Her fingers brushed against the scratchy material over her head, looking for the edge. She pushed weakly and the material pulled against her side.

  She frowned, pushing out with her feet. The fabric moved around her. Panic stabbed at her cloudy brain. She was in a bag. Eva whimpered as the world shifted around her. She clawed at the container as she was lifted clear of the ground. The jostling movement drew protest from her ribs, and she panted against the sharp pain. Consciousness wavered, and this time, she tried desperately to cling to it.

  “This is a special gift from the boss. She was his favorite plaything until she pissed him off. He wants to make sure she’s in this shipment and nobody sees her again.”

  Eva froze at the words. Where were they sending her? What kind of shipment? Her head pounded. Why hadn’t he killed her? You like to spread your legs for lowlifes? The whispered question hissed in her memory, worming icy fear into her heart. What was he doing? Killing you is too easy, you faithless whore. She tried to force her mind to work. The word shipment kept tripping her up. Rocco owned strip clubs, night clubs, and a stable of street walkers.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll send this one overseas where they like the American girls,” another voice said with a sinister chuckle.

  Eva’s head spun. The bastard had sold her into a whole new kind of hell. Bile burned the back of her throat. A surge of panic fueled her struggles. Maybe if she was difficult enough, they’d just put a bullet in her. Suddenly she was falling. Light exploded behind closed lids as the back of her head cracked against the concrete, and then there was nothing.

  Zeke’s knuckles were white on the door handle. Waiting had never been his forte. To watch an operation go down and be unable to contribute in anyway was killing him.

  “I feel like a fucking five-year-old on time out,” Murphy muttered beside him.

  Zeke didn’t argue the sentiment. Anxiety churned in his gut. Mox’s woman was in there. His son, who had risked everything to take out the bastard that had hurt Gin, was now depending on him to do the same. Glancing at his watch, Zeke scanned the perimeter. With the security Soriano had, he’d know the Feds were coming long before they hit the door. If Eva was still alive, the son-of-a-bitch would have ample time to finish her. He opened the car door.

  “Think about what you’re doing,” Murphy said softly.

  “I have. Stay here.”

  Donovan met him before he made it ten yards.

  “Get back in your vehicle, Zeke.”

  “Just coming to talk to you, Cap.”

  Donovan eyed him suspiciously.

  “Do they have eyes on Soriano? He could kill her if they don’t take him by surprise.”

  “As much as we don’t care for the alphabet boys, they do know what they’re doing. They’ve been tracking Soriano’s movements inside the house as best as they can. There’s no sign of the girl.”

  “What about Constantine Chelios?”

  “No sign of him either,” the Captain said patiently.

  “Is it possible he left with Eva?”

  “There has been no sign of either of them since this morning. Now, I know you’re worried about this girl, but you have to understand why you can’t be a part of this. I’m sticking my neck out letting you be here. Don’t screw me over on this, Zeke.”

  Zeke sighed and looked toward the house again. He stroked his goatee, and nodded. As frustrated as Zeke got with the brass, Donovan was a decent guy that regularly went to bat for his detectives.

  “I get it. Once the bastard and his men are clear of the house though?”

  “Everyone knows your ties to the girl. When she’s found, one way or another, we’ll make sure you’re there.”

  Zeke had to give it to the Feds. When they gave the order, the joint taskforce took Soriano’s house and grounds in a swarm. The deep boom of voices in the dark identified the intruders and barked orders, demanding instant compliance. Zeke tensed at the crack of gunfire, flashes of light breaking the night. His heart thudded as adrenalin pumped through his body. Murphy moved beside him, his hand on his side arm. The Boston brawler didn’t look any more comfortable being on the sidelines than he was.

  He listened to Donovan get reports from their guys. Tension charged the air as he waited to hear some word of Eva. Minutes ticked by. The paramedics went in, and still nothing. Zeke ran a hand over his face, trying to keep a rein on his temper and concern alike. A slender form wrapped in an emergency blanket came down the drive with a female officer. Zeke shouldered past Donovan. As he got closer, the flood lights revealed a young woman of Asian heritage, Filipino perhaps. He drew in a breath and shaking his head, started toward the house.

  Murphy and Donovan followed, but Kellen met them at the top of the drive.

  “We found clothing in one of the upstairs suites that match what Eva Taylor was wearing when she left the hospital, but there is no sign of her. My men are still looking and I made a phone call to get dogs in to search the buildings and grounds. We’ve found a couple of nasty little hideaways so far. Soriano was into some kinky shit.”

  “Was?” Zeke asked tightly.

  Kellen turned as paramedics brought a gurney out. The Agent-in-Charge’s eyes narrowed on the occupant.

  “Somehow, the son-of-a-bitch still had a pulse, but I’d bet my badge he won’t make it. I tapped three in his chest.”

  Zeke lunged at the gurney with a roar. The paramedics scattered, but anticipating the move, Murphy and Donovan wrenched their enraged comrade back. His foot connected, nearly managing to capsize the stretcher anyway. Murphy took the bulk of Zeke’s weight as they crashed to the ground.

  “Where the hell is she?” Zeke bellowed.

  “He’s not conscious, Brawer,” the Captain said softly, reaching a hand down to help him up. “If she’s here, we will find her.”

  “I’m putting you on a diet, partner,” Murphy groaned.

  Ignoring Donovan’s outstretched hand, Zeke rolled to his feet and yanked Murphy up.

  “Stop your complaining, pansy ass,” he grumbled, his icy gaze locked on the departing ambulance.

  Kellen put a hand on Zeke’s arm. He held up a pacifying hand at the detective’s sharp look and gestured to the phone at his ear.

  “They have a girl at the warehouse that matches Eva Taylor’s description. She’s unconscious and being transported to the hospital with several others
right now.”

  “Come on. I’ll let you play with the siren,” Donovan said, heading for the car.

  Zeke snorted at his Captain’s wry humor and followed on his heels. The ambulance reached the gates and its wail echoed through the night as it cleared the other vehicles. Zeke’s finger tapped against his holster. Three in the chest. He glanced back at Kellen, and the agent met his eye. He smiled as if reading Zeke’s thoughts and said,

  “Semper Fi.”

  Chapter ~ 41

  Pulling the chair over next to the bed, Zeke settled down and stretched his long legs out. He studied Eva’s profile in the pseudo gloom that passed for nighttime in the hospital. Her youthful features were battered and bruised. The lips that seemed perpetually curved in a smile were split and swollen. He watched her chest rise and fall. Three of her ribs were broken. The doctor said she was lucky not to have punctured a lung. There was a certain sense of déjà vu to the scene as his heart recalled the brunette waiting for him at home.

  Ginny’s voice had been husky with tears when he’d called to let her know Eva was alive. His bad ass bride had really taken to the girl. They’d bonded on a deep, emotional level from that first night. The similarities in Eva’s start with the club and his wife’s twenty odd years before made the hair on his nape stir. He let his head loll over the back of the chair. The passion in his son’s eyes when he spoke of the girl wasn’t lost on him either. How had he ever not known Mox was his? The big ox was so much like him it was scary. He prayed Eva could handle it. Mox would do anything for her. With great power comes great responsibility, and she had the ox by the tail.

  He couldn’t picture where he’d be if Ginny hadn’t knocked on The Lantern’s back door all those years ago. Maybe one day, Mox would look back at the Thanksgiving ice storm in the same way. The right woman was a powerful gift. Zeke smiled. Some of his brothers had no clue what strength warmed their beds. Over the years, the old ladies had become a vital part of the Lords. He thought of the conversation he’d had with Murphy a couple of weeks ago. No, the women didn’t ride and couldn’t vote on club matters, but they held the family together.