by Wilder, L.
“Five minutes. Maybe ten.”
“Get it done.”
“Hold up...We have one more loose end to tend to,” Shotgun announced. “What are we planning to do about Schoomer?”
“As far as I’m concerned, the guy is already dead.” Viper answered. “Call in Billy.”
We all knew Billy would take care of Schoomer without causing any blowback to the club, so I wasn’t surprised when Shotgun nodded and said, “You got it…Ah…Should I warn him about Schoomer’s ‘affliction’?”
“What’s the fun in that?” Viper chuckled, then turned his attention to Widow. “You and Lynch grab a couple of prospects and load up the artillery and ammo. I want us to be ready to move as soon as Marlowe’s dropped off the ledger.”
“You got it.”
“Good. Let’s get to it. Everyone meet back here in an hour. That’ll give us all plenty of time to get over to Crockett’s before dark.”
As soon as Viper dismissed church, I headed out to the parking lot and got on my bike. On my way over to Marlowe’s, I stopped off at a nearby cafe for a couple of burgers and fries. I wrote a note to Marlowe explaining exactly what we needed her to do, then placed it inside the bag of burgers. I carried the food out to my bike and made my way over to Marlowe’s.
She didn’t have to work today, so I wasn’t surprised when she opened the door in her favorite pair of sweats and an old hoodie. A warm smile crossed her face as she said, “Hey. I wasn’t expecting you back so soon.”
“I can’t stay.” I held up the bag of food and said, “I thought I’d stop by and bring you some lunch.”
“Well, that was very sweet of you.” She lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you. I’m starving.”
“Did you sleep okay?”
“Better than I have in days.” She walked over and sat down at the kitchen table. After taking a sip of her coffee, she asked, “What about you? You were up and out of here pretty early. Did you get any sleep at all?”
“I got enough.”
When she started to open the bag, I moved in front of her, blocking Stark’s view as she looked inside. Her eyes widened with surprise as she reached in and pulled out the note. After quickly scanning it, she looked up at me and nodded before slipping it into the pocket of her hoodie. As she took out one of the burgers, she smiled and said, “This was really thoughtful of you.”
“Just doin’ what I can to make my girl happy.”
“Well, you’re doing a great job of that.”
“Good to know.”
She reached into the bag and took out the second burger, then motioned for me to sit. “Come on. No girl likes to eat alone.”
“I wish I could, but I’ve gotta get back over to the clubhouse.”
I walked over and kissed her on the forehead. As I started towards the door, she asked, “Will I see you later?”
“You couldn’t keep me away if you wanted to.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing I don’t want to.” She stood and followed me out the door. As I got on my bike, she waved and said, “Be careful.”
“Right back at ya.”
As much as I hated leaving her, I didn’t have a choice. The brothers were waiting for me to get back, and she had a job to do—one that could make or break our plans to take down Stark once and for all.
Chapter 20
Marlowe
As soon as Rafe was gone, I pushed my burger to the side and went to the bathroom. I didn’t want Eric to see me read Rafe’s note, so I closed the door and turned on the shower as an added safety measure. I lowered the toilet seat and sat down as I read:
We need you to go over to Stilettos. There is a brown ledger in Menace’s office. You can find it in the bottom drawer. Our guy will be watching, so be sure to snoop around a bit. Make it look like you’re really trying to find something on us. Once you have the ledger in hand, get in contact with Eric and let him know what you’ve found. Tell him you will leave it for him at the front desk of his hotel. Do not meet with him face to face. Leave it at the front desk and get the hell out of there.
I had no idea why he wanted me to hand over their ledger to Eric, but I knew he wouldn’t have asked unless it was something important for me to do. I shredded the note, then flushed it down the toilet. Not wanting Eric to think I was up to something, I quickly undressed and got in the shower. Once I’d bathed, I dried off and wrapped the towel around me—being careful to cover myself as I headed into my room for some clean clothes. After I’d grabbed something to wear, I returned to the bathroom and got dressed. Since I would be going to the hotel, I fixed my hair and put on a little makeup. The entire time I was getting ready, my hands were trembling with nerves.
I wasn’t worried I wouldn’t be able to do what Rafe had asked. It was a simple task, but I was nervous about having to contact Eric. Just the thought of talking to him brought bile to the back of my throat. I couldn’t imagine what Kate saw in the guy. I couldn’t get over how wrapped up in him she was. She wouldn’t even listen to me when I tried to convince her to leave him. I shouldn’t have been surprised. The guy had money, and that was the one thing Kate wanted more than anything. I just hoped her decision to stay with him wouldn’t end up costing her more than she bargained for.
Once I’d gathered my purse and keys, I went out to my car and drove over to the club. I used the key Menace had given me to unlock the back door. As I entered the building, adrenaline flooded my system. It pumped through me hard and fast, making it difficult to think. My eyes were wide and I feared my heart might explode as I made my way over to the bar. My body was pleading with me to run, to get the hell out of there before something terrible happened, but I knew I couldn’t. I had to do what Rafe had asked me to do.
Knowing Eric was watching, I started opening up different cabinets and drawers, pretending like I was searching for something. I put on a good show. I didn’t let the fact I felt like I was going to vomit stop me from meandering through the empty building. As I started down the hall to Menace’s office, that nauseous feeling grew even stronger, so much so, I had to force myself to open the door and go inside. I went over and started searching through his desk, and relief washed over me when I found the brown ledger. I quickly grabbed it, then rushed out of the office and to the back door.
After I’d locked the door, I went out to my car and drove over to the Omni where Kate and Eric were staying. Once I was parked, I took out my phone and stared blankly down at the screen. I could taste the saliva thickening in the back of my throat as I read through the last few messages from Eric.
To say I detested this man was an understatement. He was a vile human being, and he deserved whatever Rafe and his brothers had in store for him. I swallowed hard, pushing back my fear, as I started typing my message to Eric.
Me:
You need to let Kate go.
Eric:
And why would I do that?
Me:
I have something for you. If you want it, you have to let Kate go.
Eric:
That’s not going to happen.
Me:
Then, you won’t get the ledger.
Eric:
What ledger?
Me:
The ledger I just stole from the club. It has a lot of information you might find interesting.
Eric:
I will need to see it. I’ll meet you at your place.
Me:
I’m already at your hotel. I’ll leave it at the front desk. Just give me your word you will let Kate go.
Eric:
Fine, but this ledger better be legit.
Me:
It is. It will be waiting for you at the front desk under Kate’s name.
As soon as I sent the last message, I threw my phone in my purse and grabbed the ledger. I was thankful the hotel wasn’t busy as I rushed through the main entrance and up to the front desk. I’d only been standing there a minute when an older man in a black suit appeared with a
bright smile on his face. “May I help you?”
“Yes.” I lifted the book as I told him, “I need to leave this for Kate Davenport.”
“I believe she is still here. Would you like me to call her down?”
“No,” I answered too quickly. “I’ll just leave it here for her.”
“Okay.” Curiosity flickered in his eyes as he glanced down at the book. “Would you like me to put it in an envelope for her?”
“Sure. That would be great.”
He reached under the counter and took out a large manila envelope. As he offered it to me, he suggested, “You can write her name on it, and I’ll let her know it’s here.”
“Okay.” I placed the book in the envelope and quickly wrote out Kate’s name across the top. After I’d sealed it, I handed it over to him and said, “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem.”
I smiled, then turned and rushed back towards the door. I was just about to step outside when I heard, “Marlowe? Is that you?”
When I turned, I found Kate standing in the center of the lobby. Damn. “Hey, Kate. I was just running an errand and thought I’d stop by. I was just about to call you when I remembered I needed to be somewhere.”
“Where?”
“I’ve got to get over to the club and do our inventory for tomorrow.” Knowing Eric could appear at any moment, I motioned my hand towards my watch and said, “I’ve really got to go. I’m already late.”
“Can’t you stay for a minute?” she whined. “At least come have a drink with me.”
“Kate...”
“Please. Just one drink.” A pout crossed her face as she begged, “We could go to the bar across the street. I could really use someone to talk to right now.”
I knew it was a bad idea, but I finally agreed. “Fine, but just one drink.”
“Great! I’ll message Eric and let him know.”
“No!” I shouted. I could tell by her expression my abrupt reaction had taken her by surprise, so I tried to cover myself by saying, “You really shouldn’t bother him for just one drink. I’m sure he’s busy with work and doesn’t want to be interrupted.”
“You’re probably right.”
I nodded, then motioned my hand for her to follow me across the street. As we stepped outside, I scanned the area searching for any sign of Eric. When I was certain he wasn’t there, I skirted across the street with Kate. When we got to the bar, I wasted no time rushing inside and finding a seat next to one of the tinted windows. With a puzzled look, Kate sat down across from me and said, “You really are in a rush, huh?”
“I don’t like to be late for work.” I motioned over to the waitress, and after we’d placed our order, I asked Kate, “So, what is it that you want to talk about?”
“I think Eric is going to break up with me.” Tears filled her eyes as she continued, “I know you don’t like him, but I really thought he was the one.”
“You’re right. I don’t like him.” There was no love loss between Kate and me. I never saw us ever being close. Honestly, I didn’t care if I ever saw her again, but at the same time, I didn’t want to see her dead. I hoped I would be able to persuade her to just leave and cut her losses, saving her life in the process. “I just don’t get it. You’ve known the guy for a month, Kate. What exactly is it about him that makes you think he’s the one?”
“He’s everything, Marlie. Handsome, sweet, smart, and he takes such good care of me.” I kept peering over at the hotel entrance, hoping to get a glimpse of Eric as he entered the building. I’d tried to be inconspicuous, but unfortunately, Kate noticed my odd behavior and asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No. I just didn’t get much sleep last night, and I’m feeling a little out of sorts,” I lied. “Go on. Finish what you were saying.”
“Okay, well, Eric has this thing he does...”
Kate was rambling on about how incredible Eric was when I spotted his blue Cadillac pull up to the front of the hotel. My heart started pounding against my chest as I watched him get out of his car and storm towards the front door. I held my breath as he disappeared inside the building, only exhaling when he came barreling out those same doors moments later with the manila envelope in his hand. He never once stopped to look for me. Instead, he simply got back in his car and drove away. It was done. I’d actually pulled it off, and Kate’s idiotic conversation about Eric hadn’t derailed me.
I sat there listening to her go on and on about this lunatic until I couldn’t stand it a moment longer. I held up my hand, stopping her mid-sentence and said, “If you ask me, it sounds like the guy is playing you. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you should go back over to that hotel, pack your bags, and leave.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re jealous! You know you’ll never find a man like him, and you can’t stand the fact that I have!”
“Yeah, Kate. I’m real jealous of your douchebag, Eric.” I reached into my purse and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill. As I slammed it down on the table, I stood up and said, “In all honesty, I think the two of you are perfect for one another. You’re both complete assholes who think the world owes you something. I hope you have a long, wonderful life together!”
Without giving her a chance to respond, I charged out of the bar and across the street to my car. As I glanced back over to the bar, I spotted Kate standing at the front door looking fit to be tied. For a moment, I felt slightly guilty for not trying harder to make her leave, but I knew I would be wasting my breath. Kate was destined for a fall, and it was her fall to take. I just hoped it was one she’d be able to walk away from.
Chapter 21
Rafe
Once I got back to the clubhouse, I went to the conference room to join the others. As soon as I walked in, Viper asked, “Did you handle it?”
“Yeah. She should be heading over to the club now.”
As soon as I was seated, Viper motioned his hand towards Menace’s laptop. “I want eyes on the club. We’ll need to know the second Marlowe gets there.”
Menace nodded, and after a few quick keystrokes, he’d pulled up the security feed at the club. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I sat there staring blankly at that fucking monitor. Needless to say, I couldn’t have been more relieved when I spotted Marlowe’s beautiful face flash across the screen. None of us spoke as we watched her pretend to search through the different drawers, closets, and cabinets around the bar. She was playing the part to a T, and even I was buying into the charade as I watched her slip into Menace’s office.
Moments later, she came out with a notebook in hand, and a proud smile crossed Viper’s face as he leaned over to me and said, “Your girl did good. Stark won’t have a clue that ledger isn’t the real thing until he starts digging into it.”
“Let’s just hope he gets his ass back to Crockett’s as soon as he picks it up.”
“He will. He has to.” It was clear Viper was growing impatient when he said, “It’s time to move, boys.”
We all stood and followed Viper out of the conference room and out to the parking lot. The brothers were quiet while we all loaded up into the SUVs. As we drove over to Crockett’s, Menace went over all the details with Country one last time, making sure he knew exactly what was expected of him once he’d made his way into the basement. Just as he had two times before, Country assured him he knew exactly what to do. We’d just pulled into the parking lot across from Crockett’s when Viper received a text on his burner. He pulled the phone out of his pocket, and after reading the message, he announced, “Stark just left the hotel.”
There was no missing the sound of concern in Menace’s voice as he replied, “That doesn’t give us much time.”
“I’ve got it,” Country replied confidently. “Don’t worry.”
Viper cocked his eyebrow as he asked him, “Does that mean you’re ready?”
“Hell, yeah. I was born ready.”
“Get it done.”
“You go
t it, Prez.”
Once Country got out of the truck, Menace took out his laptop and pulled up the security feed from Crockett’s. While we didn’t have eyes on everything, we could see inside the bar and the alley. All eyes were on Country as he started towards the basement’s entry. When he disappeared from the screen, Menace announced, “Looks like he’s in.”
We were all watching the monitor when I remembered the fire alarms. The last thing we needed was the explosion setting off any alarms, so I leaned over to Menace and warned, “Don’t forget to kill the power.”
“Already taken care of.”
“How long should it take Country to set up the IED?”
“A couple of minutes, tops.”
We all watched the screen, praying silently Country would be able to pull it off, and just as we’d hoped, he came out of the basement and held up his hand, giving us a thumbs up. He’d done it. The IED was in place, as soon as Country was out of harm’s way and back in the SUV, we were able to breathe a little easier. A mischievous smile crossed his face as Country asked, “Since it’s my Gran’s old bar, can I be the one who pushes the button?”
“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.