“Carson, I know how hard this is, but this is what I do. I will get them out, no casualties. However, I need to know what I am working against. My men are all around the compound already. They need to see the guard changes and what their weak spots are. If we don’t get this information, we won’t get in and we won’t get her out alive,” Mitchell says.
“Carson?” Beckett says. “You are going to have to be prepared for how she comes out. You need to mentally think the worst, so you are prepared and you are going to have to let her know that you will be there for her and accept her no matter what. If you can’t handle that, then you need to walk away now, because she is going to need her friends to stand by her and help her through this.”
We’ve been sitting in the office for a couple hours mapping out their location, when Raven’s phone vibrates. “It’s Charlie. She said that they are planning on coming after me and Jaxon. They know the apartment. She’s okay and she loves you. She also sent a code, 1228. That’s weird.”
“What’s weird?” Toby asks.
“That’s her birth date.”
“Do you think this guy really has feelings for her?” Beckett asks.
“I don’t know, why would he come and get her? If he wanted revenge, why not just kill her on the spot?” Richard asks.
“When he approached us last year in the parking lot, he kept saying he was taking what was his. I think he likes her and wants her for his own,” I say.
“This might work out in our favor, if that’s true. He probably won’t hurt her, well, at least not physically,” Toby says.
Raven looks up at me. “I need to call Katie before she heads over there. I’ll be right back.” Raven leaves the room to call Katie.
“What do I need to do to help?” I ask.
“Have you ever handled any weapons?”
“Some guns, but it’s been a while.”
Raven walks back into the room. “I think I should let them catch me.”
“NO!” Mitchell says. “It’s going to be hard enough trying to find Charlie and getting her out safe without trying to find you too. We are going to have to go in blind. We don’t know how many live in the compound or even which room she’s in.”
“Then I’m going in with you.”
“I don’t like that idea, Raven,” Mitchell says. “Let’s see how many are in there first, then we can see what we need.”
“You need to count us in on that,” Richard says as Beckett chimes in.
“I don’t think you guys know what you are in for. The last thing I need is for my friends to get killed out there. This isn’t the gym where we can stop things when they start getting out of hand. This is real life and real bullets and guns.”
“Mitchell, this is our family. If something happens to anyone in it, it will affect all of us. For one reason or another, we have no family and it wasn’t by choice. We all have found each other and we are now bonded as a family. They say blood is thicker than water, I beg to differ. I would lay my life down for anyone in this room, and I know they would do the same for me. So count us in,” Beckett says.
“And what about Harlow? What would she say?” Just at that moment, the door opens and Harlow walks through.
“I may not like the thought of what the outcome could be, but I know Beckett, and I know he would never forgive himself if he didn’t do something to help,” Harlow says.
Beckett stands and walks over to Harlow and gives her a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Harlow girl. I love you. How did you know something was going on?”
“Davis canceled his date with Shannon, said there was a big emergency, and when I couldn’t get in touch with anyone, I figured I better get down here.”
Mitchell drops his head and shakes it. “Okay, fine then, as long as we are on the same page. I need to know what your strengths and weaknesses are.”
“I know I can’t do much, but I will keep everyone fed,” Harlow says.
Raven says, “Other than taekwondo, I used to go bow hunting with my dad.” Everyone stops their chatter and looks at Raven. “What? Did you not read my resume about hobbies?”
“Like, how good were you?” Mitchell asks.
“I’ve shot deer and elk when I was younger. Obviously, since I haven’t been home in six years. I mean I would need to find a bow that fits me now and practice a little bit. A lot has changed in bow technology in the last couple years.”
“Well, okay, learn something new about you all the time, angel.” I watch him wink at Raven and wish I had Char to wink at right now.
“I’ve shot a rifle and handgun before, but it’s been a while for me too,” I say.
“I’m hands-on, and I can disarm a gun,” Beckett says.
“I know what you and Richard can do Beckett, and I don’t like the idea of you having to be that close to someone,” Mitchell says. “Davis and LeDoux are there now staking out the area. Mapping out what they can see and if there are cameras, dogs, or just men securing the area.”
“How are we going to get inside not only the compound, but the building?” I ask.
“We’ll have to see what the guys come back with and then make our plans from there. But this code might be the code to get through the gate. If Charlie was on the bike, which I would imagine since they are bikers, then she saw him put the code in. I think the best thing we can do right now is to get some rest, so when we get the report, we can think with clear heads what we will all have to do.”
“Is there nothing we can do now?” I say. “I can’t even imagine what is happening in there with her. Not to mention worrying about Jaxon. I have to be honest, I have a hard time being patient about this. I have a mind to just go and get her. Can’t we call the cops?”
“I know I can’t feel what you’re feeling, Carson, but if you try just walking in there, they will shoot you on sight and say you were trespassing. And where does that put Charlie? We have to think smart. What will give us the best chance of not only getting her out, but getting all of us out,” Mitchell says. “I think the best thing we can do is brush up on our skills so we are ready when we have it all mapped out. I have everything from grenades to guns, but we need to get a bow for Raven and get it set up. That could take some time. Raven, do you know where’s the best place to get a bow and what kind of bow would you be looking for?”
“A compound bow will have the most power and accuracy, and yes, we need them to install the extras I will need. I will have them measure me for the draw length and I can see what the best draw weight will be for me now. Cabala’s just opened a store in Tualatin. They will probably be the best place to go, and I will be able to try them out and see which will work best for me.”
“There is a tactical training facility in Hillsboro that we can go to, to train. I will see if we can set up a time to go there and do tactical training. I think that would be good for us. They also have Krav Mega there. Let me see what I can set up for tomorrow. I will let everyone know the schedule,” Mitchell says.
The next day we spend several hours at the tactical training facility, trying to prepare for just a fraction of what we will be in for when we go to get Char out of the compound. I couldn’t sleep last night worrying about what Char was going through. I know that in order for me to be at my best to help her, I need to be rested and alert, but at this point I would trade my life for hers. God knows that I’ve prayed enough and offered myself in her place if it comes to that. She has a son who needs his mother, and that’s what’s most important.
We all meet back up at the office to go over the plans. LeDoux has a drone he flew over the complex to map out the area. With the pictures it took, we are able to see everything. It is amazing to see what kinds of pictures they were able to get. From there it is a matter of how many people are on the grounds at any particular time.
“We’ll go in Friday night while most of the gang will be out drinking, leaving only a few at the compound,” Mitchell explains. “Everyone will have flak jackets on, no exceptions. I’ll have men
infiltrate the fence; they will be responsible to take out the guards quietly. Raven, if one of them has a problem, they will let you know through your earpiece, and you will take them out. By the way, for being out of practice, her accuracy is spot on with her new bow.” Raven smiles up at Mitchell. “Once all the guards are eliminated, Raven will shoot an arrow with C-4 attached, with remote detonators in different locations around the compound. We will use this as a distraction to draw anyone inside out and, optimistically, leaving Charlie by herself. I don’t want anyone being a one-man hero, you are to be paired up. DO NOT go anywhere without your partner. Each of your phones has her tracker on it. It should lead us right to the location of her phone and with any luck, it will be with her. If not, we will have to go room by room. A reminder, DO NOT trust ANYONE—a woman can be just as dangerous as a man. Each of you will have with you a stun gun, knife, zip ties, and bandanas for gags. We will have men outside removing anyone that comes to the party late; they will also immobilize the bikes on the grounds. Does anyone have any questions?”
No one speaks.
“If there are no questions, I suggest you do whatever you can to find your peace inside yourself and make peace with what might happen. This is war; we don’t know what will happen once we are inside. If anyone has changed your minds and has decided not to participate, we will all understand and there is no shame in that. We are all family here and this is never an easy decision to make,” Mitchell says.
We will all meet up here at six on Friday night.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Zain
I FEEL SO EMPTY, as if my guts have been ripped out. I’m nothing, I’m hollow, empty, and I’m a shell of the man I used to be. I sit in a chair in Beckett’s office, my elbows on my knees. My hands are raking through my hair as I sit here wondering what might happen. I never in my life had to deal with anything like this; I’ve always been the easygoing guy with no cares in the world. Now I’m living with the possibility of never seeing the only woman I have ever loved again and I’m losing it. Someone comes over and puts their hand on my shoulder. “You shouldn’t be alone,” Richard says.
I look up at the man that I had wished my dad could have been even half the man. The tears that had threatened to fall finally push over the edges of my eyes and slip down my face. I stand and grab Richard, pulling him to me, and at that moment, I know I can’t be that man who doesn’t feel the pain that I’m feeling now. “God, Richard, what am I going to do if I don’t get her back? I can’t lose her again, I can’t even think of what she has been going through. I would give anything to trade places with her, I love her so much.” Richard doesn’t say anything; he just stands there holding me, rubbing my back, as I cry like a baby on his shoulder. After a few minutes, I take a deep cleansing breath and start to pull away from Richard.
Richard wraps his hands around my neck, his thumbs in front on my ears, holding my face to look up at his. “All of us are going to do whatever it takes to get her out of there safely, but you are going to have to be there for her to get her through whatever she has been through. She needs to know that no matter what has happened, you will be there for her. I also suggest that both Raven and Charlie move out of the apartment since they know where they live.” I nod, as he releases my face and brings his hands to my shoulders. “We will get her out.”
“Thank you, Richard.”
“Why don’t you come home with me? You can stay at my house.”
“Thank you, Richard, but you need to spend your time with Nicole. I appreciate the thought though.” I turn and walk out of the office. I run into Mitchell and Raven in the parking lot. “I’m going to get movers out to the apartment to move you and Char out. I don’t want either of you there anymore. I don’t know where you want your things, but I will be moving Char and Jaxon’s things to my place. I can put everything else in storage until you decide what you want to do with them.”
“That’s fine for now. Thank you, Carson, for thinking about that. I hadn’t even thought about that with everything that has been going on.” Raven looks at me then up to Mitchell. “Have you talked to Katie to see how Jaxon is doing?”
“Yes, he’s doing okay. He’s still young, and although I know he misses seeing his mommy, he still sleeps a lot during the day.”
“I just know that he will be the first thing she will be thinking of when we get her out of there.”
“Carson, why don’t you come with us? We’re going out to get something to eat.”
“Thank you, but I prefer to be alone right now. I will see you tomorrow night.” I turn and walk away and get on my bike, not knowing where I’m going to go, I just need to ride.
I don’t know how long I ride for, all I know is that I end up at Silver Falls State Park. I used to come here as a teenager to think about my life, my family, and what I wanted to do, so I wouldn’t repeat what my parents had done with me. Although it isn’t as grand as Multnomah Falls, it’s quiet. There are not a lot of people, and I can walk down under, sit behind the North Fall, and just think. I don’t have to worry about being bothered or self-conscious of what I do. As Mitchell said, coming to terms with dying, I also think about what I will need to do to help Char. And when she’s ready, I’m going to marry her and give her and Jaxon the life they deserve.
I met with my lawyer yesterday and made arrangements that if something happened to me, Char and Jaxon would be taken care of for the rest of their lives. Unlike Braydon, I have the ability to make those kinds of provisions. My lawyer, Mr. Jeffrey Howard, wasn’t too happy with me and the will I had made up. But other than Claire, these people are my family. They have shown me more love than my own family has. I also bought us a house; I don’t need to live in my parents’ home any longer. It’s a beautiful craftsman style home with a wrap-around deck and a large backyard with a play structure already in place for Jaxon when he gets old enough.
I sit here bartering with God, that if someone has to die between any of my friends, Char, or me, that I be the one. I’ve had a great life. I’ve traveled around the world. But everyone else, they have just started their lives. Even Richard, he’s just found his first love, in fact, all of them have. Yes, this is my second chance with Char, but I know we at least had our chance. Char is beautiful, she has a great personality, and she is a wonderful mom, any man would be lucky to have her. I pray another prayer for her and everyone. God, I know I haven’t talked to you for a while, and I’m sorry for that. I hope you will please consider my prayer to keep every one of my family members safe tomorrow night, especially Char. She needs to come home to her baby.
I stay a little longer, still bartering with God. Probably not a wise decision, but I have to let him know what is on my mind. I head back to the house and set up my video camera. I want to give Char a video letter just in case. I sit in the study in the leather wing-back chair behind the desk. I make sure she knows where to look for the information she might need, and with the remote for the video, I start.
“Hi, baby. If you are seeing this video, it means that I didn’t make it back with you and I am truly sorry. Not that I didn’t make it back, because I bartered with God to take me instead of you, but because I didn’t ask you to marry me sooner.
“I have set up everything you will need for the rest of yours and Jaxon’s life. My lawyer has all the information. He is the one that would have contacted you about this video. If you haven’t talked to him in full, here are some of the basics.
“One, I moved you out of the apartment so they couldn’t find you again. All of your things are either in the house or in storage.
“Two, I bought you a house. I hope you like it, and it has a big back yard for Jaxon to play in.
“Three, I have set up a trust fund for Jaxon, so when he is twenty-one, he will be able to access it.
“Four, I have set you up with your own account from my trust fund. If we had married, it would have been yours anyway.
“Five, I bought you a car. It’s in the garage, and Mr.
Jeffrey Howard has the keys to both the house and the car.
“Six, I want you to know how much I love you and Jaxon. I don’t want you to be sad for me, because I would gladly give my life for you again. I am just sad that I will never be able to hold you again.
“Seven, there is a fund for Jaxon to go to whatever school you would like so he can get the best education.
“Eight, I want you to find love again. I don’t want you to worry about my feelings. You are a beautiful woman; find someone that will always make you happy. Make sure Mitchell checks him out first!
“Nine, I have paid off your school loans and any debt you had. I want you to finish your school. There are people out there that need your help. Claire, my nanny, has accepted to be Jaxon’s nanny and housekeeper, so you only need to focus on your schooling.
“I think this finishes my video. I love you, Char. I always have, and you made me want to be a better man. Braydon and I will see you in your dreams. I love you.”
I switch off the video, upload it to my computer, and send it to my lawyer. I then write letters to my parents, telling them about Char and that they are not to harass her about my will. Then I write one to Claire, letting her know what I expect from her as well. Both letters are sent to Jeffrey Howard as well, for him to have typed up.
It’s after midnight when I finally make it to bed. I feel good; all my business is in order. I take one of the pillows that had been on Char’s bed and put it on my bed; I need to be with her tonight as I drift off to sleep. I go into the office in the morning. I have apps that need to be relicensed to the company just in case. The office is empty, it’s eerily quiet. I write letters to Raven, Katie, Harlow, Nicole, Richard, Mitchell, Davis, LeDoux, and Beckett. I send copies to Jeffrey Howard again so they can be typed up if needed. I’m surprised I haven’t heard from my parents. I know Jeffrey Howard’s my lawyer, but I know he is concerned about everything I am doing right now. At this stage in my life, I really don’t give a fuck about them. I wasn’t a priority for them as I grew up and they aren’t a priority should something happen to me tonight.
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