Caught in the Aftermath

by Jami Gray

Math watched turbulence churn in Ruin’s eyes, as he struggled to keep his face impassive. ‘Yeah, me too.’

  Charity took a big breath and resettled against him, once again facing Math and Vex. ‘So what’s next?’

  ‘Reaper will be here soon,’ Vex answered.

  And won’t that be fun? When Reaper heard their suspicions there was no predicting his reaction. It wouldn’t be pretty. Shit would get said, and some of that shit would land on Math. Having survived one sibling blow-up for the day, he decided it would be best if he kept an eye on Cam and Mandy. He pressed his palms against his thighs. Vex caught his arm, holding him in place.

  ‘Going somewhere, hot shot?’ Wry humour peeked through in spite of the exhaustion evident on her wan face.

  ‘Figured I’d check on Cam and keep an eye on Mandy.’

  ‘Trying to get clear of the blast zone?’ she teased.

  ‘That a problem?’

  ‘Don’t worry, I’m sure he’ll pull his punches.’

  ‘Ha-fucking-ha.’ He tugged her hand away. ‘Aren’t you a riot?’

  ‘What is the deal between you two, anyway?’ Ruin asked.

  Math didn’t look away from Vex. Her flash of humour receded as understanding took its place. ‘Might as well tell him,’ she warned in a soft voice, despite their audience. ‘He’ll find out sooner or later.’

  She was right. He knew she was, but dammit, when would all this sharing shit stop? It had to end, right? What lay between him and Reaper stretched long and deep, and he had no intentions of diving into the deep end. At least, not today. He turned away from Vex. Charity’s tiny nod of agreement didn’t help.

  Not missing the silent interplay, Ruin lost all signs of casualness and demanded, ‘What the fuck? Am I the only one who doesn’t know? Tell me.’

  For fuck’s sake! Can’t anyone mind their own business anymore? ‘Reaper’s my brother.’

  Ruin’s reaction was a long, slow blink. ‘No shit!’

  Math was thrown by the slow, wicked grin spreading over Ruin’s face as he gave his sister a speculative look. ‘You’re so in for it.’

  Since he wasn’t directly in Ruin’s line of fire, Math played observer, watching Vex’s lips thin and her chin lift. ‘What?’ The belligerence in her one word carried a world of guilt she tried to hide. Math knew that wouldn’t pass unnoticed.

  Ruin’s grin widened. ‘What do you mean “what”? You’re hooking up with Reaper’s brother. You think he’s going to throw you a party?’

  Math couldn’t help the spurt of amusement as her chin lifted again. Any higher and she’d tumble her chair backwards.

  Clearly not willing to give Ruin and inch, Vex haughtily informed him, ‘Not his business.’

  Undaunted, Ruin asked, ‘You a Vulture?’ After Vex gave a reluctant nod, he added, ‘Then, he’ll make it his business.’ With that he turned to Math, his grin going from wicked to downright evil. ‘I can’t wait. This will be fun to watch.’ He squeezed Charity. ‘I got us front row seats to the best show in town.’

  Charity smiled. ‘You’re too happy about this.’

  ‘Yeah.’ The evil grin widened.

  Resorting to a time-honoured response, Math flipped him the bird. ‘Like Vex said, not his business.’ Hell, Math’s life hadn’t pinged on Reaper’s radar for years, and he wasn’t about to let it start now.

  Even if you’re messing with one of his Vultures?

  Okay, point, but Vex was a big girl. Reaper would have to deal. Math ignored the snickering in his head.

  Ruin tugged on Charity’s hair until she tipped her head back to look at him. He frowned down at her. ‘You knew this?’

  Her answering smile was pure cat-and-canary. ‘Uh-huh.’

  Ruin lost his humour and narrowed his eyes. ‘Why’s that?’ When she didn’t say anything, he shot Math a dark look, then went back to her. ‘You two know each other.’ It came out on a near growl, a statement, not a question.

  Charity pulled against his hold until he let her hair go. She turned to Math, silently offering him a question.

  Holding her gaze, Math gave the tiniest of shakes. ‘Our paths crossed.’ He shifted his attention to Ruin, not missing the hint of jealous speculation. Normally he’d find that funny. Right now, not so much. ‘Once.’

  ‘Or twice,’ Charity corrected.

  ‘Really?’ Now it was Vex’s turn.

  Something in her voice had him turning to her. ‘Not surprising—’ he didn’t bother examining why he felt the need to explain, ‘—considering our career choices.’

  A bit of colour flagged her cheeks, but that disconcerting note in her voice disappeared when she muttered, ‘Yeah, go figure.’

  ‘A spy and an assassin walk into a bar …’ Ruin started in a singsong voice only to trail off as the rumble of an approaching bike reached them.

  They all watched as the bike drew closer until the rider was easily recognisable. Reaper pulled in, alone. No sign of Danny or Havoc. They waited while he shut the bike down and dismounted. He tugged down the bandana protecting his nose and mouth and lifted a hand in greeting.

  Dressed in black cargos, grey t-shirt and leather jacket, with his dark hair pulled back and the bandana sitting below his beard, he was an intimidating figure. Add in the aura of menace he projected and there was a reason his name was feared among the degenerates he hunted. He shrugged off his jacket, tossed it over his bike, and then stalked over and came up the steps. After exchanging nods and greetings, he picked a spot next to Ruin and Charity, and settled against the railing.

  Bracing his elbows on the railing, he leaned back, stretching his legs out and crossing them at the ankles. His dark gaze drifted over Vex, then to Math where it stayed. ‘How’s your man?’

  ‘Alive.’

  Reaper lifted his chin at the news. ‘Good to hear.’

  Vex used her foot to set her chair in motion, drawing Reaper’s attention. ‘Where’s Danny?’

  ‘Left him with his aunt at Grave’s Hall,’ Reaper shared. ‘Worth’s putting them up for the night.’ He slid a mocking glance at Math. ‘Didn’t want to risk them getting hurt if you were tailed.’

  Math refused to take his brother’s bait. Reaper’s eyes lightened. Math assumed Reaper was silently laughing at him. It left him gritting his teeth, but he was determined not to start shit. This time.

  Reaper’s humour disappeared as quick as it appeared. ‘You don’t look like a man who just pulled his guy out of the Hole and lived to tell the story.’ He shifted his attention to the others, picking up on the underlying tension. ‘None of you do. What don’t I know?’

  Math hid his inner smirk. Oh the things you don’t know. I could write you a book.

  Vex held up a hand. ‘Hang on, where’s Havoc and Mercy?’

  ‘With Simon, didn’t want to tip off our rat that shit might be going down.’

  ‘Yeah, about that,’ Math muttered when Ruin, Charity and Vex turned to him, handing over the conversational lead. Mentally cursing, he braced and said, ‘Might have a lead on that.’

  Reaper didn’t move, but the air chilled. ‘Explain.’

  Ruin moved to the door and nodded to Math.

  Math gave an abbreviated version, laying out the same logic he used with Vex. By the time he finished, Reaper had turned away to grip the railing, his grip tight enough to leave the muscles in his corded arms in stark relief. His shoulders were rigid as he stared over the year, his face a granite mask, effectively hiding his thoughts. Math waited for him to demand details, but got a heavy silence instead. That silence took on an ominous weight as a minute crept by.

  Finally, Reaper spoke, his voice cold and empty. ‘Where is she?’

  Vex answered. ‘Inside.’

  Reaper slowly turned his head until he had Charity pinned. ‘Get her.’

  Math gave his brother credit, Reaper was smart to send in the one person guaranteed not to tip off Mandy. Charity gave him a nod and headed in. She touched Ruin’s hand as she passed. Once inside she flipped
on the porch light and then disappeared into the house’s dim interior.

  Reaper straightened, and motioned to Math. ‘Up.’

  Not ready to take Reaper on in his current mood, Math got up and went to stand by Vex. She shifted, making room so he could hitch a hip on the chair’s wide arm. He settled in, laying an arm over the chair’s back. Vex settled against him. He looked up to find Reaper watching them. Math made no effort to hide whatever it was that he and Vex had going on, and met Reaper’s dark gaze in silent challenge.

  Reaper snorted, grabbed the now empty chair, and spun it around so it sat in the middle of the porch. He and Ruin shifted back to the railing where they waited for the two women to appear.

  Feminine murmurs drifted towards them as Charity and Mandy came to the door. Charity pushed through the door first, when she saw the rearranged chair, her lips tightened, but she held the screen door for Mandy to follow.

  The older woman stepped through the door and came to an abrupt halt when she saw everyone looking at her. ‘What’s wrong?’ Her gaze jumped around the group, but there were no answers to be found in the ring of emotionless masks.

  Reaper waited until her gaze landed on him, then he made a sharp motion to the empty chair. ‘Sit.’

  Heeding the whip of command in his voice, Mandy slipped around Charity and sat. ‘What’s going on?’

  Math gave her credit, she tried to hide her worry, but it was there in the tightening around her eyes and the whitening of her knuckles as she clutched at the chair’s arms.

  Instead of answering, Reaper moved in front of her, dropped into a crouch, and grabbed the chair arms, caging her in. He didn’t waste time screwing around, but got right to the point. ‘Doc, going to ask you some questions.’ While he kept his voice low, there was no mistaking the pitiless tone. He nailed her with a hard stare. ‘Whatever you do, don’t lie to me.’

  Trapped in his gaze like a rat with a viper, Mandy sat in the chair, unable to escape the threat in front of her. Whatever she saw in Reaper’s eyes had colour leeching from her skin, leaving her skin pale and her eyes wide behind her glasses. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. She swallowed hard and managed, ‘About?’

  ‘You.’ Reaper didn’t give her a chance to process his answer before he started in. ‘You lived on a homestead out on the line between here and Denver?’

  She gave him a jerky nod, her right arm cradling her stomach as her left hand rose and absently rubbed it. ‘Settlements are few and far between there, but there were families spread throughout a nearby valley. We had a small farm, and provided medical assistance for those travelling or living nearby. Especially when they couldn’t get to Denver or one of the bigger towns.’ Her tongue darted out over her lips. ‘Wha … what’s going on?’

  Ignoring her question Reaper continued in the same low voice. ‘Raiders hit your homestead?’ He waited for her nod, when it came, he went on. ‘Why?’

  Still staring at Reaper, Mandy said, ‘I don’t know.’ It came out shaky. She sucked in a stuttered breath and added, ‘We didn’t have anything, other than some medicines. Nothing worth ki … killing for.’ Behind the lenses, her lashes fluttered and a single tear escaped to trail down her cheek.

  Next to Math, Vex shifted. Unlike Math, she was undoubtedly moved by Mandy’s distress. He squeezed her shoulder in warning and she settled, but a frown marred her forehead.

  ‘One of Crane’s patrols found you?’ Reaper let go of the chair arms.

  Mandy managed another nod. ‘Raiders torched the farm. The patrol spotted the smoke.’ There was an audible hitch in her voice.

  With infinite care Reaper reached out and gently pushed her right sleeve up past her elbow until the tell-a-tale burn scars began to emerge. He trailed a single finger over the raised, shiny white skin that lay like a warped version of lace dripping down her arm. ‘You were the only survivor?’

  A quiet sob was followed by another nod.

  Reaper dropped his hand, resting his arms on his knees as he faced her. ‘How?’

  It wasn’t easy witnessing the depth of bitter anger and endless grief, but Math reminded himself of the death and destruction this woman had caused. Including putting Vex and Reaper in Greer’s crosshairs.

  ‘Dumb luck,’ she said the words like a curse. ‘A burning beam fell, knocked me out and trapped me underneath the rubble. The patrol combed through the ruins and stumbled across me.’ Small tremors began to visibly run through her.

  Her obvious distress didn’t stop Reaper. ‘And your family?’

  A shudder wracked Mandy’s frame and a stifled sob escaped as tears began to fall. The entire time she didn’t take her gaze from Reaper’s. Anguish, pain, it was all there in her face. Math wondered if he and his brother were the only two who recognised the guilt under it.

  At the railing, Ruin shifted and opened his mouth. Charity laid a restraining hand on his chest and shook her head in silent reprimand. His mouth closed, his lips in a thin, tight line.

  Charity saw it too.

  ‘There were remains.’ It came out in a choked whisper as Mandy stared down at her clenched hands. ‘When I finally woke in Pebble Creek they told me they buried what they could, but there wasn’t much left.’ She lifted her head and angrily brushed away the revealing wetness before asking Reaper, ‘Why is this important?’

  Reaper gave her nothing but the brutal truth. ‘I’m trying to figure out how they got to you.’

  His accusation shot her spine straight as her mouth fell open. Shock was clear, but there was a skitter of panic under it. She shook her head once before she choked out, ‘Got to me?’

  Ignoring her question Reaper continued, his voice flat, cold and empty. ‘You know what bothered me most about the Raiders’ attack on Pebble Creek? They were focused. I know it may not seem like it, but they were. Granted they butchered Danny’s family on the way in. That’s tactical—making sure no-one raises the alarm that they’re coming. Then they hit Pebble Creek. They cause a shit ton of problems at the front gate, drop a few bodies, but somehow a small group slips through and heads straight for Crane. Almost as if they knew exactly where he’d be. They take Crane out and leave. That’s surgical, not your typical Raider behaviour. They take what they want then they raze shit to the ground. They don’t leave witnesses. Just like they did to your family.’ He leaned forward and Mandy inched back. ‘So I have to wonder, who knew Crane’s movements well enough to share?’ He kept his gaze on Mandy, but raised his voice enough to ask, ‘Charity, which name hits you first?’

  Soft, but sure Charity answered, ‘Bodin.’

  Mandy flinched as if hit. Reaper shook his head. ‘Nope, Bodin doesn’t fit for me. He was busy holding the fuckers back at the front gate. Not to mention if he wanted Crane out of the way, he’d take care of the matter himself. He sure as shit wouldn’t endanger anyone else.’

  Despite the reluctance obvious on Ruin’s face, he picked up Reaper’s lead. ‘There’s Simon.’

  Another slow shake of his head before Reaper said, ‘Since he chased the bastards into the mountains and got nailed to a wall instead of getting his throat slit, he doesn’t fit either. So who does that leave? Who else did Crane rely on? Who did he trust?’

  With each question Reaper put to her, Mandy flinched, until she cowed in the chair, arms protectively crossed over her stomach. But there was no escaping him.

  He leaned in, leaving her nowhere to hide, and gave her one name. ‘You.’

  Her hands went to her face, a last-ditch attempt to hide, but it only muffled her denial. ‘I … I … d … didn’t …’

  Bad move, Doc. Math was not surprised to see his brother’s face go dark with temper and fury. Lying never went over well with Reaper.

  Reaper grabbed the chair arms so hard the wood creaked under his grip. ‘Don’t.’ It came out in a vicious snarl. ‘I don’t want to hurt you, but if you lie …’ He let the threat hang in the air. ‘Tell me why.’

  Body stiff, fists curled in her lap, her admission cam
e on a choked whisper. ‘She has my son Drake.’

  As her revelation hit the group leaving a stunned shock in its wake, Math found her confession added fuel to his already burning fury with Greer. Greer was a bitch, but to use a child? Next to him Vex’s body stiffened and only his arm around her shoulders kept her seated.

  For the first time Reaper looked away from Mandy, his jaw flexing as he visibly fought for control. When he looked back up, his voice was as hard as his expression. ‘Who?’

  ‘Greer.’ Mandy leaned forward, her hands uncurling and lifting as if to touch Reaper, but she pulled back, tucking them back into her lap.

  At Mandy’s confirmation of who was playing mastermind, Reaper turned to look at Math. Meeting his brother’s dark gaze, Math ruthlessly strangled his surge of triumph at being proven right. When Reaper’s jaw tightened and a frown settled in, Math figured maybe he didn’t choke it off soon enough.

  When Reaper’s attention went back to Mandy, so did Math’s. From her body language, it was obvious there was more to her story. A hell of a lot more. Picking up the same clues, Reaper demanded, ‘Start at the beginning.’

  Mandy sucked in a big breath and gave a shaky, but definitive nod. ‘After the Raiders, I spent a year looking for my kids. It didn’t matter what anyone said, if I could survive, there was a chance, slim granted, that so could they. It’s not like anyone found actual bodies.’ The last bit came out rushed.

  Even Math could understand that logic—no parent wanted to give up hope, no matter how tiny. Hell, even kids didn’t give up hope until there was nothing left to hold on to. He was proof of that.

  Mandy kept talking. ‘Every time I got a lead, I followed it up. It didn’t matter how often it went nowhere, I couldn’t not pursue it.’

  Now that Mandy was spilling, Reaper shifted to sit on the porch in front of her. ‘Did Crane know you were doing that shit?’

  She dipped her chin, her words almost tripping over each other. ‘He knew if he didn’t let me go, I’d leave and I was in no shape—physically or mentally—to be on my own. It took time and a lot of patience, from Crane and Worth, before I stopped jumping every time someone claimed to see my kids. Years passed and the leads trickled away to an occasional rumour. Most weren’t worth chasing, but there were a few.’ She worried her bottom lip. ‘Each time I hit another dead end, I promised myself this would be the last time.’ She looked at Reaper. ‘But I couldn’t ignore that stupid, useless spark that this time it would be different.’