Chapter Eighteen

Cat stood with Sandman next to the parked motorcycles, waiting for Blood. They didn’t have long to wait. He jogged across the highway to them a few minutes later, the duffel bag thrown over his shoulder.

Sandman looked at him. “You need anything?”

Blood shook his head, tossing the bag to him and pulling his phone from his pocket. “Just need to text the address to Leroy.”

Sandman strapped it to his bike. “Fucker’s heavy.”

Blood’s eyes flicked up. “Shoved his laptop and cell phone inside. Figured it might have some intel we could use.”

“Smart thinking,” Sandman replied.

“I have my moments. Let’s roll.”

Cat climbed on the back of Blood’s bike, her mind whirling with everything she’d seen and learned. Those men had her sister, and one of them was Blood’s father. She thought back to everything Undertaker had told her about the man, how cruel and abusive he was to Blood. But Undertaker had neglected to mention the fact that the man was Black Jack Boudreaux.

As they pulled out, roaring onto the street, her eyes moved to the second floor apartment they’d just left, and she wondered if Blood had killed Big John. He was involved in kidnapping her sister, so she could hardly blame Blood after what he’d done. She’d kill the man herself if it would get Holly back.

The apartment building faded into the distance, and she tightened her hold on the man who was doing everything he could to keep his promise to her.

***

A half hour later, they rolled up to the clubhouse gates. Blood watched as a line of bikes was pulling out. Mooch waved the others on before pulling over next to them as they coasted to the curb to let the bunch pass.

When the thundering bikes had roared down the street, Mooch said, “You’re late. First crew already left with Undertaker. I’m taking the second. You and Sandman are taking the third; they’re still waiting for you.” He jerked his head back toward the compound.

Blood nodded. “Go on. We’re right behind you.”

Mooch nodded and gunned his throttle, peeling off down the road.

Blood and Sandman pulled their bikes into the compound. There were still six bikes parked, waiting. Blood dismounted and grabbed the duffel Sandman tossed to him. Then he approached Easy who stood near the building waiting to head out. Pulling the laptop and cell phone out of the bag, Blood shoved them into the man’s chest. “I need you to stay behind and go through these. They’re from Black Jack’s second in command and bound to have all kinds of intel.”

Easy looked down at the electronics. “Yeah, sure thing.”

Blood tossed him the duffel. “And lock this is the safe.”

Blood walked back to where Sandman stood by his bike. “Gotta ask you to do something.”

“You’re just full of requests today, aren’t you?”

“I need you to cover for me.”

“And what are you gonna be doing?”

Blood gave Sandman a penetrating look. “I’m heading to the swamp. I have to at least try.”

Sandman looked disbelieving. “No fucking way. You’re going to look for that fucking ring? Now?”

“It could be the only chance I’ve got to get this girl. You heard the man. In two days she’ll be on a private jet to Japan. I’ve got no clue where she is. This may be the only shot I’ve got.”

“To do what? You don’t have the fucking ring to trade.”

“But I do know where that poetry book is… at least where it used to be. If I can get my hands on it, then it may lead me to the ring.”

“And where the fuck is that?”

“The fish camp.”

“That old shack in the swamp you told me about? Are you fucking kidding me?”

Blood stared him down.

“Brother, we have our orders.”

“Just this one night.”

Sandman shook his head. “Look, man. I know that asshole dumped a lot of shit on you tonight. Finding out your father killed your mother—”

Blood grabbed him with a fist in his leather vest. “Shut up about that. Understand?”

Sandman shoved him off. “I’ve been your brother for a lot of fucking years, Blood. So, I’ll let that slide, but don’t fucking push it.”

Blood ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “Sorry, man. I just need to get through this week. I just need you to cover for me on this, Sandman.”

Sandman looked at the horizon and shook his head. “Goddamn you.” He looked back at Blood. “Fine, but you better be back and done with this shit tomorrow morning.”

Blood grabbed his shoulder, patted it, and headed to his bike.

Cat watched him swing his leg over. “Wait. I’m going with you.”

“Aw, not this shit again,” Sandman grumbled.

“No, you’re not,” Blood bit out, firing his bike up with a twist of his wrist.

She approached him, putting a hand on his arm. “Please, Blood. I can help you.” She didn’t know to what extent the information that Big John had told him would affect him, but she knew he might need her when it all started to sink in. Plus, she’d just watched him put finding her sister before his club duties again, and that meant something to her. “Please.”

He huffed out a long frustrated growl. “Damn it, Cat. You don’t even know where the hell I’m going.”

“To a fish camp?”

“Yeah, and it’s in the middle of the fucking swamp. With bugs and snakes and gators. And all that that implies.”

“I’m not afraid.”

Sandman chuckled. “Only thing you’ve got to be afraid of darlin’ is Blood.”

Blood glared at him.

Surprisingly, Sandman threw his weight behind her and backed her plan, telling Blood, “You want me to cover for you, then you take her ass with you.”

Blood stared him down. “What the fuck for?”

“’Cause I’m worried about you, Brother. You’ve got a lot of shit in your head right now you’re gonna have to deal with. And as soon as you take a moment to breathe, all that shit’s gonna come crashing down on you. I think it’s a good idea if she’s with you when that happens.”

“No. No fucking way.” He shook his head.

“You want my help or not?” Sandman gave him the ultimatum.

Blood grit his teeth, his jaw tightening, but gave in. Pinning her with a look, he ordered, “Get the fuck on. But I don’t want to hear any bitching. The first complaint out of your mouth, I’m dropping you flat, I don’t care where we are. We understand each other?” She nodded her acceptance of his terms, but Blood could see she was wondering if he was serious about leaving her. He didn’t bother to ease her mind. “Get the hell on, then.”

Before she did, she ran to Sandman and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you.”

Sandman grinned. “Go on now, girl. Before he leaves your ass behind.”