Chapter Ten

 

Slammer

 

 

After receiving the text from The Judge, I called in the rest of the club members and we made plans to try and get Jessica back. Feds or not, I wasn’t about to let her die without putting in some kind of effort. She was a good kid and worth the risk of going to prison. Just like I told Frannie, time-and-time again, we took care of our own. Jessica was my step-daughter and now a part of the club, whether she fucking liked it or not.

“Bring her back to me,” wept Frannie, as we prepared to leave.

Tank and Raptor had driven ahead, over an hour ago, to give us Intel on the Reaper’s cabin. Sitting in the clubhouse parking lot, were ten more of us on Hogs, with two more Prospects driving an SUV. We were all armed with handguns, plus there were a few AK-47s hidden in the back of the cage.

“I plan on it,” I told Frannie, holding her close.

Since Jessica’s body hadn’t been found, there was still hope that she was alive and that Reaper would try to use her for some kind of bargaining chip. Fortunately, with the Judge’s help, we were one-up on him and would know that he’d messed with the wrong club.

I released her and stared down into Frannie’s eyes. “Now, whatever you do, don’t leave the clubhouse. Ice and Mikey will do what they need to do to keep you safe while we’re gone. Trust them, okay?”

Ice and Mikey had just become official members the month before. Both were dependable and knew how to keep calm under pressure. I didn’t foresee any of Reapers’ men storming our clubhouse, though. Frannie would be safe, as long as she stayed put.

“I won’t go anywhere. Just find my daughter.”

Nodding, I kissed her on the lips and then got on my Harley. “Let’s ride,” I said, starting the engine.

 

***

 

Confirmation came at ten-thirty p.m. Tank sent me a text verifying that there were at least a dozen Devil’s Rangers hiding out in Cedar Rapids. We pulled over to the side of the road as I read the message. Apparently, the place was lit up and the bikers were partying heavily in some cabin.

You see Jessica anywhere? I asked.

Negative

But, you’re sure it’s the Devil’s Rangers?

Yes, he replied. Two of them are out in back, banging some chick.

I smiled. By the time we made it out there, most of them would be piss-assed drunk. I sent him a message back, telling him to keep watch and wait for our arrival.

Should we try getting her out?

Only if you think you can do it without getting caught.

I.D.K. Place is crawling with Rangers.

Then just keep watch. We’ll be there soon.

OK

I shoved the phone into my jacket. Just as we were about to take off again, my cell phone rang. It was some private number.

“Yeah?” I answered.

“Slammer?”

“Who is this?” I asked, already knowing in the pit of my stomach.

“Name is Reaper. Heard you’re missing something of value?” he said, sounding amused.

I clenched my jaw. “Where is she?”

“Somewhere safe. For the moment.”

“What the fuck you want?”

“To be honest, I haven’t decided yet. I just wanted to let you know we have her and you’ll be hearing back from me soon.”

“Is she alive?”

“Yes.”

“I want proof.”

There was a long pause. “You’ll get it.”

“What’s this about? Mud?”

“It’s about everything.”

“Jessica has nothing to do with the club and she’s already been through enough. You need to let her fucking go.”

“I don’t need to do anything.”

“You hurt her and you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”

He laughed coldly. “Your threats don’t scare me, old man. By the way, I have a welcoming party set up for the Judge’s arrival.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say that the piece of shit won’t be able to help you anymore. I just wish I could be there to watch it go down.”

Before I could ask him anything else, he hung up.

“Fuck,” I mumbled, typing out a warning message to the Judge. I hit send, wondering how Reaper knew where and when he’d be flying in from. I wasn’t even sure, myself.

Maybe he’s just fucking with you? I thought, as I received an incoming message from a phone number that I didn’t recognize. This one had an image attached. When I saw a pic of Jessica, tied to a bed with a gag over her mouth, I grit my teeth. She was alive but the terror in her eyes, indicated that it might not have been a good thing.

Shoving the phone back into my jacket, I waved toward the road and we took off again.