Chapter 38

Heart

I felt sick, bile rising into my throat as Mouse finished his update. As my eyes meet Marc’s, I see horror in her eyes. The room feels too hot, and my hands start sweating. My heart’s beating so fast I feel it thumping in my chest. No one, especially these sick bastards, are getting their hands on my daughter.

I hardly hear Devil as he starts speaking again. “From the reports that I’ve read—particularly yours, Marcia—I think their chance has passed.” I see Marc’s mouth drop open as she must be wondering how Devil has got hold of and absorbed so much information in such a short time. He’s still speaking to her. “I agree with your summation that there was something extremely suspicious that Archer prematurely reported Jayden as missing.”

Marc frowns. “But that was a year ago.”

“Leads me to believe this isn’t the first time this has gone on. Maybe not with kids missing from Tucson, they may have been taken from somewhere else. And of course, they tried to take Amy at the same time.”

“And you think they’re going to try again?” Wraith’s asking the questions Slick, Paladin, and I are too stunned to voice.

Devil raises his shoulders. “Can’t say. We can’t be certain what the crosses mean. But time’s getting on if they’re going to include them. But Drummer and I both feel they’re sufficiently protected here, on the compound. The crosses might mean they’re no longer available, or, there is one other option we can’t completely take off the table, that they take interested bids on the night and provide the goods at a later date.”

Again I glance at Marc, she’s biting her lip. But Devil’s words have made me feel slightly easier. “You’re sayin’, if we take this group out we can ensure the girls will be safe?”

“That’s what I hope, Heart. As long as we get all the ringleaders and can shut this thing down.”

“I still want to take Jayden away.” Paladin’s glowering at Slick. “I don’t want to risk anythin’ happenin’ to her again.”

As Slick starts to growl, Drum holds up his hand. “It’s an option to consider, Slick. Paladin could transfer to another chapter. Hellfire, for instance, would keep him in line. He’s got kids of his own.”

Slick considers the prez, then gives a slow nod. “Don’t know what Ella would have to say. But I’ll think about it. As long as the asshole can keep her safe, that’s what’s important.”

“We’ll park that for now. No one’s going anywhere until this thing’s finished.” Prez studies all our faces. “Now, it’s a fuck of a lot to sink in. We’re proposin’ enterin’ a fight we’ve no real part of, except for the tenuous link to two of our kids. We need to take a vote on this. Devil, you got anything more to say?” Devil’s head moves side to side, and Drummer nods. “Okay. We’re votin’ to go along with Devil’s plan and stand up alongside the feds and the pigs.” His lips curve slightly as he says the latter, as if he can’t quite believe what he’s putting to the vote.

I’ll be voting aye with no hesitation. I have to do what I can to reduce the risk to my daughter. My eyes catch Slick’s, and know it will be an easy decision for him too.

I realise the voting’s started. Wraith’s given his affirmative, and Blade’s looking confused, but then adds his agreement. One by one we vote around the table—except for Devil and Marc, who, not being members, stay silent.

At last I’m writing in the decision book, not quite knowing what I’m recording, but I scribble sufficient sentences to sum up this bizarre meeting.

And then we’re dismissed. And there’s only one place I’m going to be. Beside my daughter and my old lady.

A couple of hours later, while topics we discussed in church were still whirling around in my head, I’m sitting and watching my girls. Marc’s sitting on the floor, playing with Amy. They’re dressing fucking Barbie dolls. Grunt’s in there as well, trying to steal the clothes. Even with all the shit going around, the normality of the scene brings a smile to my lips. I can’t lose this. Any of this. Losing Crystal darn near killed me, losing my daughter, or my new woman would destroy me and I’d never recover. My smile fades.

Glancing up, Marc gets to her feet. A quick peek behind shows Amy’s engrossed, so she raises her eyes to meet mine. “It could be old news, Heart. They might have forgotten about Amy. Have you heard from her grandmother lately?”

“Susie Clyde’s dead.” I’m surprised she doesn’t already know. “Died of an overdose or some bad shit.”

She huffs in a breath and puts her hands on her hips, her eyes searching my face. Then surprises me. “Couldn’t happen to a better person.” She glances back down at Amy and, without missing a beat, checks in. “You alright there, sweetheart?” As Amy nods without looking up, I’m thinking what a good mother Marc makes. She does it so naturally, doesn’t even know she’s doing it. And with that Glock no one’s taken back off her yet, I know she’d protect my daughter with her life.

“My gut feel is that they are no longer after Amy. They can’t use the grandmother, so would need to take her by force. They wouldn’t stand a chance getting onto the compound.”

“They listed her as a three to four-year-old. Why would they do that? She’s four now…”

“Perhaps they never knew her exact age. Doubt Clyde kept any note of her birthday. She was probably spaced out at the time.”

“We can’t afford to be complacent.” I shiver as I recall the name Susie had dropped. Alonso Herrera. We’ve still no idea whether the new head, Javier, is on board with his plans, but the less Herreras left breathing, the happier I’ll be.

“I agree.” She taps the gun at her belt. “Either you or I will be with Amy at all times, Heart.” She pauses to grin. “And I reckon Paladin’s got Jayden covered.”

“What worries me, Marc,” I pause, thinking how I would never had had this type of discussion with Crystal, “is that Jayden and Amy are the ones who got away. Or in Jayden’s case. Thank fuck they never got close to Amy.”

“You think it could be some sort of grudge?” Her eyes narrow. “You could be right, these are sick fucks we’re dealing with. Only thing I can see is to go through with the plan. Take all of them out and remove the risk to the girls.”

Knowing she’s right, I curl my hand around her neck, pulling her to me, and take her lips. Fuck, how did I get so lucky to find this woman? There can be no doubt in my mind that Crystal led her to me. She’s fucking perfect.

It’s torturous waiting for the next few days to be over. Drummer keeps calling us together, going over the plans again and again. As soon as we know the location we’ll be saddled up and riding. Slick and Viper will be staying with Fergus and Jekyll at the compound, just in case anyone comes for the girls, but we’re mostly agreed, if they haven’t taken them by the time of the auction, it’s unlikely they’ll choose that night to pounce. They’ll be more about getting the dollars in for the victims they’ve already got. I’m torn between wanting to protect Amy and being close by in case my woman decides to become a hero—in her role as liaison between us and the police, there’s no way anyone can make her stay behind. In the end I’m persuaded that Amy will be safe enough here, and decide I’d rather be there with my brothers in case Marc needs me.

It’s when we’re discussing needing the crash truck along in case any of us are wounded that I realise just what I’m heading into. And that not all of us might be coming back.

Devil’s colleagues from Grade A Security arrive, Seth and Ryan, tough ex-service men who I can immediately relate to. They’re given a couple of the rooms at the back of the clubhouse to use, which they seem to find sufficient. Serious men, Ryan in particular is a man of few words, but what he says is always pertinent to the situation. They spend most of their time pouring over the information provided by Mouse, and by Nessa, who’d arrived with them. Mouse quickly made room for her in his cave after greeting her like an old friend.

And it’s her who’s currently walking across the clubroom, making the journey between kitchen and Mouse’s retreat yet again. “Hey, Nessa, isn’t it?” Blade eyes up the redhead as she emerges carrying refills of coffee.

She glances over in passing and grins. “I’m taken,” she says drily, making us laugh.

“Your man doing okay?” I frown. Sean, her husband, is staying in an upmarket hotel in Phoenix, and like Lady, will be the first to put his head on the line. Sean’s building up his backstory by acting out his role as a successful businessman with money to burn.

“He’s living it up and drinking champagne from what I can hear.” Nessa purses her lips.

“He’ll be fine, Nessa.” Ryan, her colleague, has obviously been listening to the conversation. He points his index finger toward the enforcer. “Unlike you, Blade, if you hit on his woman.” He glances over at his colleague and cheekily adds, his pregnant woman.

A brief moment of relief as chuckles and congratulations echo around, and then the now blushing but very happy looking Nessa’s disappeared once again.

“What d’yall think?” Lady strolls in, modelling his made to measure suit, hastily put together by a tailor whose eyes lit up with the money he was offered to do a quick job. A professional haircut courtesy of Carmen, and I hardly recognise my brother.

“Wouldn’t have known ya,” Peg calls out. “Just remember to keep your mouth shut.”

Yeah, we’d tried to give him a lesson in how to clean up his language, and when that failed, instructions to remain dumb unless absolutely necessary in order to maintain the image as a representative of a sheikh. Lady’s colourful language is hard to curb, but on looks I reckon he’ll pass.

Marc flops down into the seat beside me, Hyde hovering behind. She looks tired, and I’m worried for both her and our babies. Surely so much stress can’t be good at this time.

“How did it go?” She’s been to yet another meeting down at the precinct. Hyde close behind just like the days before we got together.

“Garza and Reynolds still aren’t talking.”

Grimacing, I realise that was probably a hard meeting to have. It’s not the first time she’s been involved in interrogating her former partner and boss, and even on the other side of the table, they’re still acting as though they’ve got the upper hand.

Her eyes narrow. “Sheriff himself was in the main meeting today.” As much as I wish she didn’t have to be involved, I’m proud as fuck as how she’s holding her own, and particularly when she told me they pressed her about Satan’s Devils involvement in the Herrera killings last year, the one that Archer got caught up in. She’d kept her mouth zipped tight, pleading ignorance. She’s on our side, no one now has any doubt about that.

Tired though she is, after a quick kiss she’s on her feet again. “I’ve got the paperwork confirming we’re working with the cops tomorrow, and there won’t be blowback for anything that goes down. I need to give it to Drummer.” As she goes off to find him, there’s laughter and smiles at the strange thought we’ll be fighting alongside law enforcement. But the amusement fades quickly, as the seriousness of the situation caught up with us. What we’re heading into will be dangerous. Probably we’ll be going up against the Herreras, but it could be the cartel. Or both.

That last night before the auction, I make love to my old lady, not any other word for it. We don’t fuck, instead taking our time learning each other’s bodies, climaxing together, and then falling asleep in each other’s arms. I hold her so tightly, thinking the universe wouldn’t be so cruel as to take her away from me. It would kill me for certain.

A few months ago I felt I had nothing to live for and would readily have given up my life. Now that’s all changed. I’ve got my daughter, my woman, and two babies on the way. I’ll be taking no risks tomorrow, my recklessness has left me. I want to come back, for all of them.

That final day it’s subdued in the clubhouse. Weapons are cleaned and checked, ammunition stored safely away. Blades are sharpened. Devil is at one table along with Seth and Ryan, who’re now keeping to themselves. Not because of any aloofness, but as their sole focus is on the task ahead. They will be the first to move in, their job is to take out the guards, silently taking them unawares. Knifes will be their weapons of choice, or their bare hands.

Drummer walks in, pausing to exchange a few words with Devil, then comes over. Some brothers are drinking beers, others abstaining to keep a clear head for the night ahead. Prez leans his back against the bar and surveys the room, his eyes landing on each man in turn.

Mouse appears out of his cave, stretching his arms up high then rolling his head on his shoulders.

Drummer beckons him over. “Any news yet?”

“Nah, nothing.”

“Should have heard something by now. Any chance it’s not going ahead?”

“No need to worry yet, Prez. They’ll leave it right to the last minute. Just enough time for people to get there. And not enough to involve the feds.”

Except, thanks to Mouse, the feds already know.

“They’re cuttin’ it fine,” Drummer grumbles.

The door that Mouse just exited through opens, and a woman’s head pops out. “Mouse, I’ve got something.”

As Nessa disappears back into the room, Mouse is there like a flash, Drummer and Devil hot on his tail. Only seconds later, they both come back.

“Right.” Drummer’s waving a piece of paper in the air. “Got it.”

A phone dings and Lady waves his. “Got a text, Prez.” They compare notes. Then Lady stands and brushes off his smart suit. As I’m turning back to my old lady, out of the corner of my eye I see Joker hugging Lady to him, holding him a fraction of a second longer than I would have expected. The pair has transferred from Vegas together. I suppose that forms a special bond.

Drum yells, “Let’s give Lady a moment to get movin’, then we’ll get rollin’.”

A wave of emotion sweeps through me as I draw Marc in close, kissing her deeply, trying to imprint the memory of her taste and feel on my brain. When I pull away, I rest my forehead against hers. “Don’t take any risks, darlin. Promise me you’ll look after yourself. Remember the babies. Need to go into this with a clear head and I won’t if I’m worryin’ about you.”

“Same goes for me, Heart. I love you, you know that. I need you to be here, for me…” She places my hand on her stomach. “For us.”

“Love you, babe. Fuckin’ love you.”

Her eyes look watery, and her hand rests on my chest. “I love you.”

I wished I had longer to savour the first time we declared our feelings for each other. But I’ve no time at all.

“Heart!”

“Comin’.” One last look and I’m on my way. The last thing I see is her in conversation with Devil.

Then I’m putting on my bulletproof vest and throwing my leg over my bike, firing up the engine and kicking it into first gear. Prez in the lead, the VP and sergeant-at-arms behind him, then Dollar and Blade, me and Mouse, and the rest of the boys behind with Joker bringing up our rear, and following him, the crash truck driven by Hyde with Marc accompanying him.

I’m nervous tonight, knowing how much I have to lose. The ride passes with none of the normal thrills or exhilaration. I’m trying to concentrate on the fact if together with the feds and the cops, if we bring this group down, Amy and Jayden will be freed from any fear of abduction.

But apart from the location and the time, even the feds haven’t got wind of what exactly we’re riding into. Until Lady and Sean get inside and start feeding back info, we’ll know nothing of how many adversaries will be inside. As I keep a careful eye on my brothers in front, and in the mirror, those behind me, riding in formation, keeping steady distance apart, the dour thought comes to me, and I hope it won’t be any of our blood that will be spilled tonight.

Lady is off on his own now, well in front and out of sight of the bikes, heading off to do what he has to do. He’s wearing no wire, but he’s got one of those tiny devices in his ear which will let him hear Devil’s instructions, and us what’s going on around him. An undetectable earpiece that won’t be found even if they search him. And search they will. With the nefarious activities taking place tonight, the organisers won’t be taking any chances.

I admit to being worried about my brother, frowning as I ride, hoping the feds know what they’re doing, and that his earpiece really won’t be found. And that he won’t do something stupid and draw attention to himself. Out of all my brothers, I tend to know least about Joker and Lady, they keep to themselves.

With the truck following behind us, we meander our way through the night. My hand clenched on the throttle, keeping my place in the pack.

Eventually it’s time to leave our loud bikes. At the hastily arranged rendezvous, we meet up with a large police contingent, and another of feds—funny to think of them as brothers in arms tonight. I admit it gives me an uneasy feeling, that for once we’re all on the same side. As my eyes watch Marc going to join her former colleagues, I also take in the various trucks and vans parked around, and notice medics talking together in quiet voices.

After a brief conversation, Drummer comes over. My brothers shift uneasily as they clearly recognise the man who’s accompanying him.

“Agent Haughton, you’ll probably remember.” Prez keeps his voice impassive as he introduces the man we all know. He’s the fed who set the club up for a fight he didn’t expect us to win. We’ve got no love for him.

“Your main job,” Haughton begins without hesitation, “is to concentrate on getting your man out. We’re going in heavy. The bidders won’t want to be taken, and the organisers will want to get away clear. But we do want some still alive to question. You hear me?”

There’s various growls and nods. Far as I’m concerned, I want everyone involved in this disgusting trade dead. And if any of my brothers are in danger, I won’t give a fuck about leaving anyone breathing.

“We don’t know what we’re facing in there. But as soon as we find out where the kids are located, I want a group together to be part of that.” He turns to Drummer. “Okay if some of you join them?”

Drummer raises his chin, and with a last nod at us, Haughton walks away, joining the group of police next.

Now it’s Devil who approaches us, and starts handing out earpieces, larger than Lady’s. I manage to hook it over my ear.

“I’ll be turning the receiver on and off. And be in control of what we’re transmitting. Don’t want Sean or Lady to be distracted by voices in their heads until we start giving them instructions. Got it?”

We indicate we do. Anything to keep our, and Grade A’s, man safe.

He goes back to the control truck, and a hush descends as the ear piece in my ear starts transmitting. Now I can hear what’s going on inside. It feels weird to hear voices in my head, but I can tell Lady’s already inside, and it sounds like Sean’s just entering. Lady’s been offered a glass of champagne which he readily accepts, and Sean’s polite enquiry about when the auction will get underway is answered, giving us vital information we need. The last of the guests is expected shortly, and they expect it to start within the hour.

Seth and Ryan dressed all in black, along with a few feds, are getting ready to leave. Devil gives them one final instruction, and then sends them off to take out the guards as soon as the outer doors are closed and locked.

Blade offers me a cigarette. I’m tempted to take it, but with one look across to Marc, I shake my head. As he walks off, another brother approaches.

“I fuckin’ hate all this hanging around.”

“Me too, Tongue. Me too.”

“Just want to get on with it and get back to the compound. Promised Allie I’d show her a good time when I get back.”

“I bet you will.” I grin, knowing I’ll be relieving the stress of the night not in the arms of a sweet butt, but those of my old lady.

Beef’s shifting from one leg to another, Rock is surprisingly looking composed, until I see a tick at the corner of his eye. All of us impatient to get moving. Looking over at the other men milling around, the waiting doesn’t seem easy on anyone.

According to Sean’s voice in my ear, things are starting. I watch two black figures ease away from the group and start making their way to the building that’s still out of sight. Seth and Ryan are getting themselves into position.

Now I hear Devil’s order. As soon as the guards have been dealt with, we’ll have to move fast. We’ve already been over this. When the organisers lose radio contact with their men outside, they’ll become suspicious. Sean’s got the task of trying to locate the head of security and keep him occupied to give us more time. And from the tinny conversation echoing in my head, he’s already managed that task.

Now after a few more moments of stamping our feet, shifting impatiently, wanting to get moving, we’re given the sign. I nod to Marc, who’s talking to one of her cop colleagues, hoping she’ll be sensible and stay safe, and back here, out of harm’s way.

Then acting on the information Sean’s managed to get and transmit to us, we divide into our groups and approach the three entrance points into the building. One at the rear close to where they’re keeping the children, and the prez has assigned myself, Blade, and Peg to go with the police and some feds with one instruction. Get the kids out and away from the fighting, and bring them back here to get whatever medical attention they might need.

I seem to be walking in slow motion, my brain racing at such a fast speed, mentally examining whatever could go wrong. My gun is in my hand as I move forwards. No one speaks, everyone intent on the mission in hand.

The larger group, the remaining feds, police, and bikers will be taking the main entrances as soon as the auction begins. All wearing masks, they’re armed with tear gas cannisters, hoping to take the bidders and ring leaders by surprise.

We’re in sight of the building now, and crouch a little way back from the rear entrance. A couple of police come to the front, carrying a battering ram which will gain us entry. My free hand keeps opening and closing, ready for the fight.

Through my earpiece I hear from inside the noise starts to die down, the music is turned off, and an auctioneer can be heard from the stage.

“On my count.” Devil’s voice comes over clearly. Then, as he’s obviously switched Sean and Lady’s earpieces onto receive, “We’re coming in five. As soon as we come in, cover your faces.”

On two the police prepare, on one they’re swinging the battering ram. On “Go” the door has burst open, and we run inside. Blade signals to where we can hear high-pitched voices, even over the sounds of screaming, shouts and shots coming from the main room.

We rush into a room where there’s a number of children, scantily clad, crying and looking so scared it breaks my heart. Two men guarding them are taken by surprise, and are shot by the feds as they’re reaching for their guns.

“This way.” Two cops have gone to the children and have started corralling them together. “We’re rescuing you, understand?”

Cautious nods, one child is so disbelieving, he doesn’t move. The big cop picks him up and carries him, and now we’re outside.

A guard has been missed, or had been hiding. Whatever, he’s quick to raise his weapon and shoot before anyone can stop him. I fire a shot and he goes down. Glancing behind me, I see one of feds has fallen. I run to him quickly, he’s still alive. Knowing I have to get him out of here, I throw the fed over my shoulder in a fireman’s lift and then follow after the others and the children, their short legs slowing us down. The poor kids are screaming now as shots ring out into the night. Blade picks up one, Peg’s arms are around another, encouraging them away from the fight behind us and down to safety.

Our hearts in our mouths, but we’ve got them away. A quick count up shows our timing was perfect, before the auction commenced, which means they were still held together and we’ve got all of them out. And apart from the man I’m carrying, none of us seem injured unless we’re powered by adrenalin and can’t feel pain. Most of the fighting seems concentrated in the main arena, where the auction was held, as bidders try to protect their identities and the organisers try to get away without being caught.

At last we’re back at the ambulances. Medics quickly take charge of the children and the injured man I’m carrying. As I give the fed over into their charge, his hand comes out and clasps mine. It’s a weak grip, but his eyes looking intently into mine, show me he’s thanking me. I nod, and go off to find Marc.

But she’s nowhere in sight. Fuck it. When Mouse raises his hands indicating she’s not with him, I just know she’s joined in with the other cops. I run around the front, feeling so fucking helpless, but Blade holds me back.

I try to fight him. “Marc’s inside,” I yell. “She’s fuckin’ gone in.” I struggle to get out of his hold. “I need to find her.”

“You’ve got no gas mask. She’s trained for these situations, Heart. Trust she knows what she’s doing.”

But all her knowledge and training won’t stop a bullet flying her way. Shit, she must have planned this from the beginning, fighting alongside her colleagues. I realise now she’s not one to back down. Fuckin’ stupid bitch. She can’t leave me. Not now she’s given me back the reason to live.

Blade’s not releasing me. All I can do is wait, hearing shots and screams in my ear, trying to analyse the voices, hoping to hear hers, but among all the shouting and shots I can’t distinguish her voice

It seems like forever until people start to emerge. Cops, feds, and even bikers pushing men handcuffed in front of them. I see Drummer, Dollar, then Beef and Bullet. But no Marc. Then I see Mouse, Shooter, and even fucking Paladin and Road. One by one all my brothers emerge. Shooter’s got his hand around Rock, who seems to be limping. Knowing we didn’t all get away unscathed, I start to push forward.

Drummer grabs me by the shoulder. “It’s done, it’s over. Did you get the kids?” His voice sounds grim.

“Yeah, Prez, they’re all safe with the medics. But I’ve got to go in. Marc’s disappeared, she must be inside.”

“She is, but last I saw her, she’s fine. Let her to do her job.”

“I can’t, Prez.” Blade’s grip has loosened, and I manage to push past him, but Peg’s quick to take his place, and now it’s him who holds me back.

“For fuck’s sake, Heart. It’s contained and controlled. She’ll be out in a minute…”

What the fuck is she doing?

But even before he finishes speaking, the most wonderful sight in the world comes into view. Marc’s emerging, her blond hair escaping from her bun and cascading around the mask she’s only just removing. Still held back, all I can do is wait until she comes up to me, my eyes examining her for any sign of injury.

As she draws closer, her shoulders are slumped, and she barely acknowledges me. Instead she’s looking at Drummer and shaking her head, wiping a tear from her eye. Even as I’m reaching for her, she takes my hand absentmindedly. And then she speaks the words I didn’t want to hear. “Tongue didn’t make it. I’m sorry, Drummer. I tried…”

And then, as police lights come on illuminating the scene, I can see blood on her clothes.

“Are you hurt?” I ask sharply.

“It’s not mine,” she explains, her hand coming up to wipe her eyes, and again her attention goes back to Drummer. “I stayed with him, held his hand, but he slipped away.”

Conflicting thoughts run through my head. The pain of the loss of my brother, and anger that my woman had entered the fray, putting her life, and the life of my children in danger. I don’t know whether to kiss her or put her over my knee. In the end I decide later I’ll do both.

My brothers are gathering around, all now hearing the news about Tongue. Fuck it. He didn’t deserve to lose his life. Tongue, who’s not now going to be ending the night fucking Allie. I shake my head, unable to believe I’ll never see my brother again.

“We need to get him out, Prez.” Blade’s eyes are wet, shining in the floodlights. I realised I’ve unashamedly got tears on my cheeks.

“Anyone else hurt?” Drum asks sharply, looking around, seeming to count us all up. But it seems it’s only one of us that had taken a bullet tonight.

Until Shooter waves around, drawing our attention to who’s missing. “Rock took one in the leg. Beef was helping him down to the medics.”

Devil strolls up. He nods at us all, clearly making his own assessment, then shakes his head. “I’m sorry you lost a man.”

Prez lifts his chin. “What’s the count?”

“Just two on our side, a cop and your man. A few with minor injuries, nothing too serious. They weren’t expecting us so we had the element of surprise.” He pauses, then carries on. “The ringleaders are dead or rounded up.” His scar and his permanent scowl give him a furious look. “A good night’s work, all the kids are safe. Heart, hear you brought out a fed. Good work.”

I just nod at the recognition, and at last Marc draws close to my side, allowing me to put my arm around her. I allow myself to relax for the first time in hours.

“You okay, Detective Hannah? You took that man down hard.” A man steps up in police uniform. “Thought I was a goner until you stepped in.”

Fuck! “Marc?”

She puts her hand on my arm. “I’m fine, thank you, Lieutenant.”

“I want you checked out.” My voice is clipped.

She looks at me, then nods slowly. “I’m okay, Heart, but I will if the medics aren’t too busy.” Then she turns back to the cop. “And I’m not a detective. I was sacked, if you remember.”

The lieutenant stares at her. “You realise you made all this happen? That the kids are going home tonight is down to you. You’ll get a promotion for this. We need dedicated cops like you in the department.”

But her features are set, determined. “That’s not what I want.” She snuggles closer. “Not anymore.”

He waits for a moment, then after telling her to contact him if she changes her mind, he walks away.

Then all we can do is wait until the body of my brother is brought out. No one wants to go and leave him behind. But as he fell alongside his cop brothers tonight, he’s being treated as reverently as though he was one of their own. We follow the stretcher and watch as he’s loaded into an ambulance and taken away into the night.

Only then do we go back to our bikes. Tongue and Rock’s are loaded onto the crash truck—being injured, Rock will be going back with the prospect and Marc. Rock had refused to go to the hospital, the bullet was a through and through and we’ll get Doc to stitch him up at the club.

At last sorted, we make the sad journey back to the compound, keeping a space in our ranks, our brains still unable to register that one brother will never be riding with us again.