Page 34 of Cowboy

“I have, but I’m not sure I can tell you much more. It’s a warehouse. Last time I was here there were a few crates inside. I never had a chance to see what was in them. Tank and Rooster kept some things inside. A fishing boat, a couple cars. I imagine most of that has been sold off to pay legal expenses, but who knows,” Miles said.

“What else can you tell us?” Deke turned to Miles. “Doors, weapons, anything?”

“I never saw any weapons inside, but who knows what’s in those crates? But they could have brought weapons in with them. As for doors. There’s a standard door next to the overhead and another standard on the opposite wall. Both lead outside.”

“When were you here?” Cowboy asked with a frown, trying to remember why they might have brought him out here.

“Last year, just after I came back. I didn’t know Tank or the others well, they seemed to be testing me. I’m not sure if they didn’t like what they found or they did. Either way, I’m glad they didn’t pull me into their stupid stunt with that other club.”

“Have you seen the other side of the building?” Deke asked. “Anything blocking that door? How sure are you it leads outside.”

“The door was open last time I was here, all of them were. I can’t say there’s nothing blocking it now, as it’s been so long, but there wasn’t then.”

“Good to know,” Cowboy said looking around the small group of men. “I can go in that door if we can find a way to get them outside or at least to the other end of the warehouse. I wish we knew where in the building they were keeping Ava.”

“I think you’re the best way to get them out of there. Is there anything one of us could take in to let her know she’s safe with us, that you sent us?” Deke watched him. “They won’t think you’re up to something if you show up demanding to see them. And it’s soon enough they may not think you’ve called in back up already. Besides, I’m better with lockpicks than you are.”

Cowboy shot his best friend a look and slowly nodded once. He never would have admitted Deke was better than him, except this was Ava’s safety, and possibly her life. He hated to admit it, but he had no idea how far these two fuckers would go to get what they wanted.

They spent another twenty minutes putting together a plan, then Cowboy, Deke and the others got into place. Deke at the back of the warehouse with his lockpicks, Miles and Caden on either side of the front door, and Cowboy ready to pull his bike up out front and confront Rooster and Jonesy.

He could only hope things went as planned.

24

Ava didn’t know how long she’d been sitting in the decrepit office chair. Jerkface and Butthead had spent most of the time since they’d put her in this chair huddled on the far end of the building. She would have thought they were ignoring her, but every time she shifted in the chair or even twisted it a little bit, a head shot up and Jerkface gave her a warning look. Butthead looked at her differently. His looks sent a shiver of fear down her spine.

She did not want to be left alone with him. He gave her the creeps and she could tell he had something planned that she would not enjoy. Not that she was enjoying sitting here but at least she wasn’t being hurt. She wasn’t sure that would remain true if she was alone with Butthead.

A loud rumble came from the front of the warehouse, or at least what she thought was the front. The same side they’d come in from. It seemed to vibrate the whole building, making her pull her hands up to cover her ears. There was shouting from outside that she couldn’t make out.

Butthead went to the normal door beside the one they’d driven in through and stepped outside. There was more shouting, this time she could tell it was Butthead, though his words didn’t carry.

Jerkface glared at her. He pointed as if telling her to stay put, then followed Butthead to the door and out.

Was now her chance to run? She could go to the door at the far end of the warehouse, but what if it just led into another room? She’d be trapped, they would find her, drag her back to the chair and tie her down. Maybe something worse.

She didn’t want to think about the something worse.

The vibrations stopped. She hazarded removing her hands from her ears. There was shouting going on outside, but she couldn’t make out what was being said.

Ava had to bite back a scream, though she nearly jumped through the roof when someone appeared beside her. He had tattoos on both arms and rings on nearly every finger. His hair and beard were well trimmed and neat, though they’d gone to salt and pepper that didn’t match his skin. She leaned away from him, not sure what was going on.

“My name is Deacon. Cowboy sent me to get you out of here.”

“Why didn’t he come himself?” She kept her voice soft, following the stranger’s example. How was she to know this guy wasn’t in league with Butthead and or Jerkface and trying to trick her?

“Several reasons, number one being it was a better use of resources to put him out front to distract your kidnappers. He also said to tell you that he calls you Angel and that he’s planning to take you to see the Enchanted Highway on Sunday, to prove to you I’m who I say.”

Ava sent the main door, where her captors had disappeared a glance then pushed out of the chair.

“Let’s go.” She followed the stranger out the door she’d seen earlier and didn’t know where it led. It stood open now, showing it led outside. How had she not noticed him opening it?

Because her attention had been on what was going on outside, that’s why. She headed for the door, and he fell in behind her. As soon as they were outside, he closed the door and pulled out his phone. She let him take the lead, showing her where to go, while his fingers flew over the screen on his phone.

“This way.” Deacon kept his voice low while he led her around one side of the warehouse. She didn’t see anyone, but followed without a word. He was her best chance to get out of there, and she didn’t want to screw things up.

25

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