Page 27 of Rev

Hadrian nods, his eyes meeting mine with pride and determination. “Harley’s right. We need a plan that covers all bases. Hades and I will lead the team inside. Racer, you’ll coordinate the perimeter with the rest of Hunt’s men.”

Hadrian’s gaze shifts to me, a silent question in his eyes.

“I’ll stay here and manage communications,” I reassure him. “You’ll need someone coordinating from a distance in case anything goes wrong.”

“We’ve got this. Gordon won’t know what’s hit him.” Hades smirks, his confidence evident.

“Let’s go over the details again,” Racer says, spreading out the map of the old warehouse district. “We need to be precise. This is our one shot. We need to make it count so those cunts don’t have a chance to fight back.”

For the next hour, we pore over the map, discussing every detail of the plan. Our combined experience guides us, while Hadrian’s tactical knowledge and Hades’s combat expertise refine the strategy. Racer’s insights into logistics ensure we leave nothing to chance.

Finally, we have a comprehensive plan. Every entry and exit point is covered, and every potential complication anticipated. The room is filled with a sense of purpose and a shared determination to see this through.

As we wrap up, Hadrian looks at each of us in turn. “This is about more than just stopping Gordon and the Mod Boys. This is about restoring order and protecting our families. I have faith in all of you. Let’s make this count.”

We nod, a unified front ready to face the coming storm. As we disperse, Hadrian lingers by the door, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of concern and resolve.

“Are you okay with all of this, Harley?” he asks quietly.

I step closer, taking his hand in mine. “I am. We have to do this, Hadrian. I want to keep the organisation and my father safe, and this is the only way to do it. I’d like to be there in the warehouse with you, but I know it’s best that I’m not. If I put myself in harm’s way, I’ll be a distraction.”

He squeezes my hand, his strength reassuring. “Even when you’re not in harm’s way, you’re a distraction,” he responds, causing me to smile. “Meet me at the bench tomorrow at sunset.”

I nod in silent agreement.

With that, we part ways, each of us preparing for the task ahead. The future is filled with uncertainties, but we have a plan, a purpose, and the strength of our combined resolve. And with all of that, we’ll face whatever comes our way and come out on top.

ELEVEN

REV

The sun sets in a blaze of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the old bench overlooking the sea. Harley and I find ourselves here again. This place holds so many memories, sweet and bitter. Tonight, it’s the setting for yet another pivotal moment.

Harley sits next to me, her posture rigid, the weight of recent revelations bearing down on her. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that Gordon, her father’s right-hand man, is behind her father’s declining health and a plot to overthrow her organisation.

“There’s always going to be somebody who threatens my father’s life and mine and who wants to take over the business,” she says, her voice breaking the stillness. “Do you think I should give up the organisation?”

I turn to look at her, seeing the turmoil in her eyes. Harley, who’s always so strong and composed, now looks fragile and on the brink of breaking. I take a deep breath, knowing my next words carry weight.

“No, Magpie,” I say firmly. “Giving up the organisation won’t save your father. It will only embolden your enemies. You’re a leader, and they fear that. If your enemies thought you were weak, there would be more of them trying to take you down.”

Her eyes meet mine, filled with uncertainty. “But if it’s the only way to keep my da safe, how can I not consider it? I can’t bear the thought of losing him, Hadrian.”

I reach out, taking her hand in mine. It’s a small gesture, but I hope it conveys the strength and support I want to give her. “Your father built this empire with his blood and sweat. Surrendering it to save him might seem like the noble thing to do, but it’s not what he would want. He believes in you and your ability to lead and protect what he created while he can’t.”

She looks down at our intertwined hands, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “I’m so scared, Hadrian. Scared of losing him. Scared of failing.”

“You won’t fail,” I assure her with confidence in my voice. I don’t want her to ever doubt herself. “You’re not alone in this. We’re all here to support you and fight alongside you. And as for your father, we’ll keep him safe while we take down Gordon and the bastards who are working with him. You’re stronger than you realise, Magpie.”

She takes a deep, shuddering breath, then looks up at me, her eyes shining with a mix of fear and determination. “Thank you, Rev.” She whispers the nickname my brothers call me, and it makes me smile. I like that she calls me by my given name, but there’s a special intimacy when she uses my road name. “I needed to hear that.”

I smile, squeezing her hand gently. “Anytime.”

For a moment, we sit in silence. There’s a peacefulness to this place. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos of our lives. I savour it, knowing these quiet moments are rare and precious.

Harley shifts closer to me, her shoulder brushing against mine.

“Do you ever think about what could have been, Hadrian? If things had been different, and we weren’t caught up in this world…”

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