Page 58 of Journey

“A guard and a very dangerous prisoner,” the driver confirms.

I can’t stop my grin from spreading. “Exactly what we’re counting on.”

Once they’re secure, Ghost and Poker move to the rear of the van to open the doors. I follow as I take deep breaths to center myself. I’m itching to put a bullet between Stone’s eyes, but I need him alive to find Wren.

“I don’t want no trouble,” the third guard says as soon as the doors open.

“Neither do we,” Poker states. “Go over there with your buddies.”

“Wait,” Ghost says and grabs the guy's arms to yank them behind his back and zip-tie his wrists. “Okay, now you can go.”

Stone strains against his restraints, but he’s trapped. There’s no way for him to get free without our help.

I pull my mask down so he knows exactly who he’s dealing with.

“You piece of shit,” Stone sneers. “Where are my men?”

“Oh, you mean the three asswipes who were supposed to spring you?” I taunt.

“Yeah.”

“They’re just over there,” I reply, nodding toward the bushes. “Dead, of course, but there nonetheless.”

“You’re gonna pay for this,” he threatens.

I jump into the back of the van and pistol whip him. “I don’t think so. You’re gonna tell me where your thugs are holding Wren, and thenyou’regonna pay.”

“I ain’t telling you shit.”

Ghost pulls his trigger, hitting Stone in the kneecap with a bullet. “Sure about that, grandpa?”

To his credit, Stone doesn't scream or shout in pain. He starts to sweat, and swears under his breath, but for the most part, he’s quiet.

That won’t last.

“Where is she?” I demand, but he just shakes his head, so I shove my thumb into the bullet hole. “Tell me where she is,” I seethe.

A few more well-placed, non-fatal wounds, and I have the info I want.

“You two take him back to the clubhouse in this van and stash him in the Nightmare Room. I’m gonna go get Wren, and we’ll meet you there.” I hop out of the back as I bark orders. “Oh, and have Jackyl on standby in case she needs medical attention.”

“Want Jackyl to look this prick over?”

I shrug. “Sure, why not? We can patch him up andthensend him straight to hell.”

CHAPTER 30

WREN

Why?

“Noneof them are answering their damn phones.”

I’ve managed to make my way downstairs, but now I’m stuck in the coat closet with the damn curtain rods leaning against the wall. I have to time my attack just right, or I won’t be able to take all three of them out.

“They should’ve been back by now with Stone,” Jester snaps. “Dirty Boy, I need you to go?—”

“Wren!”