Page 72 of Sophia, Property of Tracker

“I’m gonna start seeing what I can figure out. They’ve gotta be close by and well protected, so we gotta be smart if we’re gonna take them down.”

Rhyder nods. “If there’s anything you need, let me know, brother. I’m here.”

“Thanks, Cable’s gonna help, and at the mention of him, he exits. He has a full beard with a lip ring and curly black hair. He’s solid and looks like a guy you don’t want to be on the bad side of.

“Rhyder, can I have your phone? Need to take another look to see if there’s anything I can find that I missed on the video.”

“Yeah, sure, here you go.” He hands me his phone. Looking over at Cable, I ask, “Coming?

He nods, and I take the lead to the study where all my equipment is located.

The women have already started to cook up a feast. They must have gotten the message that we’re going into lockdown. It’s not the first time we’ve had to do this, and by now, the women know the drill.

Spotting Sophia who’s helping Charity move some furniture around, she looks at me and smiles.

I smile back then turn and head to the study, needing to focus.

SOPHIA

Present

Not knowing exactly what’s going on, but it seems that the clubhouse is going into lockdown.

Jasmine spoke to me earlier to explain what lockdown meant and what was required. To be honest, I’m frightened. I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before. Ryan explained on the drive here what happened to Tate and how he is being held hostage until his club can deliver Lexi.

I can’t believe this whole situation—I mean it’s like I’m in a movie or something. I can only imagine how scared Lexi is right now because I know I would be.

Ryan explained there was no way they would deliver Lexi to the man who goes by the name Lawrence and that they would think of a plan.

God, I’m so worried about what that entails.

Will Ryan be in any danger?

Will the club?

All these thoughts are traveling through my mind, and I’m trying not to think about it too much. Jasmine helped when she spoke to me earlier. She guaranteed our men would be okay, they were smart and strong, and they would get Tate back.

I want to believe her, but it’s hard not having gone through anything like this before. She’s kept me busy helping with cooking and making up beds, preparing for families to arrive. Daisy has gone to the grocery store to stock up on food for everyone, and two club members have gone along with her for protection. When they told me that Daisy might need protection, I freaked out.

Should I be scared?

Do I need protection too?

I guess that is why we’re all going into lockdown, so we’re all protected.

When Ryan came out of church, I could see worry written all over his face. I wanted to run to him and make sure he was okay, but he seemed busy. Jasmine explained that from here on, they will be in action mode and will have one thing on their mind and that is to get Tate home safely. She explained the best thing we can do is give them space, but to be available to support them if they need it.

Tate’s club is here too, and the clubhouse is buzzing with people everywhere. Some of the women and children have arrived, but Jasmine said we need to be prepared for many more.

Busying myself, I help with the sheets, make up the spare beds, and help Tess with mattresses.

Suddenly, Ryan walks back and finds Quill showing him something on his computer. A Sinner member is with them as they explain something that’s visible on the screen. They seem happy as Quill taps Ryan on his back, and Rhyder seems relieved as he bends down and rests his hands on his knees. It must be good news, whatever it is. All the members seem to gather around Ryan, and then they head back into church, shutting the door behind them.

It feels like hours by the time they exit again, and by then more women and children have arrived.

The food is almost finished, and I’m helping Jasmine and the others set the bar with hot food, salads, and some bread rolls. Finally, I catch sight of Ryan, and he spots me with a smile. He looks exhausted but makes his way to me.

“Hey, baby, everything all right?” he asks as he cups the back of my neck. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve been helping with the meal prep and just getting things ready for a lockdown.”

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