Page 87 of Jack

His eyes drop but don’t close. He knows he links his club to crimes against mine if he says anything.

I grab him by his cut and jerk him forward hard. “Why? What does Trace Coombs want from me?”

“For you to die.” Buck laughs like a maniac.

Well. Well. Well. He just linked the Mavericks.

Buck’s eyes widen, and so do mine, when a knife lands in the side of his neck. We’re not alone in this field. Buck gets one gasp for air. It’s over. I release his cut, dropping his body to the ground.

I don’t run. I don’t pull a weapon to defend myself. There’s no need. I know that knife.

“Blade!”

I whirl around as my psycho cousin walks out of the forest. Rodeo, Bankz, and Hendrix follow him out. Those are supposed to be waiting for me a mile down the road at an abandoned country store.

“What are you doing? I was questioning him.”

“You didn’t come here to play around and ask questions. You don’t need ‘em. We have this man dead to rights on cameraworking with Clark. You came here for revenge. You know as well as the rest of us. You serve that hard, cold, and fast.”

“You’re supposed to be at the hospital,” I snap.

“Which is where you need to be heading.” Jay bends down, pulls the knife from Buck’s neck, and wipes it on the man’s shirt. He stands and shoves the knife into my hand. “Now, when we find the next one involved with hurting your ole’ lady, don’t talk. Use that.”

“Head on to the hospital. We’ll handle this,” Bankz says.

“Is she awake?” I ask Jay.

“No, but you’re needed. You and Rodeo take the van and go. My truck’s at the end of the road. We got this.”

“Why, Jay? Why am I needed? Don’t keep something from me.” I understand why they didn’t tell me about Sandman and me being the target. But this is Lily.

“Flowers were delivered today.” Jay’s word drives a knife in my heart. “Don’t worry. She’s well-guarded.”

I don’t ask any more questions. I don’t waste time. Rodeo and I jump into the van and rush back to Willow Creek.

Chapter 40

__________

Jack

Three hours later, Rodeo pulls into the hospital parking lot. Jay wasn’t kidding. Lily is well-guarded. Viking Warriors walk the parking lot. Two are stationed at every door. Four more brothers guard the elevators and stairwell on Lily’s floor. Cloudy Daze and Big Papa lean against the wall outside her room.

“Ghost.” Big Papa clasps my arm. “It done?”

I nod. “Who’s with her?”

“Your parents,” Cloudy replies.

“I’ll stay out here. Give you a minute.” Rodeo pulls out his phone and goes into the waiting room.

I lightly tap on the door before pushing it open. Dad meets me at the door. I’m sure one of our brothers called and let him know I was on my way up. Mom closes the book she was reading to Lily and rushes to me.

“You okay?” Her voice shakes. Her hug is tighter than normal. I didn’t mean to worry her.

“Yeah, Mom. I’m okay.” I want to know about the flowers, but I need to see my angel first. “Give me a minute, Dad.”

He pulls Mom into his arms and leads her to the couch.

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