Page 41 of The Trail Boss

When the Albrights entered with one of the club’s wealthier patrons and flanked by three men who looked more like hired muscle than escorts, Gavin’s pulse quickened. Margaret and William Albright were dressed impeccably, their expressions calm but their eyes calculating as they scanned the room.

“They’re here,” Reed’s voice came through the earpiece Gavin wore, the words clipped and precise.

“I see them,” Gavin murmured, his focus narrowing as he watched the pair approach the bar.

Margaret’s gaze landed on Roxie, and her lips curled into a sharp smile that didn’t even come close to reaching her eyes. She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the polished floor. “Roxanne,” she said smoothly, her voice dripping with feigned warmth. “What a surprise to see you here.”

Roxie turned, her expression carefully neutral. “Margaret. William. I wasn’t expecting to see you in San Antonio, much less the Iron Spur. Are you enjoying your night?”

“Always,” Margaret said, her gaze flicking to the glass in Roxie’s hand. “I must say, you’ve managed to land on your feet quite well. Impressive, considering the circumstances.”

“Some of us don’t have the luxury of running away when things get hard,” Roxie replied, her tone even but laced with steel.

Margaret’s smile tightened, and William stepped forward, his bulk looming slightly. “You’ve caused quite a bit of trouble, Roxanne. It would’ve been easier if you’d just stayed quiet.”

“Quiet isn’t really my style,” Roxie said, tilting her head.

Margaret’s expression darkened, and she nodded subtly to one of the men behind her. The thug moved forward, but before he could reach Roxie, Gavin stepped out of the shadows, his presence sudden and commanding.

“That’s far enough,” Gavin said, his voice low and deadly. Looking at the member who’d brought them in as his guest, Gavin continued, “I don’t care much for your guests. Your guest pass privileges are hereby revoked until further notice.”

Gavin turned back to glare at the thug who stopped moving, his hand twitching toward his jacket, but Gavin’s icy glare froze him in place. “You don’t want to do that,” Gavin warned, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Margaret’s eyes flicked to Gavin, annoyance flashing across her face. “Who’s this?” she asked, her voice sharp.

“Someone who doesn’t take kindly to someone threatening one of my employees in my club,” Gavin said, his body shifting slightly to place himself between Roxie and the Albrights.

William sneered, his bravado faltering as Reed and Hawke appeared from either side of the room, their movements smooth and purposeful. “Looks like you brought friends,” William muttered.

“Not necessarily. Roxie works for us as well. We own this club,” Reed said, his tone casual as he leaned against the bar.

“You aren’t welcome here,” snarled Hawke.

“Leave now and leave Roxie alone and we’ll call it square. But if you or your goons so much as blink in her direction, we will rain hellfire down on your heads.”

In the blink of an eye, Hawke launched himself forward with the precision and speed of a raptor hunting its prey. The sickening sound of bones breaking echoed in the air as he twisted the goon's wrist at an unnatural angle, snatching the gun from his hand before it could hit the ground.

Chaos erupted in the dimly-lit lounge. One of the other thugs charged at Gavin, his movements clumsy compared to Hawke's grace and agility. But Gavin was just as skilled, effortlessly dodging the swing and delivering a powerful blow to the man's ribs. He followed up with a calculated strike to the jaw, sending the thug crashing to the floor.

Meanwhile, Reed threw himself into a tumultuous tangle with the remaining thug. Their bodies collided with a nearby table, sending it toppling over with a loud crash. Despite the chaos around them, Reed remained focused and fearless as he took down his opponent with swift, efficient movements.

Margaret and William tried to retreat, but Jesse intercepted them, his imposing frame blocking their path. “Going somewhere?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Margaret’s composure cracked, and she glared at Gavin, who was already securing the first thug with zip ties. “You think this changes anything?” she hissed. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“No, but I know exactly who you are,” Gavin said, his tone cold as he stepped closer. “And so will the authorities.”

Roxie stepped forward, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. “It’s over, Margaret. You tried to destroy me, but you didn’t win. You never will. Can you just say why?”

Margaret’s eyes narrowed, but her silence spoke volumes. “Because you lived and he didn’t,” she hissed vehemently.

As the dust settled, the thugs subdued and the Albrights detained, Gavin turned to Roxie. “You okay?” he asked, his voice softening.

Roxie nodded, though her breath came in shallow bursts. “Yeah.” She nodded, “I think I am.”

“You did good,” Gavin said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“So did all of you,” Roxie replied, her gaze holding his. “But where’s Dawson?” Gavin tilted her head and pointed toward Dawson. Roxie laughed. “A sniper? Really?”

---