Page 57 of Out to Find Freedom

“Gloria threatened if I didn’t kill the bitch, she’d tell the cops where she’d transferred the money we got from our operation.”

I shook my head. “Did you seriously think you had a chance at gettin’ her?”

“Yes. They promised me they were good at getting in and out.”

“The other guys? That’re all taken down?”

He ground his teeth. “Yes,” he hissed.

I heard the front door open. Lan stepped in. “See I’m late.”

“Two out the back,” I told him.

“Got it. Others should be here soon.” He glanced at Killer. “You and the brothers all covered with the right weapons?”

“Vi’s on her way with Butch. They should get here before your crew. She’ll have us covered and we’ll disappear.”

“Good.”

“What the fuck is this?” Burrows demanded. “You’re a cop. You can’t be working with them. I’ll tell. I’ll—”

Talon stepped up beside me. It was damn lucky I didn’t jump or I doubted I’d live it down with them. Talon crouched next to Burrows. “You might want to keep your mouth shut, Burrows. You know who we are?”

He glared up at Talon but said nothing. Talon shifted his foot over Burrows’s bleeding hand. He applied pressure, and Burrows yelled, “Stop, stop. Hawks Motorcycle Club.”

“You heard about us?” Talon removed his foot.

Burrows whimpered. “Yes,” he hissed.

“Then you know we’ve got people everywhere. If we hear you breathed a word to anyone, we’ll go after your mistress, your wife, your kids, and your money that you had hidden in an account overseas. Do you understand?”

He nodded.

“Want words, motherfucker.”

“Yes. I get it.”

“Good.” Talon stood. “Julian, Mattie, and Emmie, you’re all in the compound tonight. Pack a bag.”

I noticed then that they were already standing. Julian was in front of Emmie, and she had her head buried into his back, gripping his tee. Mattie stood behind her. When Julian shuffled forward, Emmie followed, and their line went straight for the hallway.

Just as they went by me, Emmie turned her head my way. Her gaze ran over me quickly. She caught my eyes, and I nodded. Her eyes welled, but she gave me a small, timid smile before disappearing down the hall.

My job was done.

She was free.

Burrows would go to jail, and Emmie could breathe easy.

I didn’t have to see her again.

Christ, that thought stabbed my chest.

Chapter Nineteen

Emerson

Killer was alone in the living room when we walked back out with our overnight bags. My shoulders slumped. I had hoped Ryan would still be there, but he’d done it again. Disappeared.

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