Page 71 of Property of Spike

Foster jogs up, his expression grim. “Security feed shows Max leaving with two others. They didn’t have your boy.”

“What’s going on, Spike?”

Abby steps out of her house, cradling Asher against her chest.

As the realization slams into me, my knees buckle, and I collapse under the weight of it all.

Spike takes Asher from Abby, holding him close for a brief moment before kneeling and placing him in my arms.

“Is Max okay?” Abby asks, her brows drawing together. “He dropped the baby off not long ago. Said he was in a hurry.”

Spike’s jaw tightens. “What else did he say?”

“Something about needing to sort something out. He seemed tense but didn’t explain. What’s going on?”

“That’s what I intend to find out,” Spike says, helping me to my feet. Then, turning to Crusher, he barks out, “Inform the security team that if they see Max, shoot to injure, not to kill.”

“Got it.” Crusher nods and strides off.

“Mike, send everyone else home,” Spike continues. “Unless they live here, work security, or are an officer, I want them gone until further notice.”

“On it,” Mike nods.

Spike’s gaze sharpens. “Any idea where Max would go?”

“Iron and Ink,” Bones answers. “He spends a lot of time there, even when the shop’s closed.”

I swallow hard and turn to Foster. “Mr. Foster, did that man leave with Max?” My voice is barely above a whisper.

Foster gives me a small, knowing smile. “Just Foster.”

I manage a weak nod. “Foster… did Billy leave with him?”

His expression darkens. “Yeah, honey. He’s gone.”

A heavy sigh slips past my lips as I lean into Spike’s warmth.

“I’m taking my girls inside,” Spike says, wrapping an arm tightly around me and ushering Abby closer. “Everyone else, meet me by the gate.” His voice hardens as he issues his final orders. “Foster, Skip…you’re staying here, protecting my family. There are guards around the perimeter and snipers in place. Mike, you’re on gate duty until I get back. No one gets in without my personal approval. Understood?”

“Yes, Prez,” Mike says. “I’ll clear everyone out now.”

As they disperse, the tension thickens, an unspoken understanding settling over us all.

Max betrayed us.

And whatever comes next… it won’t end well for him.

Foster studies his phone, his expression unreadable. “What was Max’s main job in the club?”

“He was in charge of all things regarding prospects,” Tank answers. “Why?”

Foster’s eyes darken as he swipes across his screen. “Because Skip’s laptop was accessed late last night, and three transactions were deleted from his transcript records. And since Skip was with me, helping move shit into my new place during those timestamps, I know it wasn’t him.”

Skip stiffens. “Say what? I keep those transcripts off all servers. They can only be accessed through my personal computer. How the hell did you even gain access?”

Foster raises an eyebrow, and without hesitation, Skip turns and sprints toward one of the houses.

Spike’s grip tightens around my waist as he rubs my back in slow, steady circles. “What did Max delete?”

---