Page 104 of Ruger's Rage

"And our brothers who got hurt tonight?" I ask coldly. "That worth it to you?"

Doubt flickers across her face for the first time. "That wasn't supposed to happen. He just wanted information."

"Bullshit. You knew exactly what he was planning. You let Marco's men into our home."

Her silence confirms it.

"The penalty for betraying the club is death," Decorum states flatly. "The code the old bucks made is pretty fuckin’ clear."

"She'll be more useful alive," Bloodhound counters. "She knows Striker's hideouts, his contacts."

The debate splits the table—half arguing for immediately handling her, the other half wanting information.

I ask Bailey directly, "Where is Striker now?"

She swallows hard. "I don't know."

"Bullshit," Maddox growls.

"I don't! He never told me where he stays. We always met at O'Malley's or the diner off Route 19."

"And Marco?" Tildie speaks for the first time, her voice steady.

Bailey's eyes narrow. "Your ex? Striker brought him in three months ago. Marco's been looking for you since you ran from Pittsburgh. Probably would have found you without my help."

"But you made it easier," Tildie says coldly. "You told him where I worked, where I lived. You put Ellie in danger too."

Bailey looks away, the first sign of shame cracking through her.

"I say we use her," Ounce suggests. "Set a trap for Striker."

"He'll see that coming," Bloodhound argues. "He's expecting us to retaliate."

"What about Marco?" Tildie asks. "Bailey, where would he go after the attack failed?"

Bailey hesitates, then sighs. "There's a hunting cabin Striker uses sometimes. About twenty miles north, near Cooper's Ridge. Marco mentioned staying there if things went sideways."

"That's our play," I decide. "We hit the cabin tonight. End this."

"Could be another trap," Coin warns.

"Could be. That's why we go in prepared." I look around the table. "Bloodhound, Maddox, Ounce, you're with me. Four-man team, quick strike."

"I'm coming too," Tildie says, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting that happen.

The room falls silent, brothers exchanging looks of surprise.

"This isn't up for discussion," I tell her, keeping my voice low.

"Marco is my demon to face, Ruger. Not yours." Her eyes hold mine, unwavering. "You promised me I wouldn't have to run anymore. That means I get to end this myself."

Fuck.

I did promise her that… and now it’s going to bite me in the ass.

"That's not how this works," Maddox objects. "Ol' ladies don't go on hits."

"She's not going on a hit," I clarify, knowing what I’ll do. It’s risky, but it’s not worth having her furious at me because I didn’t stick to my word. "She's going as bait."

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