Page 119 of Ryder

Despite what Cash insinuated, this isn’t Stu. It can’t be. He has no motive, and he couldn’t have gotten to New Orleans that fast, or carjacked Ryder when he was right there in front of him just yesterday. Some big part of the puzzle is missing. I just need to try and fit it together.

Of course, there have been a lot of crazy things happening in the MC over the years, and these last few months have been hectic. But all of that has died down. Everything has been peaceful for months.

It seems in this club, the past always seems to catch up with somebody at some point.

I stare at the GPS, trying not to count down every second that passes. I also ignore every single traffic hazard Pipes maneuvers through, including a red light, in order to catch up. Then all of a sudden, Ryder’s truck stops on the map.

“It stopped,” I say, staring at the screen.

“Where are they?” Pipes tries to look at the screen, but ends up honking a car as he swerves into the other lane.

“We want to get there in one piece, Pipes!” Casey shouts. “Jesus!”

“The bayou,” I whisper. “The fucking bayou!”

“It’s gonna be okay,” Pipes tells me. “We’re less than five minutes from the location.

A few moments later, Jett calls. I put him on speaker.

“Got the coordinates,” he says. “The boys are ten minutes behind you.”

“That’s too long,” I say. My throat thickens as I try not to lose it. “That’s too long, Jett!”

“This is Ryder we’re talkin’ about,” Jett says in an annoyingly calm voice. “He can handle himself.”

“He’s not armed,” I say. “I don’t think he’s armed.” I realize I don’t know.

How can I not know?

“Cash said Ade sounded the alarm,” Jett goes on. “Smart little kid.”

“He’s just like his daddy.” I barely get the words out. I feel Casey’s hand on my shoulder. She gives it a squeeze and I press a hand over my mouth. Maybe I’m having a delayed reaction, but everything hits me at once. There’s only one reason they’re going to the bayou. I know this.

“Keep your phone on you,” Jett goes on. “I’ll call you back soon.”

“Okay, thanks Jett.” I hang up and turn to Pipes. “Why did they stop at the bayou?”

He doesn't look at me. “I don’t know.”

“I mean, the MC takes men out there to get rid of them, right?”

“Not always.”

“Don’t lie, Pipes. They do. Oh, my God.”

“It’s gonna be okay.” Casey squeezes me harder. “Like Jett said, it’s Ryder. He can handle himself. He’s not dumb.”

“He may not be dumb, but he’s not armed, either. And Ade…” I trail off.

Pipes turns his head for a second. “Do you trust me?”

I wipe the tears voluntarily falling. “Yes.”

“Then know this: I’m not gonna let anythin’ happen to either one of them. I know how to shoot, it’s what I’m good at. Nobody’s beaten me at the range yet.” I have to admit; that is kinda comforting. “I’ve got two weapons and I’m not afraid to use them.”

Our eyes meet. “I won’t lose my family, Pipes.”

“I won’t let that happen.”

---