Page 20 of Reaper's Rage

As the other two move off into the shadows, the last guy locks up Mark. After he shuts the container, he stands next to it. Waiting. I study him because there is something familiar about him, but I can’t place what it is. The video splits into two views.

“I’ve cued up the video from the street so we can watch it play out.” Byte tells us.

We watch as a car drives into the lot and parks. A man gets out. I can’t see his face, but from the way he’s dressed, I can tell he’s the man whose body I found. He’s carrying a duffle bag as he walks out of one frame and into the other. The guy waiting for him greets the newcomer, taking the duffle bag and opening it. We can’t see the contents on the screen, but we all know a payoff when we see one. When he confirms the contents, he nods toward the container holding Mark. When the man moves past him, the first guy slams his fist into the second guy’s back. As the man falls into the position where I found him, the other guy races to the car and takes off in it.

“The coroner hasn’t completed their autopsy, but the detective told me they found a single stab wound in the back.” Shield explains.

“Do we know where the killer went?” Dante asks.

“Maestro is checking traffic cams, but so far we only know he took off toward downtown.” Byte responds. “We’re hoping he can find a better view of the killer’s face.”

“Any more details about the murder at Crossroads?” I ask and both Byte and Shield shake their heads.

“We don’t have cameras covering Crossroads, something I want to rectify as soon as possible.” Byte says.

“The detective on the case said someone shot him. Probably used a silencer, since Cecilia didn’t hear anything.” Shield adds. “Time of death is about an hour after Webber.”

“If we get any more information, let us know.” Dante says.

“Cecilia and Ashlyn are staying here and I told them that we’d provide protection if they needed to leave the compound.” I say.

Dante nods before speaking. “Changing topics. I heard from Feral today and they’re on schedule to reach Chicago the day after tomorrow. I’ve been talking with Puma and we put together a plan that gets us in Chicago and ready to take on Standish.”

My mind has been replaying the video of the killer because I know I recognize him from somewhere, but the mention of my uncle draws my attention back to my President. Where it should have been.

“Puma has a contact at Nellis Air Force Base who will fly several of us to Chicago on a cargo plane. The plane is large enough to carry us along with our bikes. Scar, Chaos, Babe, Byte, Ghost, Laser, and myself are all riding to Vegas. We’ll take the cargo plane to Chicago and meet up with Chrome, his club, and a few other allies from other clubs and gangs in the area. Some of us are meeting Feral, so we can enter the trailer and confront Standish when he opens it, expecting to find our women.”

“We’re certain that they don’t suspect the women escaped?” Penny asks.

“Chrome is continuing to monitor Gareth and Gerard Standish, along with Colin and his parents. They’re still making plans for the women’s arrival, including confirmation from their contact here that they successfully locked the women in the trailer. They’ve also confirmed the driver has no knowledge of what he’s transporting. The driver, Pete, has reported daily that he’s on track with no problems. Chrome has continued to identify locations holding other women for auction and the brothels. He also identified the building where they planned on taking our women after delivery. Chrome has a member who is an expert in demolition. He’s wired the place up to blow.”

“Why?” Flame asks. “Isn’t that a risk? What if other women are in there?”

“Chrome’s making sure. He has eyes and ears on the location. Everything he’s heard since Standish first mentioned the plan is that the place is opening the night our women are supposed to arrive. That they are the chief attraction. And the only attraction for the first night. The men invited for the opening are VIPs who Standish wants to go into business with. We’re talking heads of the mafia, the mob, and two different cartels.” Dante explains. “Chrome has an inside source who Standish hired to secure the place.”

“Handy.” Ranch says.

“He’s good.” Byte adds. “I’ve spoken with him and he has access to some really advanced equipment. Plus, he modified the detection devices they’re using so they don’t alert the user to any of the items he’s placed.”

“What are we doing with Standish and the others once we have them?” I ask.

Dante gives a smile that would terrify Lucifer himself. “Simple. They’ll be riding back here in the cell meant for our women. And once they’re here, they’ll be yours to dispose of after we bleed them dry of information.”

“What about Tally and Caitlin’s mom and dad? Are they involved in this?” Ranch asks.

Dante shrugs. “We don’t know.”

“Their mom may have been working with them only to get her hands on Caitlin’s inheritance. She may not know what they’re doing to those women. Same goes for their father. He wasn’t part of Caitlin’s kidnapping so he may not know about any of this.” Scar adds.

“It’s pretty simple.” Dante says. “If they’re at the meet, then we’ll grab them, too. If not, then Chrome will continue to monitor their activity after the takedown. I don’t trust anyone from that family except Tally and Caitlin.”

A knock on the door has Dante growling. I jump up to open it, finding Axel on the other side. My heart races because he’s supposed to be guarding Ashlyn.

“Where’s Ashlyn?” I ask.

“She’s in the common room.” Axel hands me a sheet of paper as he responds. “Sorry to interrupt, Prez. Ashlyn found this note in her locker after soccer practice. It’s from that asshole who claims to own her. I thought you’d want to see it right away.”

Dante nods before glancing at me. “What does it say?”

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