Page 80 of Reaper

“All right,” Agent Thompson says, looking around the room. “Let’s get down to business.”

I lean against the worn wooden bar, my fingers drumming on its surface as I listen to Agent Thompson recount the details of Blackstone’s death. Tension coils tight in my chest, and I can tell from the expressions onmy brothers’ faces that they’re feeling it too. We don’t know if the Feds are going to try to pin it on us or not. But we’re about to find out.

“Officially,” Agent Thompson says, rubbing his temples, “the forensic pathologist ruled Blackstone’s death was the result of smoke inhalation.”

“But they know that’s not true,” Daisy says softly.

“Unofficially, we all know he was murdered because of the broken hyoid bone in his neck.”

Grim satisfaction settles over the room as each member of the MC processes this information. I’m glad the Feds aren’t wasting their time trying to solve his murder, but they must have a reason why.

Daisy furrows her brow and asks the question we’re all thinking. “Why is the FBI covering up the fact that Blackstone was strangled to death?”

“Because we did what you suggested and brought cadaver dogs to the property,” Agent Thompson replies gravely. “We found dozens of children buried there, going back decades. A huge investigation is underway, but there’s no doubt Blackstone was involved in human trafficking. He was a child predator, which is why we don’t want to waste time and resources investigating his murder.”

A cold fury washes over me at the thought of those innocent lives lost at Blackstone’s hands.But I shove it down, focusing on what the agent says next.

“However, the Feds will definitely be sniffing around because of all the other bodies shot dead at the ranch. Gunshot wounds can’t be explained away as easily.”

“Not that we were there,” Talon says, smirking, “but shit might have gotten a little out of control at the end.”

“Of course you weren’t,” Thompson snorts.

“How much heat should we expect?” Scar asks.

“Right now, not much. Everything’s still very preliminary. We stumbled onto the biggest mass grave in years. It’s going to take months to sort everything out at that property.”

“How do we keep the club off the Fed’s radar?” Nitro asks, his voice tense.

“Stay out of the FBI’s way,” Agent Thompson advises. “Let us focus on the human trafficking angle. There’s speculation that the murders and subsequent fire were related to that. Right now, you guys aren’t a primary target, but if you don’t lay low, you’ll be putting a target on your backs.”

My heart races at the thought of putting my brothers, Lexi, and Ace in danger. We’ve fought so hard for the life we have now. I won’t let it be taken away from us.

“Understood,” Scar says firmly, his voice filled with the kind of authority that leaves no room for argument. “We’ll steer clear of youguys. Also, I was thinking, is there any way you can pin this on the Demon Riders? That could take care of another problem we have in common.”

“We found a few pieces of evidence to connect Blackstone and the Demon Riders. If they were involved in his human trafficking ring, which I’m sure they were, then we’ll bring that entire club down too. It may take some time, so stay away from them while we work on it.”

My mind races with plans to ensure our safety. We need to continue our mission of protecting those who need our help while keeping the FBI at bay. It won’t be easy.

“Has the FBI had a chance to review the audio/video file Matrix handed over?” I ask in a gruff tone.

“Because Matrix was able to use the info from the cam to hack into the cloud where the feed would be uploaded to, we got access to all of Blackstone’s secrets.”

“The cloud had all the files from numerous nanny cams and other sources,” Matrix says. “I got a copy too.”

“I didn’t hear that,” Agent Thompson says.

“Did you find anything that might help take down the trafficking ring?” Nitro asks.

“Yeah.” He nods, his expression darkening. “I’ve seen a lot of shit in my time, but nothing like the filth in those files.” He shudders, looking away for a moment. “Even the mostseasoned agents threw up after watching those videos. We’re chasing down leads based on the evidence.”

My stomach clenches at the thought of what horrors were contained within those files—the depths of human depravity people can sink to. It only strengthens my resolve to fight against the evil in this world.

“Good,” I mutter, clenching my fists. “Every one of those bastards needs to pay.”

Agent Thompson leans in closer, lowering his voice. “Based on those files, we now know for sure there’s a huge network of human traffickers operating throughout the United States. We’ve found direct evidence connecting Blackstone to a group in New Orleans. That’s the first lead we’re following.”

Scar’s eyes narrow as he hears this. “Underground Vengeance has a chapter in New Orleans. We can connect you with their president, Vapor.”

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