Page 81 of Ride or Die
“And if I get it done, you let us walk. We just want to start a new life. We don’t want any trouble.”
He shakes his head and chuckles.
“Ah, young love. I was stupid and in love once.” His eyes flick away for a moment as if he’s remembering a time when he knew what it was to have what we have.
“But yes. You get this done, the contract is finished and you’re out. You have my word, and I’m a man of my word.” He puts his hand out to shake. My brows furrow, suspicious of his easy agreement, but I take his hand and sit back, taking a deep breath.
“Okay. Tell me how it works.” That sinister grin stretches across his face again as he explains everything. He tells me about the research and intel, and the plans that go into play to pull off the thefts seamlessly and completely under the radar.
What he has put into this car theft operation really is a work of art.
Private investigators watch the target’s habits for weeks, then they tap phone lines and access computers remotely. Based on their routines, the drive teams put a plan in place for the best opportunity to steal the car when it’s least likely to be noticed. The goal is to get the car into the shipping container before it's reported stolen.
How he chooses his targets remains to be seen. I’m too low in the chain to be privy to that information, but he pays his workers well and they do just about anything for him.
This guy has all sorts of connections. He doesn’t need to tell me that his hand is involved in many different things. He is a true businessman who seems to have thought of everything, and it’s paid off for him.
I leave Williams’ office feeling weak and overwhelmed. As I close the door behind me, I lean against the wall. Rolling my head back and forth with my eyes closed as I try to figure out how all of this is going to work.
I need to take Colton’s car out and practice driving.
As I’m trying to calm down in the hallway, Axel and Drai come up the stairs.
“Hey, Layla, we’re here to take him home.”
“Nice tofinallysee you,” I say with a snarky tone as I lead the way, still in shock.
I watch as they help Colt into a wheelchair, down the stairs and into the car, and then the same process back as his place. I carry his crutches and meds behind the boys as they maneuver him. Colt has so much shame on his face, needing help from the guys, but he doesn’t understand how fucked up he looks.
Once I get him settled and cleaned up, I let him sleep for a while, making us some pasta while I contemplate how to do all of this. Colt is dozing in and out, which I’m grateful for because he hasn’t picked up on my mood yet. I know it won't go over well when I finally tell him what I have to do.
Walking over to the window, I look out at the light snowfall and sigh, pulling my phone out of my pocket.
Layla: Axel. We need to meet. I’ve been hired and I need your help. Colt needs your help.
Ax: You know I’ll help you. We will get him out of this, I promise.
Layla: Thanks, Ax.
I crawl back into bed and stare at the roof. It doesn’t matter that I'm nervous or angry or sad. What matters is I have to buck up and be the bad bitch I need to be for my man. He needs me, and it will all work out for us. Life is full of challenges, ours is absolutely fucked up, but I’m smart, I can learn this and master it like I do everything else.
I have to steal these cars. It’s not even a question, there is no choice. I have to do this for Colt, and I have to do it for myself.It's time to prove I'm the bad bitch that I am. It's time toRide or Die.
CHAPTER
FORTY
HIGH
LAYLA
Colton is sound asleep as I maneuver around the room, getting dressed to head out. It’s been a week since his accident and he is still pretty rough, taking pain meds regularly and sleeping most of the time. Every day he looks a little better, but there is still a while to go before he’s well enough to take care of himself.
I haven’t told him that Williams has hired me yet, and I don’t intend to until I get the first call from him. I don’t want to upset Colt. I want him focused on his healing so he can get better as soon as possible.
I slip into my ripped stonewashed jeans, the fabric soft and worn against my skin, and pair them with a crisp white top that brightens my look. Over it all, I drape Colt’s leather jacket, feeling its familiar weight and warmth as if he’ll be right there with me, protecting me. I leave my hair flowing down, the strands framing my face, and finish the ensemble with my well-loved chucks, their canvases faded yet comforting.
Before I go, I jot down a quick note, leaving it on his bedside table to let him know where I’m headed, just in case he wakes up, though I doubt he will. I lean down and tenderly kiss hisforehead, savoring the moment, and then quietly reach for the keys resting on the dresser. I glance back at him one last time, ensuring he remains undisturbed, before tiptoeing across the room and gently shutting the door behind me.
