Page 82 of Last One Standing
“That is a valid point.” Colette nodded. “Tell me, Brick, how did they raise doubt within the ranks of the Dead Kings?”
“Same as they did with you. Tried to convince them I was working for the Feds.”
“Mmhmm.” She turned to Angel. “Your proof is pretty damning. I’ve had my people try to find the lies in it all, but they couldn’t. Agent Waters has a lot on you, Brick.” She rounded on the president. “While I believe you when you tell me the brothers destroyed my merchandise, I also believe them, that you’re working with the authorities.”
“That’s bullshit!”
She chuckled darkly. “How I see it is, you’re a rat, and the brothers owe me guns and drugs that aren’t supplied by the FBI or ATF.”
“Not happening,” Shep responded.
She shrugged. “I had a feeling you’d say that. Then there’s only one thing to do in this scenario. One thing that will appease my associates, and make sure I won’t have to look over my shoulder.”
I knew what she was going to say, and I gritted my teeth.
“I think I’ll be the only one walking away from this meeting intact. Good-bye, boys.”
“Fuck!” Noel shouted right before one of Colette’s men shot Shep in the chest. JJ’s screams filled the van, and I was frozen in place.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
ANGEL
I watchedShep fall to the ground beside me. He had a bulletproof vest on, but that had surely knocked the wind out of him. We had to get this shit show outside. Close quarters wasn’t going to work—not to mention, we had zero cover here.
I’d suspected this turnout to be possible, but our hope had been to be out of the diner and then for Noel to use the drone to blow it up with all these fuckers inside.
Gabe grabbed Shep by the collar and was dragging him out when a bullet whizzed by my head. I turned and shot, hitting the guy square in the forehead.
“Get outside!” I shouted to Gabe, Four, and Nick.
A piercing burn cut across my leg, and I hissed. We were sitting ducks here.
“Wild shots!” Nick yelled.
We shot blindly at everything and anything to cause chaos so we could rush out the front door. If we could get to the van we’d be protected, and Noel could destroy the diner.
Shep was on his feet again, and we raced for the van. The sound of motorcycles roaring to life meant we wouldn’t get everyone.
“Noel, now!”
I opened the van, we jumped in, Gabe at the wheel. We backed out just as the drone above the diner released a projectile. The van rocked with the explosion, but Gabe was able to get us away, and we avoided getting toppled.
Through the window I saw several bikes following behind us and one SUV. We hadn’t gotten everyone.
“Noel, keep eyes on the bikes and vehicle. We’re coming your way. Come in behind them.”
“Got it. How’s Shep?” Noel asked.
“I’m fine,” Shep grunted. “Gonna have a hell of a bruise.”
“Fucking Christ, babe!” JJ’s voice came through. “I was about to charge out of the van and run there. I want to fuck up that blond bitch?—”
“Okay, let’s keep the line clear.” Noel chuckled.
“Once we have them boxed in, we’ll shoot from our position. Noel, get that drone to fire on the SUV first. Do what you can on your end. We need them out before we get to the highway.”
“We see you,” Mason announced.
