Page 60 of Daddy's Oath
“I know,” Ace told his friend. “But when Frank had Iris, it made it personal. You’d do whatever you had to in order to rescue your babygirl. Some say it’s dangerous when things get personal. That you’re too close and it can get you killed.” Ace shook his head. “We know the truth. It gives you the edge you need. Failure is not an option. You try your best for everyone. And you don’t want to lose a single soul. But when it’s someone you love, well… Hell itself can’t stop you.”
Jack and the rest of the others nodded.
Ace didn’t need to explain it beyond that.
The van continued to drive away from Hollywood and up to the hills. Multi-million-dollar homes sat amongst the thick trees, perched on cliffs and standing prominently as they overlooked the city below. The back of the van didn’t have any windows, but Ace didn’t need them to know exactly what the landscape looked like.
He’d driven this way—and flown this way—too many times not to.
From behind the steering wheel, Kendrick cast a quick glance over his shoulder. “We should be there in about five minutes. If traffic continues to cooperate.”
Next to him, in the front passenger seat, Matteo shifted so he could face the guys in the back. “Here’s what we’re dealing with: Stryker traced the signal to Mulholland Security.”
“Original name,” Ace said.
Everyone laughed.
“We know them,” Matteo continued. “Encountered those guys dozens of times back when we were on the Force.”
“Guys?” Ryan called out. “Isn’t that putting it nicely? Trash is more like it.”
“Pices of shit is what I call ‘em,” Jack chimed in. “Fuck, it feels good to curse! Been watching my language around my cutie. Good to cut loose. You know?”
The guys laughed again.
“You all are right,” Matteo went on. “I’m talking abouttheinfamous Mulholland Security. The assholes who will do anything—protectanyone—for a buck. Made up of mostly former military guys. A few ex-cops. They’re really just mercenaries. Or hired thugs. They sure aren’t picky about who’s on their client list, either.”
“Again, putting it nicely,” Ryan said. “They’ve done shit for the Russian mob and the cartels down south. Not to mentionthe time they ran interference for that hate group.” He shook his head. “Man, I hope I get to kick some ass tonight.”
“You may well have your chance,” Matteo said. “But remember, they’re only hired muscle. My guess is the gang after Lana hired them to do their dirty work here in LA. That’s how they were able to mobilize and get after her so quickly.”
Ace’s nostrils flared as he thought of anyone going after his cutie.
They’d pay. That was for damn sure.
“Look alive, boys,” Kendrick called loudly. “We’re here.”
The security firm’s headquarters were nice, sitting atop a mountain, part of the modern structure hanging over the cliff’s edge and overlooking the valley below.
Ace looked up at the sleek steel and glass and shook his head. “The asshole business must be paying well.” His eyes fell to the row of brand-new black SUVs lined up in a paved area off to the side. One had some white on it, with the company’s logo painted on the front door, clearly designed to mimic an LAPD cruiser.
The vehicles didn’t hold his attention long. Soon, he was gawking at the helicopter resting on a large pad beside the building.
Now that was more his style.
He let out a low whistle. “It’s paying really well. You think the Daddy Guard could ever afford one of those?”
Beside him, Jack laughed. “Ask Stryker or Harrison.”
“I can hear you,” Stryker’s voice said through their earpiece. “I’ll look into it.”
“Wow, thanks,” Ace said. “How are things going there?”
He heard the clacking of a keyboard and knew that back at the Guard’s mansion, Stryker was furiously working the computers, having hacked into Mulholland’s system earlier.
“Man, you’re really moving, it sounds like,” Ace said.
“Not me,” Stryker told him. “I brought in some help. All the way from Mountainville.”
