Page 27 of Deadly Ruck
The ‘road’ looked like nothing more than a forestry track, which was the point. In reality, it was private property, so forestry workers didn't come here. The public didn't either. A ‘no through road’ sign made sure of that.
Not to mention a gate that only opened with a code I sent from my phone. The gate itself was the kind forestry placed on tracks where they didn't want people driving. Heavy forest to either side prevented anyone from going around it. The whole setup was subtle but effective. Exactly what you'd expect from a forest track. A huge iron gate would raise too much suspicion.
That came another kilometre down the track, before we reached a small house nestled in the forest.
"Nice shack," Storm remarked, clearly unimpressed.
"Don't let the outside fool you." I pushed out the door and jerked my head to the side to indicate that Max should follow.
The other three were right behind me as I approached the front of the house.
The door swung open. Aunt Clarissa greeted us with a warm smile. Almost as tall as me, she was broad everywhere, includingher shoulders. She had that look about her, like she could take all three of us out with a single punch and gone back inside to finish a cup of tea.
"Ferris! What are you doing here?" She enveloped me in a hug so tight I struggled to breathe.
"Just leaving our coach with you for safekeeping." I managed to survive the hug, barely, and stepped back to indicate Max.
She looked him up and down. "Nice. It's been a while since I've had company out here."
He was actually blushing while I explained the situation in as few words as possible.
Her smile faded and was replaced with anger on our behalf.
"What can I do?" She placed her hands on her wide hips. "I haven't been to town much since I sold my vegan grocery store, but I still know people."
That was an understatement and we both knew it. She regularly ate dinner with Daisy Lasalle and Mina DiMarco. She was as tight with them as anyone could be.
"Just keep Coach safe," I told her. "We'll be back for him." I knew she'd arm herself and ride with us if necessary, but we needed her here. When the dust finally settled, the team would need its head coach back. He couldn't be in better hands here. If I wasn't mistaken, he didn't mind a bit.
"No offence, but this place doesn't look very secure." Storm stood with his head tilted, frowning at the shack, as he referred to it.
"None taken," Clarissa said dryly. "That's the idea. This part looks like nothing special. The three stories underground are something else." She smiled at his surprise. "Gets 'em every time. Next time Ferris brings you by, I might show you around."
Storm didn't look like he quite believed her, but he shrugged and straightened his head. "Sure, I'd be down for that. After we get Chelsea away from that asshole."
"If you need anything, you know where to find me." Clarissa beckoned Max to step inside and gave me another hug before she followed him in and closed the door.
"Fifty bucks says they get together by the end of the month," Frost said.
"Hundred bucks says end of the week." Storm jangled his keys in his hand as we headed back to the SUV.
They both looked at me. I shrugged. "I don't want to think about my aunt's sex life. Except to say, he could do a lot worse than her."
She'd been alone for a long time. She deserved to have someone looking out for her. So did Coach Stanley. He was a good man. They'd be nice together. But that wasn't my concern at that moment. All I could think about was getting to Chelsea and hoping like hell we were there in time.
I gave Storm the address, climbed back into the SUV and sat with my hands by my side, feeling every second tick by.
Chapter Twelve
Chelsea
"Why would we help you?"I asked, looking Nyla Fox straight in the eyes.
I barely flinched when she said she wanted to take down Carlos Jones. Either she was sincere, or she was bullshitting. Either way, we were still locked in here. My priority was getting out, not playing by her tune. Not unless it suited me and my guys. Then I might consider it.
"Why should we believe a word you say?" Jay asked. "This could be some kind of setup." He glanced around the room, looking for cameras or microphones.
Nyla rolled her eyes. "I come in here suggesting you help me take down Carlos, and you think I'm setting you up? Think about that for a moment. If anyone is listening to us, who are they going to point fingers at? You, for lying there and being sceptical, or me? The one who stepped into the room, sent everyone else away and laid my cards on the proverbial table? How do you think that would go down if Carlos knew?"
