Page 58 of Special Agent Jennie

Chapter Forty-one

Kane couldn’t stop smiling. He needed to get back in character and his foolish happy face wasn’t what anyone at the clubhouse would recognize nor respect. A good stiff drink and changing into his well-worn costume would put him back in his role of an asshole full of hate.

Just the thought of what lay ahead made his blood boil and his temper seethe. Yet if they were to catch these rat bastards, they needed to do so in the act. His boss and the district attorney had warned him that they’d need a lot more evidence to get a conviction in any trial because one based on domestic terrorism was particularly difficult to prove.

Therefore, his primary target would be the head of the Order of the Entitled. Jesus, even that name made him flinch. Who would think this way? That they were entitled. What made them so fucking special?

Moving quickly, he grabbed his uniform of cacti pants, topped with a dark blue shirt, the type worn by golfers and the fancy shoes they were so proud of, the ones he hated putting on his feet. He grabbed the liquor he’d bought and the drugs everyone used. Then he headed for his truck, making sure he saw Lance following.

By the time he arrived at the out-of-the-way shack they dubbed a clubhouse, he’d rehearsed his part and was ready to play ball. Darkness had begun to settle and the trees around the building were a backdrop to a lot of vehicles. He recognized Ham’s souped-up car that bled oil in a black cloud more often than not. Christ… he couldn’t count how many times the idiot had been pulled over, ticketed, and had gotten away. Silly prick didn’t think any laws pertained to him.

Another gray nondescript van had pulled in next to Ham’s. One he didn’t recognize. Could it be the man he’d been waiting to meet? The one they needed in their sights so they could close this madness down. He moved carefully forward, giving Lance the time he’d need to park further along and come back on foot to hide where he would see the action.

Before he could go inside, another vehicle hurled into the yard, and he recognized Gordie’s rusted old puddle-jumper. The title his father used to refer to the crap they owned back in the day. How Gordie kept the blasted thing on the road, he’d never know. Maybe the dude meant it when he’d laugh and say it was spit and duct tape.

“Hey, Kane. How’s everything?”

“Good. Figured you’d be here getting the joint ready for the bigwig we’re expecting.”

“Yeah, about that, he’s been delayed for a few hours. Promises he’ll show up in time for the fireworks though. He’s given me instructions on how he wants things to go down.”

“You know what’s holding him up?”

“Haven’t a clue.”

Now ain’t that the truth?The words popped into Kane’s mind but not out of his mouth. “Wondered if he had something else in the works, maybe in a different city. Where does he normally live?”

“Hell if I know. He’s a voice on the phone. I can’t call him no more… he calls me back now after I leave a message. And he’s always got instructions. The dude’s a prick far as I’m concerned. But when he says jump, I say okay boss.” Gordie snorted with frustration.

“Why do you put up with the treatment?”

“’Cause, the man’s delivered every time we’ve needed his assistance. You weren’t here last year for the big skirmish we had downtown. It was his instructions that made it as successful a demonstration as it was.”

“I heard about it. You all got bailed out and the charges were thrown out of court. And you basically blamed the marchers for most of the destruction.” Kane didn’t mention it had been told to him numerous times by the same idiot standing in front of him. In fact, if he had to listen one more time to how they disrupted a perfectly peaceful march and set fire to buildings, smashed windows at nearby businesses, and beat up innocent and respectful protesters, he’d punch the jerk right in his ugly face.

“Yeah, guess I spouted off a bit.” Gordie didn’t look at all sorry. “But before he stepped in, we were just a bunch looking for someone to lead. Now I do believe after tomorrow, the papers will be taking notice and the police too. Time we took names and kicked ass again. The boys are restless. They all been after me to plan another bit of fun.”

Kane couldn’t go along with this conversation, so he changed the focus. “Speaking of fun, did the IEDs arrive like we were promised?”

“Yep. Good as his word, they came by that van over there and the boys got them all safely in the clubhouse. Tonight, we get them set up. Come and see. They’re the prettiest little packages you can imagine. Picturing the mess they’ll make tomorrow has given me a thrill all day.”

“You do realize you’re talking about humans, right? Not just the businesses like were damaged last time you went to town. This time, there will be a number of bodies and the police will be wanting payback. They’ll be hunting us down like rabid dogs.”

“That’s only if they can figure out who’s guilty. And the boss says it’s a hundred percent for sure they won’t be able to catch anyone of us if we’re smart and do as he says.”

“That’s if no one blabs. Do you trust the boys completely?”

Gordie’s evil face assumed a nasty look. “You mean Ham. He’s the blabbermouth of the bunch. The others, they’ll keep their traps shut.”

“No. Not necessarily Ham. I just meant as a group. I’ve seen the control you have over the boys, and I figure we’re safe, just wanted to know how you felt.”

“Other than Ham, I’m perfectly satisfied that everyone else is good-to-go. And I’ll put the fear of God into that bastard… to be sure he knows what’ll happen to him if he talks.”

Kane started walking to the clubhouse, knowing if he didn’t get away from Gord, he’d likely break cover and throttle the son of a bitch. For a few seconds, after he’d pointed out their precarious position, he’d truly believed that Gordie might kill Ham and not lose sleep for a minute.

Jesus! Standing in front of a psychopath with the morals of a hungry fox and the brains of a toad had his guts wrenching. The problem was… the narcissist had a hatred for others not like him, and the drive of a man out to prove his worth. And he’d let no one step in his way. Kane had known danger before, but this guy… he reeked of it.

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