“No, babe. You can’t.”
“Didn’t think so.”
We continued driving, and it wasn’t long before I heard the man in the back ask, “Hey, can I say something to her?”
“No,” Noah growled.
“It’s important to me. I need to say it.”
Before Noah could respond, I looked over to him. “It’s okay. Let him say what he’s got to say.”
“Fine.” Noah looked in the rearview mirror, and as he glared at Alfonzo, he ordered, “Keep it short.”
“Just wanted to say I was sorry ’bout what happened to you. It wasn’t right. I didn’t want to be a part of it, but I didn’t have no choice.” Maybe I was being foolish, but there was something in his voice that made me think he was actually telling me the truth. It wasn’t something I wanted to believe. It was easier to think he was a monster and that he’d enjoyed hurting me. I could almost feel that knife jabbing into my chest when he said, “Tried to be careful when I stabbed you. Wanted to make sure I didn’t kill you.”
When Noah noticed me wince, he glared back and Alfonzo. “That’s enough.”
“I’m sorry, man. I just had to tell her I was sorry.”
“Well, now you’ve said it. Don’t say any more.”
I never took my eyes off the road. Watching the buildings slip past my window was the only thing keeping me from having a complete breakdown. It wasn’t his confession that had upset me. I honestly believed what he’d said. I just wasn’t sure I had it in me to just forgive and forget. But the longer I sat there thinking about it, I realized I was only hurting myself by not doing so. When we arrived at the clubhouse, I didn’t move. I just sat there waiting as Noah got out and walked around to Alfonzo’s door and opened it. I had no idea what Noah’s plans were for this man, so I wasn’t sure if I’d ever see him again. With that in mind, I glanced over my shoulder, looking him right in the eye and said, “Thank you for telling me, and thank you for not killing me when you could have.”
Alfonzo nodded, then got out of the SUV and followed Noah around the back of the building. I had no idea where they were going, and the way things went with this club and their bothers, it was doubtful I’d ever find out.
Shotgun
I was in bed with Remington when I got the call we were meeting for church. Knowing it wasn’t something I could miss, I loaded up Remington, along with Alfonzo, and we headed back to the clubhouse. As soon as we’d arrived, I brought Alfonzo back to one of the holding rooms. He wasn’t happy about being there, and to be honest, I wasn’t exactly pleased about it myself. Alfonzo had been a great help with putting our plan of action for the Punishers into place, and I’d have to decide what measures I would take to compensate him for it.
After I’d gotten him settled, I made sure Remington was settled in my room, then went to meet the others for church. Menace had spent hours doing what he could to help us prepare, and his efforts hadn’t gone in vain. With the blueprints and layout of the surrounding area of the abandoned Tyson building, we were able to forge a plan that would end the Punishers once and for all. As soon as we had everything laid out, I got with Widow, told him he would be in charge of watching over Remington while we were gone, and as expected, he was happy to oblige.
The next twenty-four hours were a bit of blur. My mind was entirely focused on what lay ahead, and I barely remembered anything except my night with Remington. Just having her sleeping in my bed next to me helped put my mind at ease, and I was able to get some much-needed sleep. The next day was spent prepping for our attack, and with each hour that passed, I was feeling more and more eager to get this thing done.
We’d just finished loading the SUVs with artillery when Country announced, “Went downtown last night and met me a fine-ass woman. Hell, she was hotter than south Georgia in mid-July, and get this. She told me she wanted nine inches and for it to fucking hurt.”
“Then, what’d you do?” Rafe asked with a snicker. “Fuck her twice and punch her?”
“What the fuck you trying to say, brother?”
“You and nine inches? Fucking doubtful.” Rafe shook his head and scoffed. “Certainly ain’t got enough to hurt her.”
“Fuck you, man.” He grabbed his crotch as he replied, “I gave her the ride of her fucking life.”
“Yeah, I bet you did,” Rafe deadpanned.
“Who are you to give me shit? You went and screwed around with Delilah’s buddy Krissy. Had that girl all tore up. Hmmm...That shit wasn’t right,” Country taunted. “You’re out there breaking girls’ hearts while I’m breaking their boxes. So shut it.”