“Vengeance for what?”
“Said you forced him to take the fall for something that wasn’t his fault, and it ruined his life.”
“Take the fall for what?”
“Never really got the full story, but he was always talking about how you guys thought you ruled the world, and he couldn’t wait to be the one who brought you to your knees.” Grant’s eyes were wide with worry as he said, “This guy’s not right in the head. He won’t quit until this thing is done.”
“And neither will I.” Viper pulled a chair over and sat down in front of Grant. He kept his voice low and steady as he said, “You tell me where he is, and I’ll kill him. I’ll kill all of them. They’ll never have a chance to get to your girls.”
“But...”
“I’m gonna get him, one way or another,” Viper pressed. “So, just make this thing easier on yourself and tell me how to do it.”
“You swear it?”
“You tell us what we need to know, and yes, I’ll end him. You have my word on that.”
“Okay. I’ll tell you everything. Where do you want me to start?”
Viper stood, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his pocketknife. After he cut Grant’s restraints, he offered him a bottle of water and sat back down in front of him. After he took a long drink, Grant let out a deep breath, then said, “It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I never wanted any of it. Just wanted to get back at the guy who’d been screwing around with my wife, but once you’re in, there’s no gettin’ out. Skitz won’t let you. I don’t care what he does to my wife, but my girls… they’re all I got. I can’t lose them.”
“Who the fuck is Skitz?”
“He’s the one running the show. Says Skitz is his road name, but he’s the only one who has one. We all go by our last names.”
“Road name? So, you’re an MC?”
“No.”
“Then, are you a gang or what?”
“I don’t even know how to answer that. It started with some guys who wanted to get back at assholes who’d wronged them. It was just bullshit talk at first, but eventually it turned into something more.” Grant lowered his head as he admitted, “It got out of hand.”
“How so?”
“He made it where we couldn’t be traced. Got us new names and fake ids. He had us doing things that many of us didn’t want to do, but we didn’t have a choice. We couldn’t tell him no. We’d all seen what he’d done to Donavan and his family when he tried to walk away. We knew he’d do the same to us.” Clearly disturbed, Grant’s voice trembled as he explained, “At first, it was just beatin’ up a couple of guys here and there, but then, Skitz set a house on fire. Killed everyone in it. That was just the beginning.”
“I get the picture.” Viper crossed his arms as he leaned back in the chair. None of us had any idea who the fuck this Skitz guy was. Not that it really mattered. The guy was as good as dead. Hell, they all were. “How many are we dealing with here?”
“Fifteen or so, but you should know...They are all heavily trained. They live for this kind of shit.”
Viper exhaled a frustrated breath, then leaned forward, his face just inches from Grant’s. “Tell me where to find them.”
“They got an old house just outside of downtown. It’s in the Brookshire area next to the river, but don’t waste your time rushing over there to get ‘em. He’s been planning this attack for months...He’s coming here.” Grant shook his head as he told Viper, “After what you told me about him gettin’ to your boys, I’d say he’ll be coming soon. Very soon.”
“Let the motherfuckers come. It’ll be the last mistake they ever fucking make!” Viper stood, then went over to Shotgun. “Get the exact address of their house and anything else you think will help us get these motherfuckers.”
“You got it, Prez.”
As we started out of the room, Viper turned to me and said, “I’m calling church. Go down and let Lynch and Doc know.”
I nodded, then started down the hallway. When I walked into the infirmary, Doc and Lynch had already finished cleaning Badger up and had him dressed. They were working together to put on a new prospect jacket, one he could carry with him to the grave. I went over and gave them a hand. My chest tightened as I took one last look at Badger. While Doc and Lynch had done what they could, they hadn’t been able to hide the fact he’d been tortured. Once we had the jacket on, Lynch asked, “Any idea when we’re gonna hold the service?”
“That’s gonna have to be put on hold for now,” I answered. “Viper’s called church. We have a war to prepare for.”