No, this was the only way to guarantee getting to Landon, or least keeping him pre-occupied long enough to deal with the bounty.
He once loved his brother, but Maddox had crossed the line killing Sarah, and for that, Rick wouldn’t ever fight for him or stand by his side. He was a disgrace to the Denton name. Now, he worked at picking up the pieces in the hope of bringing this family back together in some way. It wasn’t going to be easy, but he was determined to do it.
****
The girl, whoever she was, had escaped. Landon had tapped into some of the security feed from the house. He didn’t get a good look at her but either way, he couldn’t allow this girl on the streets.
“You’re going out there again in broad daylight? Are you asking to get yourself killed?” Jade asked.
“I’m asking to get myself a girl who has some inside information about what they’re up to. I need to keep an eye on the situation.”
“It’s not them I’m worried about. You’ve still got the bounty on your head. Every single time you go out there unnecessarily, it’s a danger. I don’t … I can’t go back. I don’t want to go back and you’re the only person who can protect me.”
He turned toward Jade. “I’m coming back. I won’t be gone long.”
“What if you don’t come back?”
“I’ve given you all the means. If I’m not back by tomorrow morning, take the cash, the passports, and run. As far as your family is concerned, I’ve killed you. For now, you’ve got a shot.” He pulled out his cell phone. “All of the contacts you need are in there. They will help you. Just tell them it’s for me.”
“Is your sister’s number in there?”
“No. I will never give you her location. It’s for both of your own goods.”
“If she’s safe, why can’t I be safe there?”
“And risk exposing both of you? Not happening. You had your chance, Jade. You asked to stick it out with me.”
“That was before you were willing to risk your life for some girl, Landon. You know your brothers are doing this on purpose.”
“Yeah, I do know. I’m not going in blind. My woman was taken from me. There’s no one else, which is why I’m curious as to why they’ve brought another woman here. No one can tame me. No one can bring me in.” He opened the door. He was done arguing.
In her own way, Jade was just trying to protect him, but he grew tired of her constant interfering. He should just deliver her back to her parents, but that wasn’t happening. They had a deal and even though it would be easier for him to give her up, he wasn’t going to turn his back on her.
There was no way he would ever become his father. That man didn’t even deserve the title. He didn’t deserve any of it.
Leaving the property, he pulled down his hat, covering his face, and made his way in the direction of the small row of shops situated between several built-up neighborhoods. He started off at a steady jog, so he looked more like a runner than someone attempting to stay hidden.
Uncle Rick had taught him a great deal and he was using all of those skills now. Being a killer meant cutting off all feelings. Not allowing yourself to feel pain or even to feel sorry for the victim. Landon found killing easy. Easier than he thought. He enjoyed it. Hearing the screams, the pain as it filled the air.
Pushing those thoughts aside, he came to a stop as he recognized the woman’s dark hair. He checked the street for any sign of his brothers’ men or women.
No one stood out.
The woman in question, she was … sexy. No denying that. The jeans she wore enhanced her curvy ass. The shirt kept lifting up, giving him little glimpses of her body as she moved around, especially when she touched her head. He wondered what she was thinking.
Suddenly, she turned toward him, and he got to see she had a nice set of tits on her. The shirt did nothing to hide her body. Some might consider her fat, a little on the chunky side, but she was a looker.
Landon stopped as he got to her face. He fucking froze.
Hell no.
It couldn’t be.
It was like staring into a nightmare.
Sarah, only it wasn’t her. No, this woman looked a little like Sarah but it wasn’t her. The hair was different, the only part of her that was. Her eyes were the same color, but these weren’t smiling or filled with humor and love. They looked angry, fierce, pissed-off.