“Any idea who it is or what they’re looking for?”
“Too dark to tell, but these assholes seem pretty intent on finding whatever it is they’re searching for.”
“Damn.” We used the storage lot for one of our fronts and kept a single unit to store any goods that needed security. The unit looked identical to all the rest—it even had what appeared to be a regular concrete floor, but with one click of a button, the locks would disengage and reveal a set of stairs that led to an underground shelter. No one could get to our goods without the combination—no one. “What about Ada and Gladys?”
“They know to hang low. Don’t have to worry about them.”
“Not until one of those assholes tries to get inside the fucking house. Then, we’re gonna have a hell of a problem.”
“They try to get in that house, then they’ll have to deal with Ada and the end of her sawed-off, double-barrel shotgun.”
“I don’t want it to come to that.” I glanced over at the clock. “How long before you and the boys get there?”
“Three maybe four minutes.”
“Same. Meet me across the street at the old General.”
“You got it.”
I hung up, floored the accelerator, and raced towards the storage lot, having no idea what I’d find when I got there, but I had a feeling these guys weren’t just looking to make a quick buck by pillaging through the place.
When I pulled up, I was pleased that Menace and the others had followed my command and were waiting for me across the street from the lot. As I parked and got out, a misty rain started to settle over the parking lot, making it difficult to see.
I looked across the street, and my stomach twisted into an angry knot when I saw movement by one of the units. These assholes were still at it and about to pay a heavy consequence for fucking with us.
Shifting my gaze over to Ada’s, the place still looked secured, but there was no way of knowing how long that would be the case. “We need to move.”
“How do you wanna play this?” Shotgun asked.
As much as I would’ve liked a minute to consider my answer, I knew time wasn’t on our side. It was just as well. Battles like these were always messy and chaotic. Nothing ever went as planned, which made preparing for them almost impossible.
I didn’t mind.
I liked the thrill of the hunt—and giving assholes like these what they had coming.
The brothers quickly gathered around, and I could tell by the fierce look in their eyes they were more than ready for what lay ahead. Like me, they had a thirst for revenge and were eager to get their hands on the assholes who’d come into our territory to fuck with us. They each listened intently as I said, “Gonna need to play this safe. We got no idea who these guys are or what they’re looking for.”
“They’re spread out all through the fucking lot,” Menace warned. “If we go through the main gate, they’ll see us coming.”
“He’s right,” Hawk suggested. “We should try cutting our way through the back fence.”
I nodded. “I was thinking the same.”
“I’ll grab the bolt cutters.” Shotgun turned and ran back to the SUV. A minute later, he returned with them in his hands and announced, “Ready when you are.”
With that, we quickly gathered our weapons and attached the silencers. The storage lot was in a remote area, and we were far enough away from the city or any onlookers to worry about someone hearing gunfire, but it was better to be safe than sorry.
Once we’d put on our bullet-proof vests, I told them, “We don’t know what we’re gonna find over there, so be ready for anything.”
Like a pack of wolves moving in for the kill, we silently made our way across the street. Our prospects were at the front, my officers in the middle, and I was in the rear. My job was to watch over and protect the pack, keep them on the right path, and make sure no one was left behind—a task I did without question.
These men were my family, my responsibility, and I’d do whatever it took to get them through this unscathed.
Hawk and Shotgun led us toward the south side of the storage lot, then we all waited patiently as Shotgun used the bolt cutters to craft an opening big enough to crawl through the fence.
As soon as he was done, Hawk and Shotgun stepped through the hole and kept an eye out as the others followed suit. Staying a few steps behind, Lynch and I covered everyone else as they made their way through the gate.
I could feel the tension mount as we each stepped in line with the others, reached for our weapons, and prepared for the battle ahead.