I yanked my keyring upward and found the key, unlocking it as I heard shouting and chaos in the main common room. No one needed to say it was the Feds. If it was the Outlaws, I would have only heard bullets.
Peter instructed me long ago what to do in case of any emergency. The first priority was getting out and to safety. If I wasn’t seen in the clubhouse then I couldn’t be hauled in for questioning. I closed the door behind us as we entered a tunnel, pulling one of the flashlights out and switching it on. Pete placed several along with other supplies in a tote right beside the door. He was always thinking ahead.
God, I loved that man.
The group of us stayed quiet as the tunnel led through a maze of passages and ended up at a set of stairs. At the top was a secret entrance into the garage where the MC had their motorcycle shop and kept all of the company vehicles. The bays were closed, and I was thankful the interior was dark and quiet. We would sneak through the offices and exit a back door that faced away from the property. There was a long path that led into the trees and a two-mile hike that ended up close to a park.
Once we arrived, I found the SUV that was gassed up and full of supplies, just in case we had to leave town. Things weren’t that desperate, but I had no way of knowing what was happening. The Feds were probably going to arrest Mack, Pete, Tank, and Jake along with the prospects. It was typical of their manipulative and conniving bullshit. Search and seizure. Ask questions later.
RICO Agents had wanted a piece of both the SOMC and RRMC for years.
We managed to reach my house without incident and pulled up, parking in the garage right before I closed the door. Even if we were under surveillance, the Feds would have to prove that we were at the RRMC clubhouse and there was no way it would happen. Cara and Charlotte helped to fix dinner and then we put on a movie for the girls as the three of us retreated into the kitchen. I kept the blinds in the windows closed so that our movements weren’t visible and made sure everything was locked up tight.
Putting on a kettle of water to boil for tea, I sank into an empty kitchen chair. “We’ll hear something as soon as its safe.”
Charlotte swallowed hard and gripped her sister’s hand. “That’s what I told Cara.”
Cara seemed a bit dazed. She was having a hard time focusing and kept staring out into the backyard through the sliding glass doors. “R.J.’s in danger. I can feel it.”
The unsettling feeling was like a rock in my own stomach, so I knew what she meant. “They’re strong, brave, and smart. I’m not worried. The RRMC can hold its own and that goes for all the members.”
“How long do we stay here?”
Shrugging, I lifted my chin in determination. “As long as needed. No one leaves this house, even to walk in the backyard alone or without letting me know where you are at all times. We keep all doors and windows locked. Cell phones on vibrate and with you every single minute, even if you’re just going to the bathroom. No outgoing calls or texts. We wait for one of the guys to reach us from either a burner cell or the jail.” I looked at them both dead in the eyes. “I’m serious. Rules are in place for a reason. No exceptions.”
“We can do that,” Charlotte agreed.
“I’m scared,” Cara admitted. “I don’t know what’s going to happen and I’m worried that being here risks you all. Maxwell won’t like that I disappeared. He’ll come looking for me. I should leave.”
No way! “No, you’re safer here with us than alone. As soon as R.J. finds out what’s going on, he’ll be here to make sure you’re safe. If you’ve run off, he’ll be pissed, and I won’t be able to hold him back.” Taking her hand, I squeezed it lightly. “R.J. is in love with you even if he hasn’t said the words yet. I’ve known him since I was a little kid. That man has a heart of gold and he’s a
fierce protector. You’re family now. We take care of our own.” Releasing her hand, I pulled her in for a hug. “You’re staying.”
“I think R.J. loves you too,” Charlotte whispered, hugging her sister next. “And I think you love him just as much. Who cares about Maxwell Forman? He’s an abusive asshole. I hope R.J. kicks his ass so badly he’s finished in this town. Providence is better off without Forman Industries.”
“Then it’s settled. We’re staying put until we hear otherwise.”
The plan decided, we poured tea and waited for news.
THE HUM AND VIBRATION of my cell phone was a welcome distraction. I was going to completely lose my sanity soon. Hours had lapsed. Cara and Charlotte were barely holding on. I tried to be the strong one, but I had no idea if Pete was being charged or if the RRMC would see the inside of a prison.
Terrible timing.
I needed Peter. This pregnancy had been difficult. Just the thought of not seeing him for months tore me up inside. Our baby needed his father.
No matter what the future held I could only live it with Peter by my side. The five years we were forced apart nearly destroyed us both. I couldn’t do it again. I refused to exist another minute without him. The thing was, at this point, he would be a part of my life – and me – forever. His DNA and mine were locked together in time. Our child would enter the world in just five short months.
If I didn’t hear from my fiancé soon, I’d be contacting Sheriff Daly and my Witness Protection liaison Detective Paul Sims. He owed me. They both did.
Peter and Mack gave up a lot to protect this club and my life. It wasn’t going to be a waste.
Staring at the caller I.D. I saw an unknown number and my heart nearly skipped a beat. I hastily swiped and heard the automated messaging system ask if I wanted to accept the call. I pressed 5 and anxiously waited to hear Pete’s voice.
“Baby? You there?”
“Peter!” I screeched, immediately bursting into tears. Damn pregnancy hormones.
“Don’t cry, my Rae. It’s gonna be fine. Promise.”