Page 96 of Beyond the Cut
“Never been incarcerated. I like to keep my nose clean.”
“Sure.” Benson took a seat near the door. “That’s why you’re in an outlaw biker gang that runs guns, shakes down small-business owners, and protects drug dealers as they transport their goods through our fine state. Oh, and I’m sure you had nothing to do with the body that was found outside Dawn’s house.”
Cade bristled. “We run legitimate businesses in and around Conundrum.”
“To launder your money.”
“To provide services to the good citizens,” Cade countered. Damn. He didn’t want to like Benson, but he had to admit the dude was sharp as whip. He knew the score with the Sinners. No doubt he had some plan in mind to take them down in the future.
“So what favor could you possibly need from me?” Benson folded his arms, his chair squeaking as he settled back.
“I might need you to get Dawn and her girls out of town.” He leaned his forearms on his thighs and dropped his hands between his legs. “Shit is going down between the clubs. Could get ugly. I got something I have to do and if something happens to me, she’ll have no one to watch out for her. If that happens, I want you to put them in the witness protection program so they can live a safe life.”
He had Benson’s attention now. The chair squeaked again as Benson leaned forward, mimicking Cade’s position. “What do you mean by ‘shit is going down’?”
“Nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about.”Fuck. He just wanted to get Benson’s agreement and get out. Biker business wasn’t cop business and he didn’t want to give the game away. Plus, it grated on him something fierce to have to come to Benson for help. But without Cade, Dawn had no connection to the Sinners, and the safest place for her was out of town.
Benson’s mouth opened and closed and Cade prayed he didn’t say something that would piss him off. He was wound too tight, a coil ready to spring. Never could he have imagined having to go to the police for help.
“You’re not wearing your cut.”
“Very observant,” he said drily.
“So you’re not a biker anymore?”
“I’m a man who’s gotta protect the people he cares about whatever the cost.”
“Hell.” Benson stood and walked over to the wall beside the door. “You’re going after Mad Dog.”
Was there any reason not to tell him? Benson and Dawn were friends. She trusted him. Hell, Benson wanted her in his bed. And he’d tried to help her get out already. “He’s got Dawn at his clubhouse. If I don’t get to him, he’s gonna kill her and destroy my club.”
“The only reason he got Dawn is because of you.” Benson’s upper lip curled in disgust. “I called her when Mad Dog was released. I told her to get out of the house. I told her I’d meet her at the station and take her away. But would she listen? No. She said she was waiting for you. She said she loved you.”
Cade’s heart skipped a beat. She loved him. He’d never heard sweeter words. Too bad they had to come from Benson’s damn mouth.
“Sorry, Benson.”
“You’re not sorry,” Benson spat out. “You don’t care for her the way I do. She’s a victim of your world and she needs to be protected. You twisted her into something she’s not. You dragged her back into the cesspool she tried so hard to escape.”
Cade sat up in his chair, his skin prickling in warning at Benson’s flushed face and trembling hands. Seriously, the dude was out of control. He couldn’t figure out if the Benson was obsessed with Dawn or if something else was driving him.
“She’s a strong woman who knows her own mind and who can look after herself. She owns her past and she’s living a life she wants to live. You need to respect her choices.” He stood and crossed the floor. “You’re a good cop, but you’re way outta line with the fucking disrespect. Stand aside. I’m gonna go get my girl and after I do, I don’t want you anywhere near her.”
“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that.” Benson pushed a button on the wall and raced into the hallway moments before a huge metal door dropped from the ceiling and slammed into place.
“What the fuck?” Cade drew his weapon and only just managed to stop himself from shooting. The bullet could very well rebound around the room and kill him.
“Benson? What the hell is going on?”
“If anyone is going to rescue her, it’s going to be me.” Benson’s muffled voice was barely audible through the safety door. “I’ll protect her and keep her safe. I’ll take her away into the witness protection program and she’ll live a happy life away from you and Mad Dog and every other damn biker in the state.”
“You fucking bastard. Let me outta here. He’ll kill her before you get to him. You know he will.”
“Sorry, Cade.”
“The minute I get outta here you are fucking toast. You will never breathe another breath…”
“You won’t be getting out of there,” Benson shouted. “That’s a three-inch steel safety door to protect the guards in case of a riot. It can only be opened from inside the station. And if you think you can call for help, there’s no phone signal down here. But I guess since you’re not a Sinner anymore, there’s no one for you to call.”
