Page 50 of Chef
“Pretty sure. We’ve got means, and motive. And I’m sure between me and Justice we have enough killy things,” I answer, door to the SUV open and waiting for me.
“OK. That’s good,” Joe says, nodding distractedly. “Can I lay down some ground rules?” I wave her along. “Number one. Nobody dies.”
“Well, that seems unrealistic.” Loyal says pulling a giant fucking pistol out of a storage tub in the back seat of the SUV.
“You’re right.” Joe jabs a finger at her. “Nobodyimportantdies.”
Justice snorts while the rest of us nod.
“Second rule, we don’t kill the Big Bad there. I kinda want us to use all the stuff the Girl Gang gifted you for your wedding.”
I stare at her for a moment before nodding. “Good plan. I like that. But it’s totally acceptable to hurt him a little, or a lot, before we get him there.” Everyone makes agreeable noises while we watch Loyal pull more and more things out of the tub.
“Who put all that in there?” Joe asks, on her tip toes looking over Loyal’s shoulder as she pulls out cable ties, duct tape, a taser - “Holy crapballs are those knuckle dusters? Yes please!” Joe shoves Loyal out of the way to get her little grabby hands on the things she wants.
Justice raises a red brow. “Do you really-”
“Yes. 1000% yes.” Joe slips the knuckle dusters over her fingers, then fist bumps herself once they're in place. “OK. Let’s do this.”
Dex
“Lock it down! Lock it all down!”
I run down the halls, making sure all the brothers who are based at the Keep are hauling ass. We have guests that need to be protected. Fuck. It doesn’t help that it’s late afternoon, meaning everyone that didn’t go to the fucking Ashfall thing is home. Vex rushes past with his twins in his arms, headed through the kitchen.
“Prez!” Saint barks, ushering in Jason and his girl Izzy. “Where are we going?”
“The cellar,” I bark back at him.
I’m fucking kicking myself that we haven’t spend more time shoring the cellar up. It’s not quite like Pops’ fucking five starpanic room, but it’s good enough. It’ll be comfortable enough for our guests.
“Fuck! Has anyone seen River?” Sniper growls, carrying Greer in one arm, his other around Nell who looks fucking scared out of her mind.
Spinning I do a head count. Almost everyone is here. Everyone except River. “What sort of shit does he get up to? Does anyone know where he hangs out?”
Everyone looks blank, shaking their heads. Fuck. This is the last thing we need. We have three SUVs who think they’ve been sent by God bearing down on us. Best case scenario is there are five men in each vehicle. Worst case? We’re about to face a fucking deluge of religious crazy.
“I’ll go,” Omen says, checking his weapon.
“Be careful brother,” Flack says, slapping him on the back.
A feral grin grows on Omen’s face and he lifts his chin in my direction. I return the gesture, my smile just as feral.
“Let them fucking come.”
The Mole
This wasn’t meant to happen. Nobody said this was going to happen. They didn’t say people were going to die. What the hell do I do? These people, the DRMC, they’vehelpedme. They’re trying to keep me safe. If they only knew what I am. But I have to keep my daughter safe. It’s the only thing that matters. Isn't it?But what about the Keep? What about Vex and Loyal’s daughters?
Dammit. Dammit. Dammit. The Prophet said he’d save all those who are worthy. The Keep are worthy! The Keep are worthy.
Chapter Nineteen
Chef
Fuck. Me. Nausea roils my gut, I have no control over my limbs and I don’t know why. I feel clumsy, slow, tossed and turned with no idea which way is up and which way is down. All I know is that I have Damian’s voice in my head, but that can’t be right. He’s at the Keep and I’m…here. Wherever here is. I think it’s a box. Has to be. I remember Nathaniel having one of his high pants goons roll in a casket. It was a plain pine box. Not leopard print.
I huff a pained laugh picturing Sage’s face that night I told her about the casket Nancy had in her showroom. The way her eyes danced and the sound of her giggles. They’re good memories. And all I have to hold onto. My thumb rubs along the silicone ring that Sage gave me. It’s been my only comfort knowing that before I leave and turn to dust, I married the girl of my dreams.
