Page 14 of Saint’s Revenge

"Every piece of evidence. Every body. The Vipers end here, tonight. Completely." His voice is cold. Final. "When the fire department shows up tomorrow, all they'll find is ash and questions no one can answer."

I nod. It makes sense. Clean ending. No loose threads.

"Go," Phoenix says. "We'll be out in ten."

I turn and run down the stairs, across the warehouse floor, through the door into the cold night air. She's exactly where I left her. Slumped against the wall. Eyes closed. Not moving.

"Riley."

I drop to my knees beside her. Press two fingers to her throat, searching for a pulse. It's there: weak, thready, but there.

"Riley, wake up. Come on."

Her eyes flutter open. Unfocused. She tries to smile and winces instead.

"You came back," she whispers.

"Told you I would."

"Did you...?"

"Yeah. It's done."

Something complicated crosses her face. Relief, grief and guilt all tangled together. A single tear slides down her cheek.

"I'm sorry," she says.

"Don't. Don't apologize." I slide my arms under her again, lift her as gently as I can. She makes a small sound of pain but doesn't scream this time. "I'm getting you out of here."

"Lucas—"

"Save your strength."

She doesn't argue. Just lets her head rest against my chest and closes her eyes.

I carry her around to the front of the building where we left the bikes. All eight motorcycles lined up in the darkness. I settle her on mine, sitting upright against the seat, my body behind her to keep her from falling.

"Stay with me," I murmur against her hair. "Just a few more minutes."

Her hand finds mine, and squeezes weekly. I hold her. Feel her breathing, shallow, uneven, but steady. Feel her heartbeat through her back where she's pressed against my chest. She's alive. Broken but alive.

That has to be enough for now.

The brothers start emerging from the warehouse five minutes later. Judge first, then Brick. Then Echo and Wraith together. Ranger. Diesel. All of them covered in blood and soot, all of them moving with purpose.

Phoenix comes out last and gives a signal. Everyone clear. They mount their bikes. Form up around us. Engines rumble to life one by one until it's a wall of sound in the darkness.

Phoenix looks at me. Nods once.

Then reaches into his cut and pulls out a detonator.

"Everyone ready?" he calls.

A chorus of affirmatives.

Phoenix presses the button.

For a second, nothing happens.