Page 25

Chapter 25

Phone calls & Bullets

Ryder

Harley’s shop was closed, so I turned around and headed home. He may want space, but I need to be heard. I admit I made a mistake. I should’ve told him the minute that cunt started texting me, but I didn’t and now I could lose the only man I truly have ever loved, and who actually loves me back.

Slamming my fists on the steering wheel, I roar in anger. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Pressing my foot on the clutch, I shift, pushing my foot down on the accelerator as his Charger flies down the highway. “How could I do that to him? Why did I lie? What is the big deal with telling him the truth? I’m such a fucking idiot.” I yell, knowing I’m talking to myself. No one is going to give me any answers. My phone rings and I pick it up without looking to see who it is.

“What!” I growl.

“U-uncle Ry,” Jaxon whispers, and my heart stops.

“Yea, Jax, What’s up?” I say calmly, trying not to lose my shit.

“Th-ere is a man here and I-i don’t know where Daddy is,” he says as my fingers tighten against the steering wheel.

“Okay, Jax. Where is your sister?” I ask.

“I have her in my strong arms. We are hiding in Mama’s closet. They have big guns. Un-cle Ry,” he states as I press my foot down on the gas.

“You’re doing such a good job, little man. You stay there. Do not come out until one of us gets you. I’m almost home,” I tell him.

“Okay, you got it, dude. Stay quiet, protect Hazel. Got it,” he says, and a smile crosses my face.

“I’ll be there real soon. Do not leave that closet,” I repeat.

“You got it, dude,” he says, and the line goes dead. Where the fuck is everyone?

Hitting two on my keypad for Jade, I press call.

“What’s up Ry? Everything okay?” she asks.

“Where are you?” I ask.

“Heading up north with Zayn. Why? what's wrong?” she asks, her tone sounding strained.

“Turn around and get home. Jaxon called m–”

“What? What do you mean Jaxon called you?” she yells.

“He called me to let me know there were men in the house with guns and he couldn't find Spade. So I’ll be there in two. He’s hiding in your closet with Hazel,” I spit.

“Fuck! Call Jamie. He was on his way to the city when I left him. I’ll see you at the house. Kill them all,” she says, and the line goes dead. Hitting three for Jameson, heimmediately picks up.

“Before you yell at me, I’ve already spoken to Jade. To everyone else, I owe an apology, I know,” he says, and I shake my head.

“That is not why I’m fucking calling. Get the fuck home. Now!” I yell, and he growls down the line.

“Give me the details,” he says and I tell him everything he needs to know as I’m pulling up the driveway. I’m not sure how long it will take Jade to get here, but at least I know Jameson isn’t far.

Climbing out of the Charger, I take my gun out from the back of my waistband, click the safety off, and cock it as I trudge up the cobblestone path and through the open door. Spade is laying on the floor in the middle of the hallway, unconscious. My heart is in my fucking throat as I kneel to check his pulse while taking in my surroundings. Sliding my fingers over the side of his neck, I feel the thump of his pulse. Thank god. I run my fingers through his black hair and he rouses.

“Come on Ace, we got mother fuckers to kill,” I whisper.

“How did you know?” he says, and I smile.

“Jaxon called me when he couldn’t find you,” I reply and he smiles, then his eyes widen.

“Hazel!” he says, and I press my finger over his lips and point upstairs. As we hear footsteps above us. Luckily, not in the direction or the floor of Jade’s room.

“They’re looking for Jay,” he says, and my eyes widen.

“Well, they are about to get what they wished for because he will be pulling up momentarily,” I say, and he nods. Standing, I take a deep breath, putting my hand out, helping him up. He grabs his temple, wincing in pain. I cup his face, forcing him to look at me.

“You good, Ace? How’d they get the drop on you?” I ask, wiping the blood that’s dripping down his forehead with my thumb. His eyes burst with lust as I suck the red liquid from the tip and grin as a furious Jameson comes bulldozing into the house.

“The kids?” he asks and I place my finger over my lips and point upstairs.

“Reid, you good?” he asks, and Ace nods.

“Yea, I’m good, Brother,” he answers, taking his gun out and cocking it. Jameson spins his knives between his fingers as he grins.

“Let’s go get our hands bloody. Shall we?” he says, but I grab his arm before he can go any further.

“They’re here for you.” I warn, and he grins even wider.

“Well, what’s the plan?” Ace whispers, and Jameson just smiles.

“Kill them all!” He growls, and I shake my head.

“No shit, Sherlock,” I whisper-shout.

“Tsk, tsk, boys.” A gruff tone speaks through the front door, causing us to spin. “Sir Jameson, if you would just come with me, we can end this all peacefully,” the man says. He’s short with dark hair and glasses, wearing black cargo pants, boots and a tight black tee. Weapons riddle his body as he stares us down. Jameson steps in front of us, blocking us from the man before him.

“Alfred, Alfred, Alfred. Always doing Father's dirty work,” he taunts as the man takes out his knife.

“You know my name isn’t Alfred. Cut the shit,” Alfred spits causing Jameson to laugh.

“Max doesn’t fit the job description now, does it? So, Alfred, what's it going to be? If you want me that bad, you’re going to have to get me yourself,” he says, licking his lips as Alfred lunges at him, swiping the knife at his face. Jameson dances backwards, laughing and taunting the man.

The backdoor creaks open and Spade spins, shooting the guy between the eyes. Another one comes from the stairs and I lift my arm, shooting him in the chest. He grunts, falling the rest of the way, slamming his head on the wood floor. I look back to see a slice in Jameson's bicep as he grunts behind me. Blood pours down his arm as they continue to fight.

“Ry, down!” Spade yells, and I drop as he shoots the man pointing a gun at me. A loud bang echoes through the hall as I get back to my feet and see Alfred drop like a sack of potatoes. Jade and Zayn walk in with their guns raised.

“Where’s my kids?” she shouts, lookingaround the area. Spade takes his shirt off and throws it at Jameson, who wraps it around his bleeding bicep. “Everyone good?” she asks as another man comes flying down the stairs. She aims and pulls the trigger, causing him to fall down the bottom flight.

“Enough!” is bellowed as Dalton waltzes down the steps, carrying Hazel in his arms, pressing a pistol to her temple. Jade steps forward, and he shakes his head.

“I wouldn’t take another step if I were you. I will not hesitate to blow her head off,” he spits, causing all of us to growl.

“Put her down!” Jade spits as Jameson comes to stand beside her.

“Where is Jaxon?” Jameson asks, and Dalton laughs.

“That little fucker bit me so he’s locked in the closet screaming his little head off, much like what you did at his age. Such sweet memories.” He smiles, and I want nothing but to blow his head off where he stands.

“Why are you here, Father?” Jameson asks, flipping his knives through his fingers.

“Put down your weapons, son,” Dalton orders.

“Funny thing is, Father. If you knew who I truly was, your actions wouldn’t be to order me around. You’d be begging for your life!” He spits, and Dalton raises a brow.

“And who are you? A disappointment, to say the least.” He laughs, causing Jameson to take a step closer.

“You know, the serial killer no one can put a face to,” he says, and the color from his father's face drains.

“You’re The Carver?” he asks, and Jameson smiles sinisterly.

“Yes, now hand me my daughter before I remove every single vein and organ from your body while you scream,” he threatens.

“Awe, Daddy's perfect puppet, thinks he’s the one in control. Guess again.” Dalton smiles, and just like that, Jameson’s entire demeanor changes and he spins, looking at all of us with his eyes completely void. Jade lifts both her pistols and points one at Jameson and the other at Dalton.

“You’d be dead if it wasn’t because you have my daughter in your arms. Count that as a blessing, you miserable fuck,” she spits, then looks at Jameson, whose eyes never leave hers.

“Awe, Little Creature. I love when you get murderous, but you are the Queen of Death, so it only seems fitting enough that she dies,” he grins as she takes a step towards him, pressing the gun to his head as he snaps his teeth at her like a rabid dog.

“Puppet, that’s enough. Come, stand here now!” Dalton commands, and Jameson, as if responding to invisible strings, immediately walks over and stands beside his father, putting his knives in his pocket.

“My job here is done. I’ll be leaving here with my puppet and will place your daughter in her car seat to ensure mine and his safety upon leaving. I’ll be in touch,” he says as Jade steps to the side, still pointing her guns at the both of them as they walk past us.

“Zayn, don’t!” Spade yells as Zayn lunges for Dalton, trying to grab Hazel, but Jameson quickly protects his father, taking out his knife and stabbing him in the thigh. He stumbles back as they exit through the front door. Spade rushes to Zayn as Jade follows Dalton and Jameson out. Alfred, limping and holding his gut, right behind them.

Walking past Spade, he nods to Jade and I quickly catch up to her as Dalton places Hazel into the G-wagon and climbs into the limo after Jameson. The car quickly leaves the driveway and I take out my phone, closing the gates behind them. Looking back at Jade, she has Hazel in her arms kissing her face. Our eyes meet, and she looks up at the top floor.

“I got him. You good sis?” I ask, and she nods, following me back into the house. Spade already has the first aid kit out, preparing to clean up Zayn.

Taking the stairs two at a time, I get to Jade’s room and hear Jaxon wailing for help. Throwing the chair from under the knob, I swing the door open and he lunges for me.

“Jaxon, Jaxon. It’s me. Uncle Ry. You’re safe, bud. It’s okay,” I yell as he swings at me, screaming. Wrapping my arms around him, I sit on the floor and rock him, letting him feel my warmth as he calms down.

“It’s okay, Jax. It’s okay. You’re safe. Everyone is safe,” I say as he sobs into my chest. After a few minutes, he looks up at me, wiping his face.

“Where’s Hazel? Is she okay?” he asks, and I nod.

“Yes, she’s okay. Let’s go see her. She’s with Mama,” I assure him as I pick him up and carry him down the stairs. Placing Jaxon on the couch next to Hazel, he cuddles her into his arms, kissing her face, and I look over at Jade, then Spade.

“What the fuck just happened?” I ask, and we all sit there for a moment, not saying a fucking word.

Dalton is truly the root of all evil and he’s been in control this whole fucking time.This whole fucking time.