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CHAPTER EIGHT

“ I have no explanation for this failure,” Axel grated to the few men still sitting with him. Everyone else, including Johnny, had left after dinner.

Cringing, Isolde froze. She’d just returned to the dining room to finish cleaning up when Axel’s outburst startled her. Carefully, she glanced sideways at the man. His flushed features were all twisted up.

“Every fucking sensor and motion light was placed according to the manuals,” he continued. “I supervised the installation and did half the path myself. It’s not the first time I’ve done this.”

“I went after you, checking every single connection. I’m sorry,” whimpered Pilot, sitting to his left. “But now it’s too dark for a thorough examination. Flashlights aren’t enough to inspect wires, plugs, and who knows what else.”

“No shit,” Axel huffed.

“We get a lot of wildlife out there,” Viper ventured. “Maybe some animal took a liking to your wires or fucked with something.”

“It wasn’t me, that’s for fucking sure,” Tank snapped .

“We better figure it out before those fuckers land on us,” Max said.

“All right, all right. Everybody, calm down,” Deacon said, evenly. “Could be anything. We’ll go over every inch at first light and find the problem. Are we good?”

Isolde glanced at her father and smiled. Usually, he had the shortest fuse in the group. Now that the conversation took a more civilized tone, it was safe for her to approach. She moved around the men, placing the last pieces of unused cutlery into a tea towel. She carried her bundle to the kitchen.

“Gosh, they’re so loud,” Opal protested, removing her apron. “Why are they so upset?”

“Something’s not working,” Isolde replied, sorting forks, knives, and spoons a little too loudly into the drawer organizer.

“You mean from today?” Opal continued.

“I suppose so, sweetie.” Isolde closed the drawer with her hip, then put a stack of clean salad plates in the cabinet. “Not many salad lovers in this group,” she muttered.

“Can’t blame them,” Sydney said, wiping the countertop. “If I’d spent hours installing a much-needed high-security system, only find out later it’s not working, I’d be upset too.”

“Since the dining room is cleared up,” Opal said, “do you mind if I go take a shower?”

Please go. Isolde almost said it out loud, but resisted the temptation, waiting for Sydney to respond.

“Sure, darling. We can finish up what’s left.”

“Thanks. See ya later,” Opal said.

Great.

“Bye.” Isolde waved.

Opal walked out, and Sydney laughed. “Goodness, you almost pushed her out.”

Isolde gasped. “Was I that obvious?” She pressed her hand to her chest. “I don’t want to hurt Opal or make her feel bad. Not before…”

“I understand.”

As Sydney resumed wiping the counter, Isolde rushed to her side.

“You took a huge risk,” she whispered. “You should’ve let me do it. It was my idea, and I was prepared to take the heat from Dad.”

“Absolutely not,” Sydney said stiffly. “I’m invisible to the men. They only pay attention to me when it’s time to eat. But you’re under close scrutiny. It’s not just from Gomez. His buddy Trent has joined the act. If they found you sabotaging the system, you and Johnny would never get out. And after Viper gave me the full rundown, I know that you can’t stay here another minute.”

“I know. It’s why I panicked when I saw them installing all those lights, sensors, and cameras. They were turning the clubhouse into a maximum-security fortress.” She wiped her face. “All outside movement is videotaped. How are we supposed to leave with alarms and lights flashing everywhere? No. The system had to be disarmed.”

“You can relax. Have you spoken? Do you have a time?”

Isolde swallowed with difficulty as she shook her head. “Not today. He told me to pack and be ready at a moment’s notice, and I am. Tonight is our only chance. If we don’t go, we lose the opportunity. Tomorrow morning, my dad will have everyone inspecting the entire system with a fine-toothed comb. I heard him say it. His friend is just as anxious.”

“I’m back,” Opal chirped from the doorway. “Guess what?”

Isolde gasped, but Sydney kept her composure. “You’re not taking a shower.”

“Not that.” She waved a hand. “I ran into Johnny Gun. He asked me if I would bring this to the kitchen for him. He said he didn’t want to intrude. He’s cute, but so silly.” Giggling, she brought a salad plate with a knife and fork sticking out of a folded linen napkin to Sydney.

“Thanks, darlin’,” Sydney said.

“No problem.” Opal gave her the items and rushed out.

Ice invaded Isolde’s veins and limbs. She stared at Sydney as if her friend held an explosive device. Carefully, Sydney lifted the folded linen, picked up a note from inside, and held it up for Isolde. Four a.m. was written in block letters.

“Here’s your notice, my dear.” Sydney gave her the paper.

“Yes.” Isolde took the note to the stove and turned on a burner. Holding the tip to the flame, she lit the paper, then dropped it in the sink. She stood watching until it turned black and disintegrated to ashes, then she ran the water, ensuring every fragment went down the drain.

“Thorough,” Sydney said.

“It’s the only way.”

“Do you need help waking up?”

Isolde gave a soft laugh. “Thanks, but I doubt I’ll get any sleep. I’ll set my phone alarm anyway.”

“Pro—promise me you’ll be careful.” Sydney’s voice cracked. “Listen to Johnny. He knows what he’s doing, Gosh, girl. I’m going to miss you.”

“I love you, Sydney.” Isolde wrapped her arms around her friend, squeezed her hard, and quickly stepped back. “We have to be careful.”

“I know. Business as usual, right?”

“As usual,” she said, walking to the doorway.

“Isolde.”

“Yes?”

“Will you keep me informed?”

“I’ll figure something out. Okay?”

“That’s good enough for me.”

She couldn’t speak anymore. Her throat ached. If she tried, she’d end up sobbing. So she walked out without looking back. Not until this moment did she realize the impact of her actions on the people she loved and herself. She’d had little time to contemplate and process. In a weird way, she cherished this MC clubhouse. A string of memories rolled through her mind: happy moments with her parents, Opal, the guys, Sydney…

The place had been her home since childhood. Would she ever return?

Are you afraid of the future?

Johnny’s beloved face pushed the old memories aside. He took away all her doubts. With all her heart and soul, she wanted to join her life with his. A mix of trepidation and happy excitement took residence in her chest, then rippled outward, infusing her with strength and courage.

Are you ready?

Yes. Let’s do this.

The endless hours dragged on. Waiting in his room, Johnny disassembled, then put back together every action he’d planned. He looked for errors, lapses, details he might have missed, but couldn’t come up with anything. Barron’s arrangements, especially his brilliant idea of switching vehicles, had given Johnny a measure of comfort and confidence. As soon as this mess was resolved, he would take Barron and Yoanni to the most expensive restaurant in Savannah.

The moment of truth, the real acid test, was almost upon him. If what he’d done to kill the lights worked, their escape was ensured. Finally, he stopped pacing. For the tenth time, he touched his phone screen. This time, three thirty flashed on. Time to go. He dropped the phone into his pocket and slid on his backpack. Slowly, he raised his window pane… Holding his breath, he st epped out over the ledge to the damp grass and froze. The grounds remained dark, and he blew out a breath.

Success.

His earlier maneuver had paid off. He’d loosened the USB head just enough that it still appeared plugged into the laptop, but was actually disconnected. Hard to believe Deacon or Axel hadn’t noticed. They must’ve been so frustrated thatthey’d searched for big glitches and missed the tiny “power on” symbol. A total newbie error.

Whatever. It worked for him and Isolde.

Staying low, he hurried past Deacon’s dark window and reached Isolde’s. A pale light illuminated her room. He tapped the glass and held his breath as her shadow approached the window. She pulled the sheers aside a bit, enough to see who’d knocked while keeping her face obscured. Good girl. Isolde deserved a big reward for remembering his admonition.

A gorgeous smile illuminated her face when she recognized him.

“Is it time?” she whispered as she opened the window.

“Yes, baby. Hand me your bag, and I’ll help you out.”

“Should I turn off the lights?”

“Hold on. Where’s your phone?”

“In my bag.”

“Did you write the note like I told you?”

She nodded.

“Good. Leave the phone with the note.”

“But…” Isolde frowned. “Sydney’s worried about us. She asked me to call her.”

“You’re not calling her from your phone. Anyone can trace you that way. You’ll use mine. Write down her number and turn off the light. Hurry.”

“Okay.” Isolde didn’t seem too happy about leaving her phone, but she followed his instructions without further argument. Back at the window, she passed him her bag.

He turned sideways. “Use my shoulder for support and lean out. I’ll help you down.” As she stretched her torso, he grasped her small waist and easily lifted her out and down to her feet. “Keep your head low and come with me.”

Holding her hand, he led her toward the front of the house. He paused at the corner, then keeping her behind him, he peeked around toward the main entrance. The porch light was on, but the fixture was ancient, the cracked yellow globe had bug skeletons plastered all over it, and barely illuminated the area. By now, Johnny’s eyesight had adapted to the darkness, and he didn’t need much light to see.

He counted the bikes and breathed out with relief. Only half were parked. That meantGomez, Jax, and the Garden City brothers bunking up with them had gone home.

“There’s no one around,” he whispered. “It’s safe to come out.” Keeping his footsteps slow and light, he moved toward his bike. Isolde followed right behind. He took out the extra helmet he always carried from the bike’s rear compartment and put their bags in its place.

“Put your helmet on and stay close. I’m pushing the bike to the bottom of the path.”

As she tightened the strap, her pretty eyes opened wide. “Why?”

“Because the noise from the engine could wake up someone inside.”

“Isn’t it heavy?”

“It can be. The slope will help me, and it’s not a long way down.”

He put the bike in neutral and kicked the stand up. Straddling the bike, he gripped both handlebars and waddled it slowly forward as he tapped the brakes. Turning the front tire, he traversed the path from side to side instead of pointing straight down. He hoped to prevent a free roll. Next to him, Isolde kept up. The only sounds came from their soft footsteps and the tires crunching on the gravel road.

When they reached the path’s lowest point, Johnny was breathing hard and his legs ached from the effort to control the bike. He’d done everything in his power to make Isolde’s escape work. Now he needed a bit of help from fate. He sent a silent prayer thatno one would wake up in the clubhouse and sound the alarm.

“Climb on, baby girl. Put your arms around me.” As Isolde clambered on, he sent a text to Barron.

It’s three fifty. We’re heading out.

Barron’s immediate response was a huge relief. Good to his word, he’d waited by the phone.

I-75 exit 277 to Acworth. First gas station to your right. I’ll be there. Careful riding south.

Yes, brother. I have precious cargo.

Johnny put his phone away and turned to her. “Nervous? Want to change your mind and stay? It’s okay if you do.”

“Not on your life.”

Smiling at her decisive answer, he turned on the engine. As she put her arms around his waist and sweetly dropped her head against his back, happiness surged within him. Nothing could ruin this moment, not even the danger of their circumstances. His woman, his adored little girl, had trusted him with her life and her future. He felt powerful, bigger than any man and able to do anything. For her, he’d move mountains .

“Hold on.” Putting the bike in gear, he released the clutch a bit, feathered the throttle, and slowly reached the top. Turning left, he headed toward southbound SR41.

According to Johnny’s phone GPS, the ride to Acworth would take him exactly fifty-nine minutes. He got lucky and shaved two minutes off. Traffic remained mostly light until the Acworth signs appeared. Soon after, traffic tripled. They were approaching the behemoth of Atlanta.

Though he asked Isolde repeatedly if she wanted a break, his girl soldiered on. Now, he was grateful for the shorter ride and the switch to Barron’s truck, where she’d be more comfortable. The longest part of their journey, four hours plus to reach White Springs, loomed ahead.

Pulling into the large discount gas station, he saw Barron off to the side waving at him. He stopped next to his friend.

He spoke to Isolde over his shoulder. “Go, baby. Use the toilet.”

“Okay.” She jumped down and rushed into the station.

Barron laughed, watching her go through the glass doors. “I guess she held it on the way down.”

Turning off the engine, he dismounted. “That bugs me. I had a feeling she was holding it, but every time I asked, she swore she was fine. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable. Ever. We’re going to have to set up a few rules and parameters. When I ask a direct question, I expect her to tell me the truth.”

Barron’s expression was thoughtful. “My first impression was correct. She’s Little.”

“She is,” Johnny said. “I haven’t figured out her preferred age yet.”

“Well, you’ll have plenty of uninterrupted time to find out.” Barron took a keyring out of his pocket along with a small envelope. “Keys to the truck. I jotted the combination to the front door lock, since they don’t use keys, and the management’s phone number. Call them if the house isn’t ready or something is missing.”

“Thanks.”

“Before you go, I have some advice. Want to hear it?”

Johnny chuckled. “You’ve never been shy. Why start now?”

“True.” Barron grinned. “My two cents. Take your time. Don’t jump into age play and don’t rush her. Keep your distance for a while. I know it’ll be hard. She needs to breathe on her own. Don’t forget she’s lived within Deacon’s uptight environment for a long time. She’ll need support and a gentle hand to step out.”

“I appreciate the advice.” Johnny nodded. “And I had every intention of going slow. We talked about us and our lifestyle, and she surprised me with how much she knows. In theory, she’s aware of what’s involved and wants it.” He laughed softly. “Might be different when we’re alone. I’ll be careful. Plus, she has this internal sparkle I love to see. It’s like an amazing light. I’ll do anything to keep it alive and protected. Knowing that she’s safe from harm and close to me is enough for this old guy to be happy.” He tapped his knuckles above his heart.

“Isolde doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll realize soon enough thatshe struck the mother lode. She couldn’t have found a better or more devoted Daddy.”

“I love her, bro. That’s all I know.”

“And there she is,” Barron said as Isolde walked through the glass doors. He frowned at Johnny. “You’re familiar with my truck, right?”

“Sure am. I’ve driven it before,” Johnny said, taking his and Isolde’s bags out of the bike’s compartment. “And you’ll take care of my bike, won’t you?”

“Like it was my own. ”

“Hi, Barron,” Isolde said as she came closer. “Thanks for helping us.” Before Barron could react, she hugged him and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Um. Sure. Anytime,” Barron stammered.

Johnny laughed. He’d never seen his friend at a loss for words before. As Isolde pulled back from Barron, Johnny held her arm. “We have to go, baby. From now on, traffic is going to get worse.”

“Shit, yeah,” Barron said. “The Atlanta bypass is hell. You have four hours ahead of you. Go, before you get stuck in rush hour.”

“We’re going. Say hi to Yoanni.” Johnny shook hands with Barron. “Thanks again, man. I owe you.”

“No, you don’t.” Barron waved. “Listen, I was assured the place would have enough supplies to get you started. Check everything. Make sure you have what you need. If not, call them, all right? Don’t forget to check in with me when you get there. I want to know you’re both safe. Besides, I’m sure I’ll have an update for you. The news of your escape will have exploded by then.”

“Will do.” Johnny turned to Isolde. “Come on. You’ll need a boost up.” He helped Isolde to her seat, then climbed behind the wheel. He waved at Barron again, pulled out of the station, and merged once more onto I-75 south.

“Second phase of the trip, baby.” He smiled. “Next stop, White Springs, Florida.”

“I don’t want to sound silly, but this is exciting.”

Johnny sighed. “It is…sort of.”

He didn’t want to kill her high spirits, so he kept his thoughts to himself. The truth was, this could go either way, and the outcome was out of his hands. Most of it depended on what happened in Dalton. At least he’d accomplished what he’d set out to do: move Isolde out of the line of fire. Hopefully, when Deacon learned about the traitor in their midst, he would realize why taking her out in secret was the only way.