Page 134 of Massacre Monday

Or rise from them.

forty-three

MAXIMILLIAN

The kidhonestly reminds me of myself in more ways than I’d like. Except in the most important one…

“You’re dropping your shoulder too much, which is arching the shot. Try tightening your bottom grip to compensate.”

Ryan winces briefly, as if he’s in pain, then nods and readjusts, taking a steady breath before firing again. Bullseye.

“Finally!” he yells.

I give him a pat on the back as Adal rolls his eyes. Ryan smiles brightly and says, “Thanks, Dad. Well…should Icallyou that?”

Adal stiffens and walks toward the barn. I have no idea what his issue is. The two of them were getting along. I think it has something to do with fraternity or MC rivalries, but Xavier was right. Once they graduate and work for the same company, things will smooth out between them.

I know Nico had a run-in with another MC club, but Adal says they were from Lecherton. My son knows to come to me with anyfamilyissues. Hopefully, he’s keeping his nose clean.

“Absolutely. I always wanted a third son.”

“No,” my wife says quickly.

I hold out my hands. “I’m not sayingnow, just in the past.”

“AndI’msaying no before you get started on the subject. It’s closed, lion. Twins was enough for me.”

Shrugging, I take a shot at the target set up among the trees. Nail it right in the dome. I tuck my Glock in my holster and smile.

Despite a few bumps in the road over the last few years, things are good. Ryan is a perfect match for my little spitfire. If I can handle Livia, I think he can handle Penelope.

He’s focused. Relentless. And doesn’t stop until he gets what he wants.

I like that.

So much so, I knew once he joined The Bear Cage, and I saw the flame behind his eyes, the sheer will to be the best, that he was the one for her. When he came to me and asked for her appointment, I didn’t hesitate. Especially knowing he’d have to kill in order to earn it.

A blood sacrifice is a fine way to win a woman.

“Pup, you didn’t show your man how to aim better?”

My daughter shakes her head. “We hadn’t had the chance to do this together yet.”

The two clear their chambers and holster their weapons. “I like your family Sundays better than mine,” Ryan says, checking out our target shots.

“It’s about to get better with Mrs. Kroft’s cooking. She’ll have bacon ready for us,” I tell him, my mouth already watering at the thought of it.

We head toward the manor as a unit, the chill in the air catching up to us.

On the stroll, I grab Livia’s hand and pull her into my side, then throw my arm over her shoulders. As we near the front door, a high-pitched buzz cuts over the bubbling fountain as some stones are tossed around on the driveway.

Nico Griffin rides up on a tiny, motorized bike. Like a child’s toy. With his half helmet and goggles, he looks like a clown, even with the patched leather vest and taped knuckles. His shoulder wound is still taped up, but he’s no longer in a sling.

Adal grimaces as he approaches his friend, and Nico stands up, the two men eyeing Ryan carefully, who smiles brightly.

“New ride?” I ask, attempting to contain my laughter. Clearly, the kids are not pleased.

“Yeah. It was apparently agift.” Nico peels off his helmet and glasses, setting them on the back. His jaw clenches as he says, “Left after someone ran over my motorcycle.”