Page 268 of Remiss

Fuck. CJ was aware of that, too. “I know.”

“And don’t make Rory suffer. He wouldn’t put Aunt Meggie at risk.”

Debatable, but CJ let it go, since he’d already warred with himself over that very point. “I know who can save Easton, but you have topromiseme, Ryan, if my mom’s in danger—if any of the girls and women in our lives are in danger—and you know, tell me or tell Outlaw.”

Ryan nodded. “I will.”

“Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“If you have any information,anything, about them, that might hurt them, speak up. Okay?”

“Okay.”

Ten minutes later, they reached the Linnet Motel. The parking lot was already crowded with bikes and police cruisers. Some of the brothers veered off in different directions to circle the building alongside law enforcement while a cop waved CJ in and pointed to a spot next to Dad’s bike.

As CJ and Ryan got out of the Mercedes, Grant and Rory pulled in behind them, rushed out of the car and jogged to where they stood.

Rory looked so pitiful, CJ couldn’t stand it, so he went to his cousin and held out his hand.

Smiling, Rory took it.

“We’ll talk later, Ro.”

Rory nodded as Grant craned his neck in all directions, taking in the controlled chaos.

Diesel walked up. “Cameras are disabled. Motel guests have been evacuated. Cops on payroll are here to cover our asses.”

“This is so fucking incredible,” Grant breathed, awed. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Welcome to Outlaw’s world,” Diesel said proudly, then placed a hand on CJ’s shoulder. “We can’t have anything reported over the airways, so EMTs weren’t called in. Lewis is here, though.”

Lewis was their funeral home director. CJ sucked in a breath, but he nodded, having no choice.

“Outlaw and Mortician are going into the room now,” Diesel continued.

“I have to go—”

Diesel stopped CJ from going forward. He pointed to the other side of the building, where Narci stood with a rifle aimed toward the room Outlaw used the key to enter.

CJ felt as if his heart was in his throat as he waited for Dad or Uncle Mort to confirm if Bash had really brought Molly back. Time slowed to a torturous crawl. Thirty seconds felt like thirty minutes. His heartbeat rose in his ears and his mouth dried.

Uncle Val walked to Ryan and settled his arm around his shoulders.

“What’s taking so long, Pops?” Ryan croaked.

Uncle Val shrugged, his only answer.

Finally, Uncle Mort walked out, his mouth set in a grim line. He headed over. “Easton…DeLuca? He’s fucking shot. Barely clinging to life.”

Rory closed his eyes and Ryan turned to Uncle Val, shuddering.

Dad walked out.

Carrying Molly.

Sitting up, Harley clutched her stomach and flinched at the blinking light, indicating the camera recording. Before she swung her legs over the side of the bed and found her clothes, Nardo shoved her and sent her sprawling to the floor. She hit her head. Even worse, the cold wooden floor sent shockwaves over her heated skin and aching body.