Page 120 of Renascence

“Oh. You have a number for the owner?”

She hands me a card along with the box of pastries. I pay her, watching as she scribbles something on the receipt. Her number. I shove it in my pocket, giving her a wink before I leave. I think she’s pretty, but I’ve forgotten what she looks like by the time I walk out of the store. My mind is focused on a single purpose—Emily. I expected her to be at the clubhouse by the time I got back, but instead I find an antsy Gage pacing the bar. He looks up expectantly when I walk in, but once he realizes it’s me, he goes back to being worried. I survey the room, noticing everyone there seems tense. Booker is back from visiting his brother, and I wonder if he didn’t bring good news.

“You heard from Emily or the guys?” Gage asks.

“No.” My heart beats triple time, anxiety going through the roof. “Why?”

“They’re not back and not answering their phones. I don’t like it. Tek’s working on tracking them.”

This time, my heart stops beating, falling to the pit of my stomach. Emily.If something’s happened to her, I’ll never be able to forgive myself. Hell, I’d gladly switch places with her if it meant keeping her safe. I don’t give a fuck what happens to me, but her… not her. Please, God, not Emily.

“Boss, look at this.”

Tek’s voice jolts me into motion and I’m by his side before Gage, squinting at his computer screen.

“What is it?” I ask.

“Tracker from the van and the guys’ personal trackers are moving, heading this way.”

I watch the dots on the monitor, wondering if the guys are really in that van, if Emily is with them… if she’s okay. Why didn’t I get her a fucking tracker? My head’s been so far up my ass, I doubt I can ever remove it. Now Emily could be paying the price for my stupidity. If I get her out of this, I promise I’ll make it right.

“Okay, people, look alive,” Gage says, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Booker, take the women to the back. Raven’s taking a nap. If she wakes up, you make sure she keeps her ass in our room. And tell Einstein to get out here.” With the women out of earshot, he continues giving orders. “Razor, I need comms and rifles with scopes and silencers. Don’t wanna bring the sheriff around with any noise. Crow, Motor, Charger, you’re on the gate when Razor gets back. Tek, put the security feed from the entrance on one of the TVs.”

Watching him, I’m reminded of my days in the Army. He’s a good leader and I’d follow him into battle any day. I’m just glad he’s on my side.

“What should I do?” I ask.

He takes a deep breath. “Be prepared. We don’t know what’s coming.”

He squeezes my shoulder, turning to watch the security feed. Not knowing where Emily is or what’s going on is killing me. I swear if Vitalli’s laid a hand on her, I’ll tear him limb from limb. He has no idea who he’s dealing with. His entire family and organization are going down. And Rico and Tyler? What the hell is going on?

“What did Booker say?”

“Little Vitalli has very few friends inside. Just a few men his father pays for protection, including one guard,” Gage answers. “If we need to get to him, shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Oh, we’re getting to him. Vitalli started this, but I’m ending it.”

“Whatever you want to do, we got your back.”

“I have an idea. He’s a loan shark, right? My guess is the money is being laundered through the restaurant. We hit him where it hurts—his pocket. That should flush him out.”

“I like the way you think.” Tek grins, his fingers flying across the keyboard. “All his money won’t be sitting in a bank somewhere. Maybe we can ask the girl if she knows about any locations he frequents.”

“I can go,” Einstein offers, emerging from the back.

“No, we need you here.” Gage’s eyes flick to me and back to Einstein. “Just in case. Let’s wait and see what happens first.”

Just in case. Just in case Emily’s hurt. Fuck.

Razor returns, the men strapping up and heading out, testing their mics. They’re not even through the doors when the van screeches to a halt at the gates. On alert, we all watch the TV. The side door opens and a body is tossed out. Shock and horror don’t even come close to describing what I feel when I see the blonde hair and outline of the body. I know that body better than the back of my hand.

“Emily!”

I take off running, drowning out Gage’s voice as he tries to stop me. In the courtyard, I hear the van peel out and drive away. I ignore the boots crunching on the concrete behind me, my thoughts on the other side of the gates.

“Open the gates!” I shout.

The automatic gates open slowly, and I squeeze through as soon as there’s enough room.