Page 95 of Seduction

“Keep checking. Those upgrades you want? Get ’em done. I don’t care what they fucking cost. We need new gates for the compound, doors for the clubhouse. Bulletproof. Windows, too. As a matter of fact, bulletproof every fucking thing you can.”

“Got it, boss.”

“I was thinking of bringing everyone in, but even here isn’t safe. Who are these fuckers?”

“One thing’s for sure.” I meet his gaze. “Theydohave eyes on us. Chopper, what happened to us on the road, and this little stunt? I think they’re trying to show us that they can get to us.”

“What happened on the road?” Rico asks.

“We got cornered by some assholes, but they didn’t do anything,” I answer.

“Shit. This is fucked,” Motor says, running his fingers through his hair.

“If it’s another MC, they’re trying to start shit. We’re good with everyone,” Gage postures, finally taking his seat.

“Boss.”

All eyes settle on Tek. He turns his computer around, showing the screen to Gage. Two squad cars are pulling into the compound.

Gage hops to his feet. “E, you’re with me. The rest of you start figuring out who the fuckers are who have death wishes.”

As we walk through the bar, he grabs my arm, stopping me in my tracks.

“You up for this? I’m going to need everybody, and I don’t plan on leaving any of them breathing. My fucking wife washere, E.”

I know what he’s asking, and there’s no way I’m backing down from this. It’s my family’s lives at stake, too. My woman, my brothers. Mikey. I’ll do anything to protect them.

“I’m good, brother. I want them as much as you do.”

He nods, taking a breath and preparing to face the sheriff. He got into some trouble a while back, and even though he cleared his name, Adrian Renley still has a hard-on for him.

“Hunter,” Renley greets Gage, then lifts his chin at me. “Doctor.”

“Sheriff Renley. How can we help you?” I ask.

“Looks like you boys have trouble brewing. Who have you pissed off now?”

“Not a clue what you mean, Sheriff. I’m chillin’, just got back from my honeymoon.”

“Is that so? How do you explain the bullet holes in your clubhouse?”

“Eh.” Gage shrugs. “Thought the décor could use a change.”

“Listen.” Renley takes a step forward, lowering his voice. “As much as I hate to say this, we can help each other. Civilians…innocentpeoplecould have gotten hurt today.”

“Look, Renley—”

I clear my throat, the sound telling Gage to rein in his anger. I know the comment hit home for him, but losing his shit with the sheriff won’t help us.

“We appreciate your concern, but no crime’s been committed here. If we need your help, we’ll be sure to give you a call, Sheriff,” I say, extending my hand.

He scoffs, shaking his head as he turns and walks back to his car. We watch them drive away, then return to the chapel, finding a box of spent casings on the table.

“What’s this?” Gage asks.

“From the drive-by,” Motor replies. “We cleaned them up. Tek’s thinking he could check for prints.”

“Motherfucking Tek,” Gage grumbles, dropping down in his chair. “Sometimes I reallycouldkiss you.”