Page 5

Sharp – June 2014

“S hit, Miguel Santos really fucked up. Kidnapping Michaelson’s woman,” Anderson said shaking his head.

“Romeo is screwing. He’s literally told his dad to stay quiet and not say a word,” Sharp replied.

“How unsteady is he?” Anderson asked.

“Romeo is making demands and moving forward. Miguel can see his son is gaining people and is struggling to contain Romeo. Romeo doesn’t give a fuck about his father, he’s decided it’s time that Miguel retires. Now, Miguel can go quietly or not, but Romeo is taking over,” Sharp replied.

“So, you’ve got a break in ranks and a war coming?”

“No. I think Miguel will be removed in a clean surgical strike. His men will be dismissed or… as similated or killed. Romeo already has guys inside Miguel’s people. He’s been working towards this for years, and this bullshit with Rage has escalated it. Romeo has secured his place in the underworld, and he won’t let Miguel, father or not, wreck it,” Sharp said.

“So, we need to buckle up?” Anderson asked.

“Yes, the balance of power is about to shift, I’d say within a year, Romeo will make his move. Miguel thinks he is untouchable; he’s been shorting Wrath and other shit. One of his enemies will get him if Romeo doesn’t,” Sharp responded.

“Stay safe,” Anderson ordered.

Sharp snorted. “Don’t I always?”

“Shit’s about to hit the fan, keep your head down,” Anderson warned and cut the call. Sharp had been under too long. Every time he wanted to pull Sharp out, his brother discovered something. Sharp wasn’t meant to have been undercover this long.

Seven years was excessive.

Sharp - 2015

“I want him tied up and transported to the warehouse with Thunder. Artemis will collect from there,” Romeo ordered.

Sharp nodded.

Miguel had been invited to tea three days ago, and Romeo had taken over the organisation. Those loyal to Miguel were in graves, while those who’d turned on him now worked openly for Romeo.

Sharp had been surprised at how easy it went. He still felt shaken by last year’s revelations. Kayleigh Mitchell was alive, and that was something he’d not expected. The fact she was Artemis was even more shocking. And Artemis had been single-handedly dismantling Miguel’s empire. Romeo had reached out and offered a truce. Artemis had warily taken it. Sharp had caught sight of her the other week, and she didn’t resemble her former self whatsoever.

He was appalled to discover poor Kayleigh had been a victim of Bulldog and Manticore. Bulldog wouldn’t have moved on Kayleigh without his puppet master’s permission. And now Miguel had fucked up again, crossing Artemis, who had brought a war nobody had been expecting.

Miguel had issued threats while Romeo shook his head before reaching out to her.

Miguel had been holding Thunder until now. Because Romeo had made his move, he hoped giving Thunder to Artemis would appease her. Because, at the moment, she appeared unstoppable.

“Do you want a message leaving?” Sharp asked.

“No, Artemis will understand why I’m handing her Miguel as well as Thunder. She’ll know Miguel is a gift,” Romeo replied.

Sharp nodded and left the room. He’d understood Romeo was cold, and this move hadn’t surprised him. There was ice in his chest where his heart should be. It wasn’t a shock that Romeo was giving Artemis his father as a present; after all, his attitude towards his own children was frightening.

Sharp headed down to the basement where Miguel and Thunder were both kept. He wondered if Thunder would recognise him. It had been eight years, and Sharp had changed from the youthful exterior he’d once owned. There was no doubt now that Sharp wasn’t somebody to be challenged.

Sharp opened the cellar door, ready to end Thunder’s suffering, yet the man showed no recognition.

“Move them to the van,” Sharp ordered the two guards.

They nodded and both grabbed Thunder. As they made their way through the underground tunnel to the garage, Sharp followed them. He had become one of Romeo’s most trusted people as time marched on. But there were lines he wouldn’t cross, and Romeo knew not to force him.

Sharp stayed by the van as Thunder was dumped inside. He waited until the two guards had gone for Miguel and climbed in. Thunder was tied and gagged.

Sharp yanked his head up and gazed into his eyes. Sheer hatred shared back at him. Sharp let loose a hammer blow and then booted Thunder in the ribs and kidneys a few times.

“That’s for a teenage pregnant girl you tried to destroy. You failed, asshole,” Sharp hissed, and confusion mingled with pain in Thunder’s expression.

Thunder gargled something, but Sharp kicked him hard again and knocked him out. He hoped Artemis would make his death a lingering one.

Sharp watched as Miguel Santos was loaded into the van next and climbed into the passenger seat. He knew where to take them; Romeo had already informed him. As soon as Sharp was clear, Romeo would call Artemis and offer up his ultimate peace gift. Thunder and Miguel.

In one easy swoop, Romeo had taken his father’s place.

Sharp - 2016

There were rumours that Wrath was hunting for someone, and they had the power to bring Drake Michaelson to his knees. Another year had passed, and Sharp was slowly edging his way closer and closer to who Wrath was.

He was visiting the Butler Beach clubhouse when his ears perked up. Several of the members were talking, and Ace’s name came up.

Sharp kept still and listened in.

“Yeah, they arrested that native,” Gut Rot chuckled.

Sharp gritted his teeth. Either that or put a bullet in the racist fucker. This club was full of racists. African American, Mexican, Native American, Indian, if you were a different colour, Fangs hated you. Fuckin’ white supremacist trash. They all needed shooting and putting out of their misery. Sharp despised racists and believed the world would greatly benefit if they were all buried six feet deep. Dead or alive, Sharp wasn’t choosy.

Gut Rot had made it to the top of the Fangs hit list Sharp was keeping.

“Heard he was carted off in cuffs. That was a fantastic tip-off for the RCPD,” Pinch chortled.

“Motherfucker was released quickly, though. Too damn quick, he should have been held longer than he was,” Dragon interjected.

“Even so, precious Rage got a fuckin’ shock. Their Veep arrested for murder,” Gut Rot stated.

“Wrath’s tipoff was a good one. Strange how Wrath knew where the body was buried though,” Dragon commented as he gulped a mouthful of beer.

Sharp kept listening.

“Wrath really has it out for Rage MC. Claims Michaelson has no right to be president. Can’t wait till we take it back,” Gut Rot boomed.

“Shut up, mouth,” Dragon hissed, his eyes alighting on Sharp. Sharp continued sipping his beer, ignoring them.

With that little bit of information, Sharp waited an hour, headed out, and caught the first flight home.

A while ago, Romeo had hired a gang to cause trouble for Rage. The Dark Souls of Lucifer were adept at causing chaos and mayhem.

Sharp hated them. They rode bikes and thought they were like an MC. They were nothing but a pack of thugs, but again, Sharp was liaison for them. Dark Souls of Lucifer were run by a punk called Pinhead; the kid believed it made him tough. The truth was, Sharp could break him with one hand.

They were meeting in a club tonight, and Sharp was scheduled to meet them. It was the last thing he wanted to do, but he reluctantly complied.

When his flight landed, Sharp climbed on his bike and headed for his base at Romeo’s mansion. As one of his top lieutenants, Sharp had his own tiny apartment there. Sharp showered and changed and headed in to give Romeo an update. Romeo’s eyebrows rose when he took in how Sharp was dressed.

“Ain’t going to a club in my suit, boss, I’ll stand out, and people will see me talking to Pinhead and crew.” Sharp explained his jeans and tee.

“Makes sense. What was Wrath’s response to our request?” Romeo asked, sitting in his oversized chair.

“Volcano reported they can match the amount we’ve requested, but he wants more cash.”

Romeo raised an eyebrow, and Sharp chuckled.

“Volcano said his father wanted twenty-five per cent more. He’s taking twelve,” Sharp replied.

“And Wrath still won’t meet with you?” Romeo asked.

“Nope. Apparently, I’m beneath meeting, but fuck him. Because he wasn’t there, we’ve the better deal. Volcano settled, and I know he did. If Wrath had been present, they’d have got twenty out of me because that fucker is used to getting his own way.”

“He’s becoming a liability. We may need to look around for a new supplier,” Romeo mused.

“That’s a strong possibility. I heard Fangs have assimilated another four clubs since I was last there,” Sharp said, and Romeo’s eyes narrowed.

“I feel Wrath is building an army. For what war, though?” Romeo stated.

“That, boss, is the million-dollar question,” Sharp agreed.

Romeo nodded and motioned for Sharp to leave. He did as ordered and headed for his bike.

◆◆◆

Sharp gritted his teeth as Pinhead struck some dumbass stance that he thought made him look hard. He’d love to rip this prick’s head off.

Pinhead was running his mouth, not caring who was listening, and Sharp was at the end of his tether. Just as he was about to shut the boastful motherfucker up, Pinhead said something that caught Sharp’s attention.

“Drake Michaelson will be crying soon,” Pinhead sneered. “He can’t operate without that bitch of his telling him what to do.”

“What you blabbing about now?” Sharp demanded.

Pinhead exchanged glances with Taxman, who smirked. “We’re about to throw Rage into chaos. They’re gonna pay for disrupting our drug and arms shipments,” Pinhead said.

Sharp leaned into his face, and Pinhead stepped back. “You work for Santos; remember that, asshole. They ain’t your deliveries, you get a percentage of them. If the boss says you’re done, then I’ll put a bullet in your brains and walk away. ”

“We want a straight run through the city, that’s all,” Pinhead said, holding his arms up.

“While Michaelson is in charge, you won’t get it. Look for another route. One that doesn’t clash with Rage territory and get our shipments taken,” Sharp ordered.

“What’ll happen though if they fuck up and Phoenix Michaelson’s killed? We kill two birds with one stone. Drake Michaelson becomes useless, everyone knows Phoenix carries his balls in her purse, and Hellfire MC will turn on Rage. Hellfire loves that bitch, if Rage is careless enough to get her murdered, it’ll start a war, and their allies will take sides,” Pinhead crowed.

“Fuck me, do you snort as much as you sell? That’s your plan? Someone, give me strength. Rage and Hellfire wouldn’t turn on each other. They’d be united in grief, you’d make them more solid, you fuckin’ idiot,” Sharp snapped.

“Watch your mouth!” Pinhead retorted, and Sharp’s hand shot out and grabbed him around the throat.

Pinhead’s eyes widened as Sharp pushed him against the wall. Taxman, Ice Dawg, and Billy K all surrounded him, but Sharp ignored them. Sharp slammed Pinhead’s head into the wall.

“I got your attention? Good. Mr Santos pays you a lot of money to follow orders, not to fuckin’ think. And it’s clear why. Whatever stupid shitty idea you have, forget it. You work for us, and we own you. Which means if I click my fingers, your pissant gang will be dead by the morning. Hear me, boy?” Sharp spat, insulting Pinhead.

Pinhead prided himself on being a man that nobody fucked with. Sharp’s ‘boy’ just put him firmly in his place.

“Mr Santos does pay us well, and he wants us to ruin it for Rage MC,” Pinhead snapped, losing his temper.

Sharp hauled him forward and slammed him back against the wall.

“Fuck shit up, yeah, not make plans to start a war. That’s way above your paygrade. You wanna take on Rage? How? You got no organisation, no fucking base, you got nothing. You’re running your gang from an address that would take Rage or Hawthorne’s five minutes to track. Don’t stand there giving me crap like you are a big man. You are fuck-all. I can find a hundred of you, remember that,” Sharp hissed.

“We have ears on us, some bitch is listening in,” Taxman stated, and Sharp let go of Pinhead’s throat.

Sharp twisted and saw a woman hurrying off.

“I’ll show you how we do business. Go with Taxman.” Pinhead grinned.

“Locate her and bring her to me,” Sharp ordered to Pinhead. Fuckin’ great, now he had to disappear some innocent woman, or these assholes would torture and kill her. But Sharp would bet his life they’d use her first.

Taxman and Pinhead swapped looks before Taxman followed Sharp.

“You’re driving,” Sharp said.

Taxman nodded and led the way to an SUV. Sharp wrinkled his nose at the state of it but climbed in the passenger side. Then Taxman’s phone rang, and he connected with Pinhead.

“I’m chasing her, follow my directions,” Pinhead crowed.

Sharp hated the glee in Pinhead’s voice. The fucker was getting off on hunting this poor woman. Sharp would kill them both before he allowed an innocent to get hurt. He sat quietly as Taxman cruised the streets following Pinhead’s instructions.

Pinhead was enjoying himself by terrifying this woman.

“Enough playing around, asshole. Do you believe I have time for this bullshit? I want that woman now!” Sharp snapped down the phone.

“Fine! Have her!” Pinhead yelled.

Sharp’s eyes widened as a woman was shoved into the road. Taxman hit her head on, and she rolled up onto the hood.

Their gaze met, and Sharp felt horror sink into him.

Silvie!

Bile rose in his throat as Silvie slid off as Taxman braked, and then, before Sharp could stop the asshole, he backed over Silvie. Pinhead jumped in, and Taxman sped off as Sharp tried to collect his thoughts.

Dark Souls of Lucifer had just struck deep at the heart of Rage MC.

When they parked up, Sharp beat the shit out of them both. His anger knew no bounds. An innocent woman had got killed. Sharp didn’t know if he could swim in filth anymore. Once he’d left them both unconscious, Sharp made his way back to his apartment. There, he got legless as he kept seeing Silvie’s terrified eyes.

Anderson

“Silvie Stanton is alive, brother. She survived but is in a coma. Rage and Washington are on a warpath. Between the two of them and Artemis, there won’t be a stone left unturned.”

“I failed, Anderson, fuckin’ hell. No innocents were meant to get hurt on my watch,” Sharp replied quietly.

“You couldn’t have foreseen this. From what I’m hearing, she was on a night out and overheard the conversation,” Anderson responded.

“Fuck bro, you should have seen her eyes,” Sharp said, sounding tortured.

“Don’t do this, brother. Look at me. We’ll bring them all down and get revenge for Silvie.”

“I need to see her,” Sharp murmured, looking out over the Black Hills.

“You can’t. Rage is all over that hospital. You’ll be spotted,” Anderson replied.

“Take her for an x-ray. I need to see her,” Sharp insisted.

“Is Silvie Stanton worth blowing your cover for?” Anderson demanded, irate .

“Silvie’s the reason I’m doing this. I’m undercover to bring down an asshole gang of thugs to protect innocents. Silvie is an innocent, brother. Get me in there. I’ve given you multiple arrests over the years, you owe me. This was meant to be two years, I’m still fuckin’ up to my neck in shit. The bureau owes me!” Sharp yelled.

Anderson studied his brother before nodding.

Sharp

He touched Silvie’s bandaged hand gently with a finger.

Silvie’s eyes remained closed, and she was so damn pale. Sharp swallowed the bitterness of his guilt.

“I beat their asses, sweet girl. They’re in a worse state than you. And I’ll keep fuckin’ beating them. I’m so sorry, baby, this wasn’t meant to happen to you,” Sharp whispered. A silent tear trickled down his cheek and dropped onto Silvie’s hand.

Sharp reached over, kissed Silvie’s forehead, and brushed her hair away from her face.

This shit had to end.

Three weeks later

Tonight, Sharp would kill Pinhead. Despite Sharp’s orders, he’d gone after Silvie. Sharp was racing out towards where they’d discovered Silvie was living. Fuckin’ Dark Souls of Lucifer. Pinhead had signed his death warrant, and Sharp planned to be the one to put a bullet in his head. Sharp left his bike hidden as he approached Apache’s home and heard gunshots.

Pinhead—the prick—was already here.

As he neared, Sharp saw Silvie run into the trees. Pinhead and others followed her. He hissed under his breath as he ran after them. Silvie had a weapon and was firing behind her as she ran. Fuck me, that damn woman!

Sharp noticed someone else chasing Silvie and recognised the cop Rage had been seen with. Right, Sharp wasn’t sure about the officer’s character, but his main concern was Silvie. Cursing, he chased after them and saw the cop grab Silvie and cover her mouth. Sharp raised his weapon when Silvie nodded. Silvie slumped in his arms, relieved.

Sharp decided to let him live for a while longer.

Silvie and… Ramirez, Sharp thought his name was, spoke for a few moments when Pinhead appeared. Sharp raised his gun as Pinhead knocked Ramirez out with a tree branch and fired.

Silvie and Pinhead also shot at the same time.

And Sharp raced forward.

His shot had taken Pinhead straight through the side of his head while Silvie had nicked his arm. Silvie took off running as she saw people heading her way, and Sharp chased after her.

As he closed in, he lunged and took Silvie down, cradling her fall. Silvie went crazy in his arms, fighting him, and Sharp pinned her quickly.

“Stay fuckin’ still, woman,” Sharp hissed. He knew his identity was out now. His sole aim was to ensure Silvie survived this.

“Traitor,” Silvie spat.

Sharp rolled his eyes. It seemed she’d grown claws in the years he’d been gone.

“Shut the hell up, Silvie, if you don’t want them to find you,” Sharp muttered.

“What the fuck are you doing, Ghost?” Silvie whispered.

Sharp jolted as Silvie mentioned his name and rolled them into the thicket.

“Close it, woman,” Sharp said as a guy appeared.

Sharp pulled a gun from his waist and shot the man straight between the eyes. He fell, and Sharp yanked Silvie to her feet and began moving. His head was on a swivel as he checked for attackers.

“Freeze, asshole!” Ramirez roared and fired a warning shot.

Sharp paused and spun, keeping Silvie in front of him. Ramirez would never shoot her, and Sharp had no intention of being shot himself. Plus, Ramirez was unsteady as he weaved on his feet. Sharp saw someone approaching Ramirez with a weapon aimed at him and, raised Silvie’s arm, still holding a gun, and fired.

“Behind you!” Silvie screamed as Ramirez lined up to take a shot.

Ramirez glanced at the asshole that had been creeping up behind him as he hit the ground. His surprised gaze flew back to Sharp.

“What the fuck?” Ramirez demanded, confused.

Sharp bent his head. He needed Silvie to understand.

“I didn’t know they were after you. I’d never have let it happen. Shit ain’t what you think, Silvie, tell Drake,” Sharp muttered. Without another word, Sharp shoved Silvie at Ramirez and disappeared into the night shadows.

Minutes later, he hit his bike and roared off. With all the activity at Apache’s house, nobody thought anything of a bike’s pipes.

Sharp smirked as he rode away. He promised to kill Pinhead and had. The fucker could rot in hell.