Niko clasped his hands in front of him. “We’ll do whatever Viktor asks of us. I’m certain he’ll include you in the plan, but your decision is your own.”
Crush turned around, arms folded. “If that asshole’s trying to build an army, he’s not dumb enough to waste men taking us out. If heisthat dumb, we’ll need to prepare.”
“He’s already taken a substantial hit,” Shepherd pointed out. “I think at last count we took out around five of his men? Something like that.”
Niko hadn’t removed the katana from his waist since returning with Christian. “Close the curtains in case they’re watching from outside. They can’t see much in the daytime, but let’s not make it any easier to find us. If Viktor wants to change locations, he’ll do it now.”
A knock sounded, and Harley began barking. Shepherd stepped out of the bathroom and peered through the peephole before opening the door.
“Come in,” he said, guiding Viktor into the bathroom.
“Viktor’s here,” Niko said to Crush.
The faucet continued pouring out water, reverberating against the tiled walls and porcelain, providing them with the privacy to speak without someone overhearing.
“He knows about Raven?” Viktor asked.
“We told him,” Shepherd admitted, not feeling guilty one bit. “I know Christian wanted to keep it from him, but it ain’t right to deny a man knowledge about his kid. Even if she’s grown.”
Niko held up a finger to Crush, signaling he was listening to the conversation.
Viktor brushed his hand down his fancy blue vest. “We stay. On short notice, we have no safe place. If Sparrow’s men know our cars and parking, they might ambush. They will break us apart.”
Viktor was clearly flustered by the unexpected turn of events. His English was usually choppy when upset or tired.
“How long was Raven gone?” Shepherd leaned against the door. “I thought we decided to limit our time outside. We stand out.”
Niko translated their conversation to Crush.
Viktor rested his palms on the sink behind him and leaned back. “She was only gone moments to get food. It does not seem possible.”
“He must have already known our location,” Niko replied, his head down in thought. “I don’t see how that’s possible in such a short time. Cognito is big. Perhaps he has spies. What does Raven know that Sparrow could use against us?”
Viktor shook his head. “Nothing. I was careful not to reveal our plan in her presence since it is not finalized. Can you ask her father if he spoke to his friend?”
Niko looked toward Crush. “Viktor would like to know if you’ve spoken to your friend.”
“Barely had time to sit my ass down,” Crush said. “I was gonna do it after I ate so I could think about what I was gonna say.”
Viktor motioned for Shepherd to open the door and get out of the way. “We cannot wait. Ask Mr. Graves to speak to his friend and give me an answer.”
“He would like you to call him now,” Niko said. “Viktor can’t wait any longer for an answer.”
Crush looked around the small bathroom. “That door-opening shit doesn’t get any less creepy. Give me a minute. Your Vamp rushed me out of my house, and I don’t have my phone with all my numbers. I need to call my buddy from the shop to get it for me.” He shuffled out the door, grumbling, “I’m getting old. I don’t have all these damn numbers put to memory. Too much shit to remember as it is.”
Harley sat by the front door, staring into the bathroom at them.
“What’s your plan?” Shepherd asked.
Viktor anchored his fists on his hips. “Moving makes us vulnerable—especially with the boy. If we cannot use our vehicles, then we are forced to use public transportation or run on foot.”
“What if we spread out?” Niko suggested. “Different locations. He may not have enough men to hunt for us all.”
Viktor shook his head. “We are stronger together. We must plan together so we can fight as one. Nightfall will be here soon. We must prepare. Christian noticed the chairs are made from impalement wood. He will split them apart to make weapons.”
Shepherd rubbed the corner of his eye and sighed. “They know that once we discover Raven’s missing, we’ll either leave or fortify the main entrances. It’ll be a waste of time to put someone on the roof and by the front door when there are so many damn windows and fire escapes. We’re just spreading ourselves thin.”
Viktor scratched his forehead. “Sparrow is threatened by us. He is trying to keep us here. Once we eliminate the immediate threat, we can go forward with our plan to take back Keystone. I recently spoke with a prominent Packmaster about helping us.”
