"Make it three." He turns to leave, then pauses. "And Dice? You're playing with fire. James gets out in four days. What exactly is your plan there?"
It's a fair question, one I've been avoiding thinking about. "I'll figure it out."
"Sure you will." He doesn't look convinced. "Three minutes."
I close the door and turn to find Maddie already pulling on her jeans, her movements quick and efficient. Her hair is a wild tangle around her face, and there's a bruise forming on her collarbone where my mouth got a little too enthusiastic last night. The sight sends a jolt of possessive pleasure through me.
"Walsh is in town," I say, searching for my boxers. "Some rental house on the outskirts. Reaper's called everyone in."
"I'm coming with you," she says immediately, no room for discussion in her tone.
I find my jeans under the coffee table and pull them on. "You'll have to convince Reaper of that."
"My ass is on the line too," she points out, pulling a fresh shirt from her bag. "Besides, I know Walsh. You don't."
She's right, and I know it. "We'll talk to Reaper. But ultimately, it's his call."
She gives me a look that suggests she's not particularly concerned with what Reaper does or doesn't approve. "We'll see about that."
We finish dressing in record time, though Maddie takes a moment to splash water on her face and attempt to tame her hair. I don't bother. The club has seen me looking worse.
Downstairs, the atmosphere is tense. The full members are gathered around the chapel table, which has been moved to the main room. Knight, the only other prospect besides me, stands slightly apart, listening intently. Reaper is at the head of the table, with Ghost and Blade flanking him.
All eyes turn to us as we descend the stairs. I see the knowing looks, the smirks, the raised eyebrows. Normally, I'd play it up, throw them a cocky grin or some smartass comment. But today, with Walsh in town and the threat level elevated, I keep my expression neutral.
"Nice of you to join us," Reaper says dryly. His gaze shifts to Maddie. "Ms. Brooks, good. You should hear this."
I'm surprised by his inclusion of her, but I don't question it as we approach the table.
"Our intel confirms Walsh is staying at a rental property just outside town," Ghost explains. "It's isolated, minimal neighbors, easy access roads."
"How many men with him?" Maddie asks, all business now.
"At least four that we've confirmed," Blade answers. "Possibly more inside the house."
"What's the plan?" I ask, looking to Reaper.
"Direct approach," he says simply. "We ride to his location, all of us. Show of force. Then we have a... conversation."
"That simple?" Knight sounds skeptical.
"Sometimes the direct route is best," Reaper says. "Walsh came into our territory, tried to abduct someone under our protection. We need to establish boundaries."
"Why is he here?" Wilder asks, looking at Maddie. "Why come himself instead of just sending more men?"
"Because Walsh is the type who hates getting his hands dirty, but loves watching people squirm," Maddie explains. "He enjoys seeing fear in people's eyes when they realize who they've crossed."
"The watch," Ace reminds us, placing the device we recovered last night on the table. "He wants this back."
Maddie nods. "This is the same model as the ones James and I took from him three years ago. We'll give it back as a gesture of good faith, but this is really about his ego. James and I embarrassed him, and in his world, that requires personal retribution."
"We'll give him the watch back," Reaper decides. "And a clear message to leave Pine Haven and stay gone."
"You think he'll listen?" Ghost asks.
"He will if we're persuasive enough," Reaper says, a dangerous edge to his voice.
The plan is straightforward: the entire club will ride to Walsh's rental house in a show of force. Reaper, Blade, and Maddie will approach for the initial conversation, with the rest of us providing visible backup. If things go south, we're ready for that too.
