I decided to go out again tonight. I’m avoiding Carnage, and I don’t think the guys even notice. Not like they should. They’ve got lives beyond that place now. Even if they are still living there.
I’m walking through Blackout when I spot Haidyn and Charlotte heading toward me as the crowd parts for them. It’s weird to see them together, him holding her hand, them both wearing wedding rings. Not because I never thought he’d settle down, but because I just never saw it happening with her. Especially after I found out who she really was. I thought it had to be some kind of trick. A fucked-up joke.
Surely, he would have told me that he had fallen in love. That he’d found the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The one he was willing to give up his life for.
I was in denial.
Haidyn made Charlotte that video of him sitting in her living room, and I watched her listen to him tell her that he loved her while also explaining that he had to leave her. She broke down. Right there in front of our eyes. And I knew she loved him too.
I was being a selfish bitch. We have been through so much shit together—initiations and training. It was such a dark time in our lives—we only had each other for so long. I hated having to miss seeing him be happy. And that I hadn’t gotten to see him fall in love.
I was going to bring my brother back, and I was going to make sure that the love of his life was alive and well. No matter how mad I was that he didn’t include me in such an important part of his life. He made me her guardian, and I had to swallow my pride no matter how hard it was. He gave me a job, and I wouldn’t let him down like everyone else in our lives has.
It’s different with Saint. We always knew he’d marry Ashtyn. And Iknew deep down he’d bring her back to Carnage one day. It didn’t matter whether it was four years or twenty, he was going to find his Lady.
“Hi, Kashton.” Charlotte speaks over the music, getting my attention, with a smile on her face. She’s got this sweet and innocent look to her. It’s cute. Especially knowing what kind of man Haidyn is. He’s given so much up for everyone else. I’m glad he finally foundthe one.
“Hey.” I nod to her and then look at Haidyn. “What are you guys doing here?”
I’m surprised he lets her set foot inside Blackout, knowing she’s pregnant. I mean, he can protect her, but still, anything could happen. This place went up in flames not long ago. Though I guess at some point, you have to understand that you can’t control everything.
He shoves his left hand into the pocket of his jeans. “What do you mean? Didn’t you read the text?”
“Text?” I question. I’m just here to have a drink.
“Tyson included you in the group chat.”
Digging into my pocket, I pull out my cell and see that I’ve got several messages. I didn’t hear it go off over the music. Scrolling through the chat, I see a response in the group that makes me sigh.
This will be fun.
“I’m going to escort Charlotte upstairs. The girls are up in the apartment,” Haidyn tells me, and I nod to him.
I make my way to Tyson’s office and pile inside. Ryat stands over by Ty’s desk, arms crossed over his chest. Saint is already here, slouching in a chair.
Sin sits on the couch. He doesn’t even glance my way, and I hate how much I care. He’s getting ready to be a dad. Devin and Gavin are going to deliver the babies any day now, and I hate that I won’t get to be there for him. That is another happy moment for a friend that I’d be honored to be a part of. But of course, I fucked it up and will have to miss it.
A man I’ve never seen before sits next to Sin. Makes me wonder what the fuck is going on and why we’re all here.
The door opens behind me, and I step to the side as four men enter—Ty’s minions. They help him run this place and bury his bodies. “What’s up, boss?” Alex asks.
Tyson stands from his desk, buttoning his suit jacket, and gestures to the couch on the opposite side of the room. “Have a seat, boys. We’re waiting on one more.”
While everyone gets comfortable, I choose to stand by the door, leaning up against the wall as it opens.
When Haidyn enters, Tyson claps his hands. “Okay. This is homicide detective Haynes.” He points to the man sitting next to Sin, and everyone looks at Tyson, wondering what the fuck is going on. The Lords don’t deal with law enforcement. Of any kind. “You’re up.” Ty nods to him.
The detective gets to his feet and opens up a backpack. He then starts to pass out manila envelopes to each of us. I already know what it’s going to be. I feel like I’m having déjà vu. It’s like the night on the jet with Adam, Bill, and the detective.
Reaching in, I pull out the stack of papers. The one on top is a profile picture of a naked woman, hanging upside down. The barbed wire wrapped around her ankles is what keeps her hanging from the tree limb. Her skin has ripped open from her struggle and the weight of her body. Her arms are secured behind her back with the wire as well. Blood runs down her bruised skin into a puddle on the ground. Her once short golden hair now looks strawberry blond. She’s covered in bruises, and short cuts run horizontally across both thighs.
“Fuck,” Alex hisses. “How many were found this time?”
“Seven,” the detective answers. “One recovered each day of the week.”
“Lords related?” Sin is the one who asks, putting his attention on the second photo, this one of another woman.
The man sighs. “Not that we’ve found, but the investigation just started.” Haynes looks at Ty. “Tyson and I have an…understanding. I bring him information about cases like these.”
